Can You Make Chicken Soup Without a Whole Chicken?

If you don’t have a whole chicken on hand, don’t worry! You can still make a delicious bowl of chicken soup. You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even a rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. If using chicken breasts or thighs, just cook them until they’re tender, shred the meat, and add it to your broth. If you're using rotisserie chicken, simply remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and add it to your prepared broth. These alternatives work perfectly in a pinch and will still provide that familiar, comforting flavor.

How Can I Make My Chicken Soup Taste Richer?

If you want to deepen the flavor of your Grandma’s Chicken Soup, there are a few tricks you can try. First, bone broth can add extra richness and a collagen-packed boost to the soup. Roasting your vegetables before adding them to the soup can also intensify their flavor. Finally, let the soup simmer for longer, allowing all the ingredients to release their full flavor. The slower and longer you cook, the richer and more comforting your soup will become.

Can I Freeze Grandma’s Chicken Soup?

Yes! Chicken soup freezes really well, so it’s a great dish to make in large batches and enjoy later. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For best results, you may want to leave out any noodles or dumplings if you plan to freeze the soup, as they can become mushy when reheated. You can always add fresh noodles when reheating!

How Long Should I Simmer Chicken Soup For?

The ideal simmering time for chicken soup is between 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to cook fully, the vegetables to soften, and all the flavors to meld together. It’s important to keep the heat low so that the broth doesn’t boil too rapidly, which can make it cloudy or overly greasy. The longer you simmer the soup, the more depth of flavor you'll get. Just be sure to check the chicken regularly to make sure it’s cooked through and tender.

Grandma’s Chicken Soup: How To Make Comfort & Healing Now

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds)
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
10 cups water or chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
1 cup egg noodles (optional)

Instructions

In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the carrots, celery, and chicken to the pot. Pour in the water (or chicken broth) and add the bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot, shred the meat, and discard the bones.
Return the shredded chicken to the soup. If you’re adding noodles, add them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking and let them cook in the broth.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
Serve hot with fresh herbs or bread on the side.

Notes

If you prefer a richer broth, you can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken.
For a heartier soup, consider adding potatoes or green beans.
For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.

Author: Natalie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Chicken soup, homemade chicken soup, comfort food soup, healthy soup, easy chicken soup, family recipe