When you’re feeling under the weather, there is nothing more comforting or restorative than a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. This Healing Chicken Soup is the ultimate remedy in a bowl, a true Grandma’s Chicken Soup Recipe that is packed with nourishing ingredients. It’s the absolute Best Soup For A Cold, designed to be soothing, flavorful, and easy on the system. Made with wholesome vegetables, tender chicken, and a golden, savory broth, this is the perfect Soup To Eat When Sick or anytime you’re craving a taste of pure, simple comfort.
Why This is the Best Soup For A Cold
This isn’t just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure, restorative goodness.
- Nourishing & Soothing: This soup is loaded with vegetables and protein, and the warm broth is incredibly hydrating and soothing for a sore throat.
- Packed with “Healing” Ingredients: With garlic, ginger, and turmeric, this soup contains ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Classic, Comforting Flavor: It has that timeless, savory flavor that feels like a warm hug and brings back memories of being cared for.
- Easy to Digest: This is a light yet satisfying soup that is gentle on the stomach, making it ideal when you don’t have much of an appetite.
Your Wholesome Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses simple, whole ingredients to create its signature comforting flavor.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 8 cups of high-quality chicken broth or bone broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ cup small pasta, like ditalini or orzo (optional)
- Fresh parsley and dill, for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
This simple stovetop method builds a deep, flavorful, and nourishing broth.
Part 1: Build the Flavor Base
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. This step adds a huge amount of flavor. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and turmeric, and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Part 2: Simmer the Soup
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken pieces from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, remove and discard the skin and bones. Shred the chicken meat with two forks.
Part 3: Finish and Serve
- Add Back the Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the soup. If you are making an Old-fashioned Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe From Scratch, add the dry pasta now and let it simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Add the Lemon: Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. This brightens up all the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley and dill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the main Chicken Soup Benefits when you’re sick? There are many Chicken Soup Benefits! The warm steam can help clear nasal congestion. The broth is hydrating and helps replenish lost fluids. The chicken provides protein, which is important for recovery, and the vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s a nourishing, easy-to-digest meal that provides both physical and emotional comfort.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely. This soup is perfect for making ahead. The flavors will get even better overnight! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’ve added pasta, it will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
3. Is this one of the good Healthy Soup Recipes For Weight Loss? Yes, this can be a great option. For one of the best Healthy Soup Recipes For Weight Loss, you can simply omit the pasta. The soup is naturally low in calories and fat but high in protein and fiber from the vegetables, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
4. Why use bone-in, skin-on chicken for this Grandma’s Chicken Soup Recipe? A true Grandma’s Chicken Soup Recipe often starts with bone-in, skin-on chicken for a reason. The bones and skin release collagen and fat into the broth as the soup simmers, creating a much richer, more flavorful, and more nourishing final product than you would get from using boneless, skinless chicken.