Smoked Chicken Soup Recipe
Smoked chicken soup is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the deep, smoky essence of chicken with a hearty, comforting broth. This soup typically includes smoked chicken, aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, and a blend of herbs and spices to enhance the depth of flavor. The broth can be made from scratch using the smoked chicken bones for extra richness or with store-bought stock for convenience. Ingredients like potatoes, beans, or rice can be added for extra heartiness. This soup is perfect for chilly days and pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread. Its smoky, savory taste makes it a standout among traditional chicken soups.
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups smoked chicken shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Broth And Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Incorporate Smoked Chicken
- Once the broth is boiling, add the shredded smoked chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook The Noodles
- Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
Final Touches
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
For an enhanced smoky flavor, consider using homemade smoked chicken broth as the base of the soup. This can be made by simmering smoked chicken bones with aromatic vegetables and herbs.