Warm up with a comforting bowl of Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup, perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic recipe is a must-have for those cozy moments, offering a hearty combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can create a nourishing and wholesome soup that feels just like home.

Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup in a bowl

Why You’ll Love This Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

This Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply craving a bowl of something hearty, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for the whole family. It’s healthy, filling, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face with every spoonful. Plus, the soup is made with organic chicken, ensuring a wholesome and nutritious base that makes it all the more comforting.

Ingredients For Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup:

Whole Organic Chicken: This is the star of the recipe, providing rich flavor and tender meat. It creates a delicious broth that serves as the foundation of the soup.

Carrots: These add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup, while also boosting the nutritional value with vitamins and fiber.

Onion: A key aromatics ingredient, onion brings savory depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Celery: With its crisp texture and mild, earthy flavor, celery adds the perfect balance to the soup.

Chicken Broth: The broth brings a savory, rich base to the soup, enhancing the chicken flavor and giving it a comforting, savory depth.

Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the broth and add to the overall volume of the soup.

Bay Leaf: A subtle aromatic herb that adds depth and complexity to the soup.

Basil: This fragrant herb contributes fresh, slightly sweet notes to the soup.

Parsley: Adds a touch of green and brightens the soup with its mild, fresh flavor.

Tarragon: A unique herb that adds a slight licorice-like flavor, offering a special twist to the soup.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta adds heartiness to the soup and makes it even more filling. Feel free to substitute with rice or other small pasta varieties.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

Noodles: If you prefer noodles, feel free to swap out orzo for egg noodles, which work wonderfully in this chicken soup.

Rice: For a gluten-free version, replace the orzo with rice. It adds a lovely texture and makes the soup even more filling.

Vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or leeks to diversify the flavor and texture of the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the whole organic chicken in a large stockpot and cover with chicken broth and water. Turn the heat on high to bring it to a boil.
  2. Add the Vegetables and Herbs: Once the broth begins to boil, immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Add in the carrots, onion, celery, bay leaf, basil, parsley, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Allow the soup to cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the chicken become tender.
  4. Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and carefully shred the meat from the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls or crocks and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade chicken soup!
Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup in a bowl

Tips & Tricks

Chicken Selection: For the best flavor, opt for organic, free-range chicken. It provides a richer taste and ensures a healthier, hormone-free meal.

Avoid Washing Chicken: It’s now recommended not to wash poultry before cooking, as this can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Simply remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

Customize the Pasta: While orzo is perfect for this recipe, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if you prefer a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to develop.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Pair this delicious Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal. For an extra boost of flavor, top with fresh herbs like thyme or dill just before serving. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, swap the orzo pasta with rice, or even try a low-carb option with zucchini noodles.

Health Benefits of Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

Not only is this chicken soup comforting, but it also provides a wealth of health benefits. The chicken broth is packed with protein, and the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this soup a nourishing choice for cold days. The antioxidants in the herbs contribute to overall wellness, and the orzo pasta makes it a filling meal option. Whether you’re looking for immune support or simply a warming dish, this soup delivers on all fronts.

Enjoy this Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup whenever you need a comforting, healthy meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup is a heartwarming, classic recipe that never goes out of style. Its comforting flavors, nourishing ingredients, and simple preparation make it the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply craving something hearty and wholesome. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll enjoy a bowl of warm, satisfying soup that’s packed with protein, vitamins, and all the love of a homemade meal.

FAQ About Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

Can I use a different type of pasta in Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! While orzo is a popular choice for this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even rice for a gluten-free version. Experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite combination.

How long can I store Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup?

This chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve over time, so it’s even better the next day! You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken. However, using a whole chicken adds more flavor to the broth. If using boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time and add the chicken once the broth is ready, simmering it until fully cooked and shredding it afterward.

More Relevant Recipes

Print

Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup is a classic, heartwarming recipe that combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and flavorful herbs to create a nourishing, comforting meal. Perfect for cold days or when you’re under the weather, this recipe is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients.

  • Author: Kate
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cups 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 pounds whole organic chicken
  • 1 pound carrots, cut in chunks
  • 1 large onion, cut in chunks
  • 1 stalk celery, cut in slices
  • 32 ounces organic chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons basil
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 2 tablespoons tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in a stockpot and add the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Add the carrots, onion, celery, bay leaf, basil, parsley, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  4. Add the orzo pasta and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
  5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use organic, free-range chicken for better flavor and fewer additives.
  • Do not wash the chicken before cooking to reduce the risk of contamination.
  • If you prefer, substitute orzo with rice or noodles for a different texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 541mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star