Category: Poultry

Chicken Soup From Scratch

2/3/2025

There's something about a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup that warms both the body and soul. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply craving a comforting meal, this classic dish never fails to deliver.

Homemade chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy. From tender chicken pieces to wholesome vegetables and flavorful herbs, each spoonful offers a taste of home and tradition. The best part? You can customize your soup with your favorite ingredients and tailor it to suit your taste preferences.

Tips for the perfect homemade chicken soup:

Start with a good quality chicken broth or make your own from scratch.
Use a mix of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor.
Add herbs like thyme and parsley for a fragrant touch.
Don't forget to season well with salt and pepper.

Making chicken soup from scratch is a cozy, comforting meal!

Here's a simple recipe to guide you:

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (or 3-4 bone-in, skinless chicken breasts/thighs)
8 cups water or Watkins chicken broth (for more flavor)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or parsley), optional
1-2 cups noodles or rice (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the chicken:
- If using a whole chicken, remove any giblets and rinse the chicken under cold water. You can either keep the skin on for extra flavor or remove it if you prefer a leaner soup.
- Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with 8 cups of water (or chicken broth for more depth of flavor).
Cook the chicken:
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top. Continue simmering for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Add vegetables and seasonings:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaves to the pot. Let everything simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Shred the chicken:
- While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken. Once it's cool enough to handle, remove the bones and skin (if you used a whole chicken). Tear the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Combine and season:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you'd like (like thyme or parsley).
- If you want noodles or rice in your soup, add them now and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes (depending on the type you're using).
Final touches:
- Once everything is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaves.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to taste.
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with a slice of bread or crackers on the side!

This is a great base, but you can always customize it by adding other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or leeks, or switching up the herbs to your preference. Enjoy!

In a world filled with fast food and processed meals, taking the time to make a pot of homemade chicken soup is a simple act of self-care. So, grab your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and savor the magic of this timeless comfort food.

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Lemon Chicken

7/16/2024

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Looking for a delicious and easy lemon chicken recipe? Look no further! Discover a mouthwatering lemon chicken recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.

This zesty lemon chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have a flavorful and healthy dish on the table in no time.

Packed with tangy lemon flavor and juicy chicken, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that you'll want to make again and again. Head over to our blog post for the full recipe and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Lemon Chicken

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp/30 mL cooking oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 chicken breasts, skinned and boned
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Organic Parsley
1-1/2 cups/375 mL water
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Chicken Soup & Gravy Base
1 tbsp/15 mL honey
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tsp/10 mL cornstarch
1 tbsp/15 mL water
Zest of 1 lemon
Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt and Watkins Organic Black Peppercorns to taste

Directions:
Boil 1-1/2 cups/375 mL water and add Chicken Soup Base. Set aside. Heat oil in large skillet. Add onions. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add chicken breasts and brown lightly. Add parsley, chicken broth, honey, salt and pepper to taste and lemon juice. Cover pan and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove chicken and keep warm. Blend cornstarch and remaining water to a smooth paste. Add small amount of the cooking liquid and blend. Add mixture to pan and stir until sauce thickens. Serve over rice or pasta.

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