This Hairy Bikers chicken soup is made with a whole chicken, carrots, celery and onion simmered into a rich broth. The result is a warming, nourishing bowl that feels like a hug on a cold day. It takes about 100 minutes and serves 6.
I make this whenever someone in the family is feeling under the weather. There is nothing quite like a pot of homemade chicken soup bubbling away on the hob.
Chicken Soup Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.4kg)
- 4 carrots, halved
- 4 sticks celery, halved
- 1 large onion, halved
- Water, to cover
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (optional)
How To Make Chicken Soup
- Simmer the chicken and vegetables: Place the whole chicken, carrots, celery and onion into a large pot. Cover with cold water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 90 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface as it cooks.
- Remove the chicken and vegetables: Carefully lift the chicken out of the pot and set it aside to cool. Use a slotted spoon to remove the carrots, celery and onion.
- Shred and chop: Once cool enough to handle, strip the meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces. Chop the reserved vegetables into smaller pieces.
- Finish the soup: Return the shredded chicken and chopped vegetables to the pot. Warm the soup through and season with salt, pepper and the optional bouillon granules. Serve hot.
What Are the Best Tips for Chicken Soup?
- Skim the broth regularly: A foamy layer will form on the surface as the soup simmers. Remove it with a large spoon for a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Keep the vegetables large at first: Halving rather than chopping the vegetables stops them turning mushy during the long simmer. You chop them smaller after straining. If you enjoy a chicken noodle soup, try adding noodles in the last few minutes.
- Let the chicken cool before shredding: Giving the chicken 10 to 15 minutes to cool makes it much easier and safer to pull the meat from the bones.
- Batch cook for the week: This recipe makes a generous amount, so it is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into containers for quick lunches.
What Goes Well With This Soup?
A warm, crusty bread roll or a slice of buttered toast is perfect for dipping into the broth. For a more filling meal, stir a handful of egg noodles or rice into the pot just before serving. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette on the side keeps things fresh.
If you are looking for more warming recipes, the Hairy Bikers leek and potato soup is another favourite that pairs well with crusty bread.
How Should You Store Leftover Soup?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This soup also freezes well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the hob.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fibre: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to make chicken soup with bone-in chicken? Yes, bone-in chicken gives the broth much more flavour than boneless cuts. The bones release collagen as they simmer, creating a richer, fuller-bodied soup.
How does Hairy Bikers chicken soup compare to other recipes? Many popular recipes use pre-made stock, while this one builds the broth from scratch using a whole chicken. The from-scratch method gives a deeper, more natural flavour.
Can you make this chicken soup in a slow cooker? You can, but the method changes slightly. Place everything in the slow cooker, cover with boiling water and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours before shredding and seasoning.
What vegetables can you add to chicken soup? Root vegetables like parsnips and potatoes work well. For colour, stir in frozen peas or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
How long should chicken soup simmer for the best flavour? Around 90 minutes gives you a well-flavoured broth. The chicken should be falling off the bone when it is ready.
You May Also Like:
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Pie Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Leek and Potato Soup Recipe
Hairy Bikers Chicken Soup Recipe
Description
This Hairy Bikers chicken soup is made with a whole chicken simmered with carrots, celery and onion to create a rich, flavourful broth. Ready in about 100 minutes, this warming soup is perfect for cold days and feeds the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the chicken and vegetables: Place the whole chicken, carrots, celery and onion into a large pot. Cover with cold water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 90 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface as it cooks.
- Remove the chicken and vegetables: Carefully lift the chicken out and set aside to cool. Use a slotted spoon to remove the carrots, celery and onion.
- Shred and chop: Once cool enough to handle, strip the meat from the bones and shred into bite-sized pieces. Chop the reserved vegetables into smaller pieces.
- Finish the soup: Return the shredded chicken and chopped vegetables to the pot. Warm through and season with salt, pepper and the optional bouillon granules. Serve hot.
