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    Home » Dinner » Meat and Poultry » Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

    Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

    Last updated on November 22, 2021. Originally posted on November 22, 2021 By Elaine 44 Comments

    3.3K shares
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    Old Fashioned Chicken Soup for Pinterest 2
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    There is something so comforting to a recipe of old fashioned chicken soup. Made on the stove, the smell of this chicken soup cooking will transport you back to your childhood. There is an abundance of veggies and chicken in this soup that will soothe you whether you have a cold or not.

    A close up of carrots floating in a chicken soup with a salad in the back

    One of my favorite things growing up was my mom’s chicken soup. She made it so often that it seems like we had it every week which excited us all because it was delicious and so comforting.

    But because my Dad grew up in the Depression and my mom was naturally thrifty, she used to make her chicken soup with… drumroll please… chicken necks.

    Do you realize how many chicken necks you have to eat to feel satisfied? Trust me, it’s a lot. And even though I was thankful that we had such a nice meal, I no longer eat that meat.

    Now, I make chicken soup with the whole chicken. I love a lot of chicken in my soup to go along with the vegetables and orzo.

    Wait until you try this recipe! You’re going to love it.

    Have a pressure cooker and want to try cooking whole chicken soup? Check out my recipe here.

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

    Helpful tips

    • I usually get organic, free-range chicken because I prefer the taste. I also like that there isn’t any added antibiotics, hormones or anything else I don’t want to ingest. Try buying organic and you’ll never go back.
    • They’ve changed their recommendation on whether to wash poultry before cooking it. They now say that washing chicken increases the chances of getting food poisoning and of cross contaminating other things, like tools, surfaces and utensils in the kitchen. Just take it out of the package and pat it dry inside and out with some paper towels.
    • I use orzo in my soup but if you prefer, you can add noodles, rice or another small pasta like ditalini.

    How to make old fashioned chicken soup

    Pre-step

    Get a medium stockpot.

    Step one

    Gather the ingredients – chicken, carrots, celery, onion and chicken broth.

    Organic whole chicken all wrapped up, carrots, celery and an onion for the chicken soup

    Step two

    Dry both inside and outside of the chicken and place it into a medium stockpot. Add chicken broth and turn the heat under the pan to high and bring to a boil.

    Step three

    Meanwhile, cut the onion, carrots and celery in chunks.

    Step four

    Lower heat under the pot to a simmer and add veggies and herbs and spices to stockpot. Carefully stir.

    Overhead view of all the ingredients in the pan for the soup

    Step five

    Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

    Step six

    Add orzo and continue cooking for 15 minutes.

    Step seven

    Take out chicken and remove the meat off the bones. Place chicken pieces back in the stockpot.

    Close up of the chicken soup in the pan with a wooden spoon in it and a salad in the background

    I make a salad, take out a crusty roll, butter and then ladle some old fashioned chicken soup into a couple of crocks.

    Time to eat.

    A spoon beside a crock of soup with another in the back

    And one more photo.

    Close up of a crock of chicken soup, salad and rolls

    Delicious.

    I hope you enjoy this old fashioned chicken soup recipe! It’s comforting, delicious and perfect if you have a cold.

    And as always, may all your dishes be delish!

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below.  I love hearing from you!  You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST  to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

    A crock of chicken soup with a salad in the background - square

    Good Old Fashioned Chicken Soup

    Always have old fashioned chicken soup ready for those coughs and colds or just for a warming winter meal option with this recipe
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: old fashioned chicken soup
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
    Servings: 12 cups
    Calories: 190kcal
    Author: Elaine Benoit

    Ingredients

    • 2 – 3 pounds whole organic chicken (washed and dried)
    • 1 pound carrots (cut in chunks)
    • 1 large onion (cut in chunks)
    • 1 stalk celery (cut in slices)
    • 32 ounces chicken broth (organic, I use Trader Joe's brand)
    • 2 cups water
    • bay leaf
    • 2 tablespoons basil
    • 2 tablespoons parsley
    • 2 tablespoons tarragon
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 cup orzo pasta

    Instructions

    • Place chicken in stockpot and pour chicken broth and water in the pot. Turn heat on high and bring to a boil.
    • Immediately lower to a simmer and add carrots, onion, celery, bay leaf, basil, parsley, tarragon, salt and pepper.
    • Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
    • Add orzo and stir. Cook for additional 15 minutes.
    • Take chicken out of pot and remove meat from bones and return meat back to the pot and stir.
    • Ladle chicken soup in some bowls or crocks.
    • Eat
    • Enjoy

    Equipment

    stockpot
    See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!

    Notes

    Helpful tips
    • I usually get organic, free-range chicken because I prefer the taste. I also like that there isn’t any added antibiotics, hormones or anything else I don’t want to ingest. Try buying organic and you’ll never go back.
    • They’ve changed their recommendation on whether to wash poultry before cooking it. They now say that washing chicken increases the chances of getting food poisoning and of cross contaminating other things, like tools, surfaces and utensils in the kitchen. Just take it out of the package and pat it dry inside and out with some paper towels.
    • I use orzo in my soup but if you prefer, you can add noodles, rice or another small pasta like ditalini.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 541mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 6530IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1.4mg
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    3.3K shares

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you,  if you click the link and buy. You can read my disclosure here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. lisa

      January 01, 2018 at 11:50 am

      I think we were poor too – because my Mom did the same frugal stuff. Being a kid, I was oblivious – it was just the way things were. This chicken soup will be making an appearance on our table this week for sure! Cold weather is a’ comin’!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 01, 2018 at 12:49 pm

        It’s funny how we are oblivious! It’s been freezing cold up here in Boston and has been for a few weeks. I’m looking forward to Wednesday when it goes up to a balmy 28 degrees F. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Suzy

      January 01, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      There is really nothing better than chicken soup made right!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 01, 2018 at 12:47 pm

        I totally agree Suzy! Thanks!

        Reply
    3. Jill

      January 01, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      Yes that does sound thrifty! I’m not sure I’ve eaten the neck. I’m a bit squeamish about raw chicken though – probably not the best thing since I’m a food blogger too. I usually take the easy way out when I make chicken soup and use an already cooked rotisserie chicken and store-bought chicken broth. I need to try this recipe next time.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 01, 2018 at 12:55 pm

        Jill, I get the squeamishness, I feel it too but I just pretend it’s a fake chicken and I’m good. Thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    4. Marie - Not Enough Cinnamon

      January 01, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      I’m not sure I could eat chicken necks – anything that reminds me it used to be a living creature running around and I can’t lol. But your soup however… I would devour easily!!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 01, 2018 at 4:38 pm

        Thanks so much Marie – and I totally agree!!

        Reply
    5. Amy | The Cook Report

      January 01, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      You can’t beat a family recipe, this one for chicken soup looks perfect!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 01, 2018 at 7:57 pm

        Indeed you can’t Amy!! Thank you!

        Reply
    6. Karly

      January 02, 2018 at 9:05 pm

      Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic! This looks so good- perfect for the Arctic temps that are absolutely crushing me right now. Definitely need to try!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 03, 2018 at 7:46 am

        Thanks Karly! I agree, and it’s frigid here too!

        Reply
    7. Helene

      January 05, 2018 at 7:21 am

      Yum with Tarragon flavored. It’s such an underrated herb and it does go well with chicken and bay leaf. I hadn’t actually thought of using tarragon that way, what a wonderful soup idea Elaine!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 05, 2018 at 1:15 pm

        Thanks Helene! I almost always put tarragon with my chicken. Thankfully hubby loves it too!

        Reply
    8. Paige

      January 05, 2018 at 9:24 am

      YUM…this is mouthwatering-looking and I love the organic bent on the recipe. Nice job!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 05, 2018 at 1:15 pm

        Thanks Paige, I appreciate it!

        Reply
    9. Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

      January 05, 2018 at 10:28 am

      I’ve never made chicken soup, but I do love it. My mom used chicken necks when she made soup when I was a kid, but we never ate the necks. I love that you make the soup with the whole chicken, and then pull it apart at the end. I never would have thought to do that. Pinning this to make very soon

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 05, 2018 at 10:45 am

        Thank you Karyl! Yay! Or not so yay that your mom made it with the necks too. You’re the first person I’ve heard that from. At least you didn’t have to eat the necks 😉

        Reply
    10. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

      January 05, 2018 at 11:07 am

      Spices for the win!! I love homemade chicken soup and this recipe sounds and looks just delightful! I love the seasoning and orzo pasta here. NOM.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 05, 2018 at 1:13 pm

        Thanks so much Dominique! I love how orzo puffs up the day after!! I almost prefer leftover soup to fresh. Weird, I know.

        Reply
    11. Ben Myhre

      January 06, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      I will use chicken necks for stock and soup ALL DAY LONG!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 2:30 pm

        Haha, Ben. And I will watch you as I eat my whole chicken stock 🙂

        Reply
    12. prasanna hede

      January 07, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      That’s a delicious looking soup! I liked the way you narrated the whole story.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 2:31 pm

        Thanks Prasanna!

        Reply
    13. Julie

      January 07, 2018 at 4:01 pm

      Everyone needs a good, classic chicken soup recipe in their arsenal! It’s been so bitter cold and snowy here, this looks like the perfect way to warm up.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 2:31 pm

        Thanks Julie!! Yes, freezing weather here too! I made my second pot of soup in 2 weeks.

        Reply
    14. Christine

      January 07, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      There is nothing better than a scratch-made chicken soup – This reminds me of the one my Grandma made when we were young. It made the whole house smell amazing!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 2:32 pm

        It really does Christine!

        Reply
    15. Kate

      January 07, 2018 at 8:11 pm

      Nothing like a good hearty soup in the winter time! Those bowls! Soooo cute! I love hand thrown pottery.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 2:32 pm

        Thanks Kate!! They are thrift store finds!

        Reply
    16. Tatiana

      January 08, 2018 at 12:04 am

      Good chicken noodle soup always brings my family together around the table! It’s all about good vibes and friendly atmosphere, and of course the delicious taste of soup.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 2:32 pm

        Thanks so much for your comment, Tatiana! I so agree!

        Reply
    17. elcitrakale

      January 08, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      nothing goes wrong with good warm and delicious soup in these freeze days. İt’s most scrumptious looking soup İ’ve seen this week. YUM!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 2:33 pm

        Thank you Citra!

        Reply
    18. Erica @ The Crumby Kitchen

      January 08, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      Perfect, soul-soothing comfort food, just the way I like it! There’s only one thing I want when I’m sick, and this looks an awful lot like it. 🙂

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 6:21 pm

        Thanks Erica! It is so nice when one is under the weather!

        Reply
    19. aish das padihari

      January 08, 2018 at 5:53 pm

      I haven’t made a good chicken soup in months. Your version looks so good. I use a lot of bay leaf in my cooking as well. I think its a staple in my cooking

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 08, 2018 at 6:21 pm

        Thanks Aish!

        Reply
    20. Monica | Nourish & Fete

      January 08, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      This looks like the perfect bowl of comforting soup! You’re right – something about family recipes always sets them apart. I especially love the addition of tarragon here!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 09, 2018 at 12:53 pm

        Thanks Monica!!

        Reply
    21. Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life

      January 09, 2018 at 12:37 am

      My family was relatively thrifty in my formative years. We often shopped and sold our old clothes at second hand stores and even went so far as to hike out into the wildness and pick fresh berries for jams and other preserves, but I don’t remember any chicken neck soup. That sounds both thrifty and like quite the labor-intensive eating experience!

      Reply
      • Elaine

        January 09, 2018 at 12:52 pm

        Hehe, Claire. Indeed it was. I love when people tell me their stories as you did. Thank you.

        Reply
    22. christopher

      April 15, 2018 at 3:30 pm

      Love the silky smooth texture of this broth. Super comfort food. And satisfying.

      Reply
      • Elaine

        May 25, 2018 at 4:41 pm

        It’s heavenly, isn’t it?

        Reply

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