There’s something about chicken soup that screams COMFORT FOOD, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day or the kind of care you didn’t even realize you needed. And let me tell you, my GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP is LEGENDARY. She had this magical ability to turn simple ingredients into a masterpiece.
I’m about to share her recipe, so grab a spoon because you’ll be ladling up nostalgia and DELICIOUSNESS in no time. My husband STILL says this soup “heals the soul” — and he’s not wrong!
(If you’re into cozy dishes, don’t miss my Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, another family favorite!)
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WHY GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP IS THE BEST
Let’s be honest. There are chicken soups… and then there’s GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP. It’s got that homestyle, made-with-love magic that no store-bought version can match.
What makes it special? A few things:
- Fresh Ingredients: Grandma swore by FRESH everything veggies straight from the farmer’s market or garden.
- Homemade Broth: None of that canned stuff. She would simmer chicken bones for HOURS.
- Patience: She always said, “Good soup doesn’t rush.”
Every bite tastes like family dinners, cozy afternoons, and love served hot.
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THE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED
Okay, enough backstory. LET’S COOK! Here’s what you need for the best chicken soup EVER:
For the Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cleaned
- 10 cups of water
- 1 large onion, peeled and halved
- 2–3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
For the Soup:
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice (optional, but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
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HOW TO MAKE GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP
Here’s how to bring Grandma’s magic to your kitchen:
MAKE THE BROTH
This is where the MAGIC starts. Place the whole chicken in a large pot with 10 cups of water. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, and a good pinch of salt.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it SIMMER for about 1.5–2 hours. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
SHRED THE CHICKEN
When the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and even bones, or save them to make another batch of broth later.
STRAIN THE BROTH
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot. This step gets rid of the chunks, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful base.
BUILD THE SOUP
Add the sliced carrots, diced celery, and egg noodles (or rice) to the broth. Simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the veggies are tender and the noodles are cooked.
Stir in the shredded chicken and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
SERVE GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP !
Ladle into bowls and serve with some crusty bread or crackers. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra parsley on top for that “fancy” touch.
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WHY THIS GRANDMAS CHICKEN SOUP HITS HOME
When I first made this grandmas chicken soup , I was nervous. Would it live up to Grandma’s legacy? But after my family had their first taste, the verdict was IN. My husband said, “This is EXACTLY what I needed.” Even my picky 6-year-old asked for SECONDS!
You know a recipe’s a winner when your house is filled with empty bowls and happy smiles.
One time, I whipped up a batch when my sister-in-law came over feeling under the weather. She took one sip, sighed dramatically, and said, “This soup could revive ANYONE!” I’m telling you—this stuff works miracles.
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PRO TIPS FROM GRANDMA’S KITCHEN
- USE BONE-IN CHICKEN: The bones add SO much flavor to the broth. Don’t skip this!
- DOUBLE THE RECIPE: This soup freezes beautifully. Make extra and thank yourself later.
- ADD YOUR OWN TWIST: Feeling fancy? Toss in some fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
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FAQS ABOUT GRANDMA’S CHICKEN SOUP
Sure, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. Homemade broth is KEY to that grandma-style taste!
Absolutely! Just throw everything in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Strain and shred like usual.
Absolutely! Just throw everything in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours. Strain and shred like usual.
Crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a simple salad. You can’t go wrong!
Yes! Skip the noodles or use gluten-free pasta. Rice works beautifully too.
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A FINAL NOTE FROM GRANDMA (SORT OF)
Grandma used to say, “Chicken soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a CURE for the heart.” I didn’t understand what she meant until I started making it myself.
Now, whenever life gets a little chaotic, I grab my big soup pot and make a batch. It’s not just about the flavor (though let’s be real—it’s AMAZING)—it’s the MEMORIES, the cozy vibes, and the LOVE stirred into every single bite.
Let it fill your kitchen with sweetness and your heart with happiness. And hey, when you make it, drop me a comment or a pic—I can’t wait to hear how it turned out!
