Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Chop the onions, carrots, and celery.
Mince the garlic.
If using a whole chicken, cut it into parts or use bone-in chicken breasts/thighs for easy handling.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your chicken soup recipe.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Next, add your chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the chicken completely. If you’re using a whole chicken, add water until it’s submerged. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Once boiling, add your herbs (thyme, parsley, bay leaf), salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

After simmering, remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Let them cool for a few minutes, then shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more broth or water if it’s too thick. For a bit of zing, squeeze in some lemon juice. Serve hot and enjoy your delightful chicken soup recipe!