Making chicken soup from a carcass is a fantastic way to turn leftovers into a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s economical, reduces waste, and fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of homemade goodness. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you create a rich chicken soup using just the bones and a few simple ingredients.
What You’ll Need
– Chicken carcass: Pick clean of most meat, but keep any bits you want to add back later.
– Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and leeks if you have them.
– Herbs and spices: Bay leaf, dried oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
– Water: About 8 to 10 cups.
– Optional: Cooked chicken meat, noodles or pasta, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Step 1: Prep and Brown the Carcass
Start by breaking up the chicken carcass into smaller pieces so they fit nicely in your pot. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the carcass pieces and brown them on all sides. This step adds depth to your broth by caramelizing the bones and any leftover skin.
Step 2: Build Your Broth
Once browned, add a splash of water to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then, toss in roughly chopped carrots, celery, and onion, along with your herbs and salt. Pour in enough water to cover everything-usually about 8 to 10 cups.
Bring this to a gentle simmer. It’s important not to let it boil vigorously, as boiling can make your broth cloudy. Keep it at a low simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
Step 3: Strain and Refine
After simmering, remove the large bones and vegetables with tongs or a slotted spoon. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to get a clear, flavorful stock. Return the broth to the pot.
At this point, add fresh chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions along with your dried herbs again. Simmer for another 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Chicken
While your vegetables cook, boil your choice of noodles or pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
If you have leftover cooked chicken, shred or chop it and add it to the soup along with the cooked noodles. Warm everything through for a minute or two to combine the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Creamy Twist
For a richer soup, you can blend part of the soup with some cooked chicken and vegetables until smooth, then stir in a little cream before serving. This creates a lovely creamy texture without losing the comforting chicken flavor.
Tips for the Best Chicken Soup from a Carcass
– Don’t rush the simmer: Slow cooking extracts the most flavor and nutrients from the bones.
– Use fresh herbs if possible: They brighten the soup’s flavor.
– Save leftover chicken meat: Add it back at the end for a heartier soup.
– Keep an eye on the heat: A gentle simmer prevents cloudiness.
– Serve with crusty bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the broth.
Making chicken soup from a carcass is a rewarding way to enjoy a homemade meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can transform leftovers into a bowl of warmth and comfort that your whole family will love.
Enjoy your cooking adventure! Would you like tips on variations or how to store your homemade chicken soup?