Cozy Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Comfort comes alive with this hearty chicken soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Generations have cherished this classic dish for its soul-soothing qualities.

Tender chicken pieces swim alongside vibrant vegetables in a rich, aromatic broth.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Memories of home-cooked meals emerge with each delightful sip, transporting you to cozy kitchen moments.

Simple ingredients blend effortlessly, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Grab a ladle and let this recipe become your new favorite comfort companion.

Why You’ll Enjoy Every Bowl of Delia Chicken Soup

• Boost Immune Defense: Packed with powerful ingredients like ginger and turmeric, this chicken soup delivers natural healing properties that support your body's wellness.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Prepare a nourishing, hearty dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, satisfying meal fast.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, creating a flexible and adaptable dinner solution for the whole family.
• Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and wholesome couscous, this soup provides a balanced and nutritious meal in one pot.

What You Need for Delia Chicken Soup

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the soup.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide a deep, savory base flavor for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add natural sweetness and texture.
• Ginger, Turmeric: Warm spices that boost flavor and offer potential health benefits.

• Broth: Serves as the liquid foundation of the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Herbs: Add depth and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.

• Couscous: Adds a light, fluffy grain element to the soup.
• Peas: Provide a pop of color and sweet, fresh taste.
• Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful base.

How to Make Delia Chicken Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Vessel

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot and set it over medium-high flame, allowing the oil to warm and shimmer with potential.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in freshly minced garlic, diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Stir and dance these ingredients together until the onions transform into a soft, translucent delight.

Step 3: Introduce Warming Spices

Sprinkle ground ginger and turmeric into the vegetable mix, stirring quickly to release their vibrant, earthy fragrances for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot, then gently add whole chicken pieces. Scatter fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper to infuse deep, comforting flavors.

Step 5: Simmer and Soften

Stir in couscous, then cover the pot and let everything bubble gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to become tender.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove chicken pieces from the pot and use two forks to pull the meat into delicate, bite-sized shreds.

Step 7: Reunite and Enhance

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and fold in sweet green peas, creating a harmonious blend of textures and colors.

Step 8: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Practical Tips for Making Delia Chicken Soup

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices like turmeric and ginger briefly before adding liquid to enhance their aromatic qualities and release more intense flavors.
• Customize Protein Choices: Swap chicken for tofu, turkey, or white fish to create diverse protein variations that suit different dietary preferences.
• Control Texture Perfectly: Choose fine or coarse couscous based on desired soup consistency, with fine couscous creating a smoother texture and coarse offering more bite.
• Optimize Vegetable Nutrition: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and maximize nutrient retention, keeping vegetables tender yet slightly crisp.
• Extend Soup Shelf Life: Cool soup completely before storing in airtight containers, which helps maintain freshness and prevents bacterial growth when refrigerating leftovers.

Different Versions of Delia Chicken Soup

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute couscous with quinoa or rice to make the soup celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Herb Infusion: Add red pepper flakes and fresh cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt, replacing with fresh herbs for enhanced taste.

What to Serve with Delia Chicken Soup

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the bright, herbal notes of ginger and turmeric in the chicken soup, cutting through its richness with refreshing acidity.
• Garnish with Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette provides perfect texture contrast, ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Create Herbal Green Side Salad: Light mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette balance the soup's warmth, introducing fresh, tangy elements that enhance the overall dining experience.
• Drizzle Fresh Herb Oil: Homemade basil or parsley-infused olive oil adds an aromatic finishing touch, elevating the soup's complexity and providing a vibrant green accent.

How to Store Delia Chicken Soup Correctly

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep soup level below the top to prevent spills.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour soup into saucepan, add splash of broth if needed, warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs About Delia Chicken Soup

• Can I use a different type of grain instead of couscous?

Yes, you can substitute couscous with quinoa, rice, or orzo pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the grain is properly cooked.

• Is this chicken soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with vegetables, lean protein, and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, which boost nutrition and support immune health.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The recipe will still be flavorful and nutritious.

• How can I make the soup more spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a small chopped chili pepper during the sautéing stage to increase heat and kick.

Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicken Soup brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen with its rich, soul-soothing broth and tender chicken. Packed with nutritious vegetables and aromatic herbs, this classic dish offers a perfect blend of flavor and nourishment you’ll crave on chilly days.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric (or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric)
• 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 12 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup pearl or Israeli couscous
• 2/3 cup frozen peas (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic foundation.
2. Introduce minced garlic, diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until onions become translucent and vegetables release their fragrant essence.
3. Sprinkle freshly grated ginger and ground turmeric, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Pour in rich chicken broth, carefully nestle whole chicken pieces, and add a blend of fresh herbs, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
5. Gently incorporate couscous into the liquid, cover the pot, and allow the mixture to simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and grains are tender.
6. Extract chicken pieces from the broth, using two forks to delicately shred the meat into bite-sized portions.
7. Return shredded chicken to the pot, fold in vibrant green peas, and let them warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as needed. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• Swap couscous with quinoa or rice for gluten-free alternatives that maintain the soup’s hearty texture.
• Use bone broth instead of regular broth to boost protein and enhance nutritional value with extra collagen and minerals.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving to brighten the soup’s flavor and introduce a fresh, vibrant element.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 202 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg