Ingredients
Method
Prep Your Ingredients:
- Rinse and pat dry the organic chicken pieces.
- Slice carrots and celery into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic.
- Measure out your herbs and spices, including thyme, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
- This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it!
Brown the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in the pot, skin-side down, and sear them until they develop a golden-brown crust (approximately 5 minutes per side).
- Browning the chicken not only locks in flavor but also enhances the richness of your broth.
Build Your Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth or bone broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer.
- Add your prepared carrots, celery, and a few bay leaves along with thyme. This is where the soup starts to transform into a comforting, nutrient-packed meal.
Simmer for Depth:
- Allow the soup to simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- During this time, the flavors meld beautifully while the chicken becomes tender and succulent.
- Skim off any foam or excess fat that rises to the top to maintain a clean, clear broth.
Final Seasoning:
- Taste your soup and add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.
- Adjust the seasoning gradually—remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Rest and Serve:
- Once your soup is perfectly flavored and the chicken is tender, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of color and aroma.