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Healing Chicken Soup

This slow-simmered chicken soup is built on a rich, clear broth extracted from chicken bones, layered with sweet carrots, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs. The final dish features tender shredded chicken in a nourishing, golden broth, finished with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil for a comforting, soothing experience.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: comfort food
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 kg chicken bones (carcass, wings, skin) preferably with some cartilage for collagen
  • 2 pcs onions sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic whole or lightly crushed
  • 2 carrots carrots sliced
  • 2 stalks celery optional, sliced
  • fresh parsley chopped
  • fresh thyme a few sprigs
  • 1 lemon lemon for squeezing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for finishing
  • to taste salt & pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken bones into a large stockpot and cover with about 4 liters of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam and impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear.
  2. Add sliced onions, garlic cloves, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Continue simmering uncovered for about 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and the broth to develop a rich aroma.
  3. Once the broth is fragrant and golden, strain out the solids using a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to extract all the flavorful liquid. Discard the solids.
  4. Return the clear broth to the empty pot, then add chopped parsley, thyme sprigs, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer.
  5. While the broth simmers, shred the cooked chicken meat from the bones and set aside.
  6. Add the shredded chicken back into the simmering broth. Warm through for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Squeeze the juice of a lemon into the soup, then drizzle with olive oil for a velvety finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon as needed.
  8. Serve the soup hot, with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired, and enjoy this comforting, nourishing bowl.