Currently, it is raining outside, the babies are sleeping and I have my momma’s chicken soup simmering on the stove.
Thankful for moments like these!
I’m sure in a few minutes both babies will wake up and my peaceful moment will stop but until then I am enjoying every minute. 🙂
Health Benefits
Since we are in the midst of covid-19 I find myself cooking more immune-boosting recipes. Did you grow up eating chicken soup when you were sick? I always found it so comforting and soothing.
The slow simmered bones in this broth release vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system to fight off viruses and helps a sick body recover more quickly. Collagen and anti-inflammatory amino acids in the soup heal the digestive tract, allows vitamins to be absorbed more readily and soothes the entire body. This protein and nutrient rich meal will leave you feeling stronger than before!
To make:
In a large pot add whole chicken, veggies, vinegar, herbs, salt and pepper
[We buy Mary’s organic, free-range chicken]
Cover chicken and veggies with 12 cups of water
Bring to a boil then to a simmer for 1.5 hours with a lid
Once cooked add grains for the final 30 minutes of cooking
After 2 hours chicken will be tender, carefully remove chicken and let cool enough to remove the bones, chop the chicken into bite size pieces and place meat back in the pot (silicone gloves really help me handle the heat of the chicken)
If needed, add more salt and pepper to taste
Serve and enjoy!
The great thing about this soup is it tastes even better the next day!
Momma’s Old Fashion Chicken Soup (Whole Chicken)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (around 4 pounds)
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4–5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp bragg’s all purpose seasoning (optional, or an equivalent)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp+ salt
- generous grinds of pepper
- 10–12 cups of filtered water (cover chicken)
- 1.5 cup rice OR 2 cups mixed grains/beans mix like barley, lentils & peas
Instructions
- In a large pot add whole chicken, veggies, vinegar, herbs, salt and pepper
- Cover chicken and veggies with 12 cups of water
- Bring to a boil then to a simmer for 1.5 hours with a lid
- Once cooked add grains for the final 30 minutes of cooking
- After 2 hours chicken will be tender, carefully remove chicken and let cool enough to remove the bones, chop the chicken into bite size pieces and place meat back in the pot *
- If needed, add more salt and pepper to taste
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
*silicone gloves and a metal tong will be your friend
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
Karen Sheppard says
That looks so good & good for you!
Heather Love says
Yes, very healthy! Thank you for the comment! 🙂
Lindsay says
This soup is amazing!! So easy to make and the best chicken soup I’ve had and my family loved it! Definitely will be making it again!
Heather Love says
So happy you all enjoyed! Thank you for sharing!!