The Ultimate Chicken Bone Broth Soup Recipe: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal

Are you looking for a recipe that's both incredibly delicious and packed with health benefits? Look no further than this ultimate chicken bone broth soup recipe! This nourishing soup is perfect for a chilly evening, a comforting meal when you're feeling under the weather, or simply a healthy addition to your weekly diet. This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor and nutrient extraction while remaining straightforward and easy to follow.

Why Choose Chicken Bone Broth Soup?

Chicken bone broth is more than just a flavorful liquid; it's a powerhouse of nutrients. It's rich in:

• Collagen: Supports healthy skin, hair, and nails, and contributes to joint health.
• Gelatin: Aids in digestion and gut health.
• Amino Acids: Essential building blocks for various bodily functions.
• Minerals: Including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

This soup is not just healthy; it's also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and herbs to create a unique and delicious bowl every time.

Ingredients for Your Chicken Bone Broth Soup

This recipe provides a flavorful base; feel free to adjust quantities based on your preference and the size of your pot.

For the Broth:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), or leftover chicken carcass
• 12 cups of filtered water
• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For the Soup:

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional, if not using a whole chicken)
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms) – Choose your favorites!
• Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme, cilantro) for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Chicken Bone Broth Soup

Step 1: Preparing the Broth

1. Place the whole chicken (or carcass) in a large stockpot. Add the water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 6-8 hours, or even longer for a richer broth (up to 24 hours!). Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during simmering.

Step 2: Straining the Broth

1. Once the broth has simmered, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding the meat (reserve for later use in the soup).
2. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a clean container. Discard the solids.

Step 3: Creating the Soup

1. Return the strained broth to the stockpot.
2. Add your choice of chopped vegetables and simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on the vegetable.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken (if using).
4. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs.
3. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious chicken bone broth soup!

Tips for the Best Chicken Bone Broth Soup

• Roast the chicken first: Roasting the chicken before making the broth adds a deeper, richer flavor.
• Use good quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your broth.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: Try adding different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique variations.
• Make a large batch: Bone broth freezes well, so make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

This recipe provides a fantastic foundation for countless variations. Get creative, experiment with different ingredients, and enjoy the culinary and health benefits of this wholesome and flavorful soup! Remember to share your creations and variations using #ChickenBoneBrothSoup!