Some call this soup Jewish penicillin, others just say this homemade chicken soup busts through cold and flu season. I just call it delicious.
This is the homemade chicken soup from scratch recipe I grew up enjoying. If you love chicken soup as much as we do, you will want to check out all of my delicious homemade chicken soup recipes!
Do you love homemade chicken soup?
For some reason, I only make this soup when someone is sick. This soup is as close to comfort food as it gets. I remember my grandmother making this soup every time we went to visit. The memories come back every time I make this soup.
This chicken soup recipe takes time to make…but I promise it is worth it! You can also make the Instant Pot Version of this Homemade Chicken Soup! Delicious flavor in a fraction of the time!!
My Grandma’s Homemade Chicken Soup is Comfort Food
This soup is as close to comfort food as it gets. I remember my grandmother making this soup every time we went to visit. The memories come back every time I make this soup. This chicken soup takes time to make…but I promise it is worth it!
This chicken soup takes time to make…but I promise it is worth it!”
Our whole family loves this soup, and I really need to make it more often. Fall is finally here and soon cold and flu season will be here. We also love this delicious Turmeric Chicken Vegetable Soup during cold and flu season!! (And this turmeric chicken soup is quick and easy to make!)
Simple Fresh Ingredients Make The Best Chicken Soup
This easy chicken soup recipe is made from scratch, with fresh simple ingredients.”
It is so easy to make a bowl of good chicken soup from scratch. You don’t need many ingredients. Just add chicken, carrots, onion, garlic, and celery to a pot. You can add noodles to make chicken noodle soup, or add rice. We usually make chicken and rice soup because gluten free noodles tend to get pretty mushy. You can use brown or white rice in this soup recipe.
This soup is Whole 30, Paleo, Keto, and Gluten Free. Perfect for anyone who has food allergies. Pair this soup with these delicious gluten free bread for easy dipping: Gluten Free Light and Fluffy Cheddar Muffins or this Gluten Free Focaccia Bread.
Whole Chicken Chicken Soup
For my grandma’s old-fashioned chicken soup, you will need a whole chicken. (You can also use chicken that isn’t whole. You need to make sure your chicken pieces are with the bone as the bone minerals are what makes this soup so good!!)
I prefer to use an organic whole chicken. Include the neck and organs…it all goes into the pot. You will want to cook this down for a couple of hours so the chicken flavor is infused into the broth.
The Vegetables in Chicken Soup from Scratch
Classic chicken soup has onion, carrot, and celery. I have added turnip and rutabaga to my chicken soup recipe over the years, but for this post, I wanted to keep it close to my grandma’s recipe. (If you decide to add other vegetables, you would want one small turnip and one small rutabaga chopped up.) You can also try this easy Instant Pot Vegetable Soup with Chicken for a soup with lots of extra vegetables.
Chicken Soup Seasoning
This soup is full of flavor from these spices and herbs:
- thyme
- basil
- parsley
- garlic
- salt and pepper
I used dried thyme and dried basil. I did use fresh garlic cloves because dried garlic powder just doesn’t add the same flavors to the soup broth. Fresh parsley is also better to use.
How to make Jewish chicken soup from scratch:
Add your raw whole chicken to a stock pot. Add in low sodium chicken broth, seasonings, vegetables, and water. Cover and bring the chicken soup to a boil. Turn down the heat and allow this chicken soup to simmer for two hours.
Cover and bring the chicken soup to a boil. Turn down the heat and allow this chicken soup to simmer for two hours.
After the chicken cooks in the soup for 2 hours, remove it to a separate pan so the bones don’t all fall apart in the soup.
You can read tons of reviews on this soup via Pinterest.
More Delicious Homemade Soup Recipes to Try:
- Gluten Free Cream of Tomato Soup
- Gluten Free Oyster Chowder (works well with clams for clam chowder too!)
- Turmeric Chicken Soup
- Taco Chicken Soup
If you love chicken as much as we do, you will want to check out ALL of my delicious easy Gluten Free Chicken Recipes!!
Tools You Need To Make This Chicken Soup From Scratch Recipe:
- A big soup pot that is large enough to hold a whole chicken.
- A vegetable chopper to chop up your vegetables.
Grandma's Homemade Chicken Soup
An easy homemade chicken soup made from scratch. Grandma's chicken soup recipe is easy to make using a whole chicken and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, raw
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 teaspoons basil
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 quart chicken broth, low sodium
- 4 cups water
- parsley is optional
Instructions
- Add a whole raw chicken to a large stock pot.
- Add all ingredients, cover and simmer on medium low until it boils.
- Once the soup is boiling, turn down the temperature to low and simmer for 2 hours.
- Remove the chicken to a pan. Do this carefully so the chicken doesn't fall apart. Cut the chicken meat into pieces and add back to the soup. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
- Serve hot. (My grandmother served it over rice, this is totally optional.)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 355 Total Fat: 24g Saturated Fat: 7g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 15g Cholesterol: 130mg Sodium: 584mg Carbohydrates: 5g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 2g Protein: 28g
More Gluten Free Recipes To Try!
-
- Easy Pan Roasted Chicken Legs
-
- Gluten Free Zucchini Bread
-
- Gluten Free Corn Muffins
-
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
-
- Gluten Free Devil’s Food Cake
-
- Gluten Free Eggless Dairy Free Spice Cake
Mikaela
August 14, 2019 at 4:49 pmGreat and it’s only a total of 8 cups liquid mine doesn’t cover the ingredients all the way ?
Sandi Gaertner
August 14, 2019 at 4:50 pmHi Mikaela, how large of a pot are you using? You can definitely add more water, you want the chicken to be just barely submerged.
Mikaela
August 14, 2019 at 3:23 pmWhen would I add the rice and how much ?
Sandi Gaertner
August 14, 2019 at 3:31 pmYou would want to cook the rice separately and add it to your bowl and pour the soup over it. My grandmother never cooked the soup with the rice because it would make the broth starchy.
Hummingbird 1st
April 30, 2019 at 3:56 pmApart from the very first bowl of soup that I tasted, I froze the first batch of soup that I made and it is so delicious that I find I cannot wait until I am sick before I devour some more! I expect it will keep the germs away anyway LOL! Well that’s my story anyway…. I have another batch cooking on the stove so I really don’t plan on running out anytime soon. I made this soup on both occasions exactly as written and it is superb. The flavour and the aroma of the soup whilst cooking is amazing and I am very happy to have found this recipe. Thank you very much for sharing your Grandma\s recipe. I did leave a comment for the first soup I made but think it may have gone astray.
Sandi Gaertner
May 1, 2019 at 2:13 pmYou made my day. Thank you so much for coming back to tell me how much you liked my Grandma’s soup.
Kathy
March 21, 2019 at 1:05 pmSecond time I am making this soup – BEST recipe ever – full of flavor Thank You !!
Sandi Gaertner
March 21, 2019 at 3:54 pmYay!! I am so glad you liked my grandmother’s soup, Kathy. I appreciate your coming back to let me know. If you didn’t leave a star rating in the recipe card by clicking the stars, I would be so grateful if you would so people know how yummy this recipe is.
Queenie
March 19, 2019 at 2:31 pmThank you for this recipe. We are making it right now and it smells wonderful.
Sandi Gaertner
March 19, 2019 at 2:54 pmI am so glad you are trying this. Let me know how it turns out.
Maggie Unzueta
February 28, 2019 at 9:42 pmThis looks insanely, incredibly good. Yummmmmmy!
Sandi Gaertner
March 1, 2019 at 9:48 amI am so glad you like this Maggie, thank you 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
February 27, 2019 at 12:04 pmI am so glad you like this Olga 🙂
Marie
February 14, 2019 at 1:23 pmChicken simmering , as I write this little note of Thanks for the recipe ..The flavors are filling the kitchen with a wonderful aroma …..I know this will help me on the way to a a cure for the cold /flu that I am experiencing right now…
Thanks so much for a delicious recipe…Yum!!
Sandi Gaertner
February 15, 2019 at 8:55 amI am so glad Marie…I hope you feel better soon :-).
Al S.
January 24, 2019 at 6:40 amYessssss!! This soup is just what the doctor calls for when sick! I made this yesterday for me and the little woman. I am sick as a dog, so I looked up soups on Pinterest. I came up with this gem! Easy to make, very flavorful and inexpensive. I am adding this to my favorites, for sure!
Sandi Gaertner
January 25, 2019 at 10:52 amI am so glad you liked my Grandma’s recipe Al! Thank you so much for coming to let us know :-).
janelynn
February 15, 2019 at 7:59 amI was all set to come on here and tell you that a soup is NOT homemade if you buy the broth, then saw that yours calls for the whole chidken–this truly is Gramma’s recipe, except that she used the feet whenever possible.
Sandi Gaertner
February 15, 2019 at 8:50 amI haven’t seen chicken here with feet, but I bet my grandmother did. Thank you so much for stopping by Janelynn 🙂
Stephanie
January 20, 2019 at 10:52 amIf I want to refrigerate this and eat it throughout the week, should I skim some of the fat off the top? Or would that take away the delicious flavor? Thank you for sharing!
Sandi Gaertner
January 20, 2019 at 4:59 pmHi Stephanie, I usually scrape some of the fat off the top, but that is totally optional 🙂
Cindy
January 19, 2019 at 6:52 pmIn the middle of a bad cold and made this today. This definitely hit the spot. Thanks for sharing!
Sandi Gaertner
January 20, 2019 at 5:00 pmI am so glad it helped Cindy. I hope you feel better soon :-).
Wendy Beamer
January 10, 2019 at 9:11 amBest chicken soup I’ve ever made. I used all chicken broth and added 2 tsp chicken granules. The aroma was amazing. Thank you for sharing
Sandi Gaertner
January 10, 2019 at 11:15 amI am sooo glad you liked this Wendy. Thank you for coming back to let me know!
Laura Leigh
January 8, 2019 at 4:28 pmMy soup is on the stove top as we speak! The whole house is filled with such an amazing aroma. Can not wait to take this to work this week! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe.
Sandi Gaertner
January 8, 2019 at 8:45 pmI am so glad you are trying my grandmother’s recipe. Enjoy :-).
Kirsten
December 15, 2018 at 11:58 amI made this for my hubby and son awhile ago, they now have a nasty cold and I am making it again. Followed the recipe, added rice at the end. Smells AMAZING! Great recipe thank you
Sandi Gaertner
December 15, 2018 at 10:19 pmI am so glad you like it, Kirsten. I hope your husband and son feel better soon :-).
Karen
December 14, 2018 at 2:32 pmBest flavor of any chicken soup I’ve ever made! My husband loved it too! A definite keeper and go-to for cold winter days in Wisconsin!
Sandi Gaertner
December 14, 2018 at 2:34 pmI am so glad you and your husband like this soup…my grandmother would be so excited that so many can enjoy it. I also appreciate your coming back to let me know it was a hit :-).
Edna
November 29, 2018 at 11:20 amNo colds or flu yet…this is a trial run, I just made this soup , grated a few potatoes into it as well. Still tastes awesome.
Sandi Gaertner
November 29, 2018 at 8:50 pmI never thought to add potatoes, but it sounds wonderful. I am glad you like this soup Edna 🙂
Karen D
October 15, 2018 at 12:53 pmThis is on the stove as I “speak”. Curious, the liquids did not cover the chicken (a small B&E young chicken). Not sure if that’s a problem??? Also, adding the carrots and celery halfway through, as I am hoping they will not be that mushy.
Will be serving with an egg noodle, or pasta.
Sandi Gaertner
October 15, 2018 at 1:05 pmHi Karen, I am so glad you are trying this recipe. I would say add more water unless you are using a giant pot with a small chicken? You can always salt a little more. I have started to add a scoop of chicken collagen protein powder (by Vital Proteins) lately as well for a boost.
Russell
October 11, 2018 at 8:31 pmFollowed recipe as posted. Added corn and white potatoes. Recipe is keeper, looking forward to tomorrow’s lunch.
Sandi Gaertner
October 11, 2018 at 8:41 pmI am so glad you like this recipe Russell, my grandmother would be so glad it is reaching so many. I appreciate your coming back to let me know, you made my night 🙂
Debra C.
September 10, 2018 at 1:26 pmThis soup looks soooo delicious, Grandma’s recipes are always the BEST! Certainly my kinda meal and I don’t think I’d be waiting for a sick one before making it, YUM!
Ann
September 5, 2018 at 8:59 amI also have that issue where I only make chicken soup when’s someone’s sick! Why though?? It’s so good and this one sounds spectacular!
Sandi Gaertner
September 5, 2018 at 1:26 pmThat is so true Ann 🙂
Camilla Hawkins
September 5, 2018 at 8:56 amLove this homemade chicken soup and the fact that it’s so good for a cold or flu. I will be sure to come back to this recipe when flu season strikes!
Sandi Gaertner
September 5, 2018 at 1:28 pmWonderful Camilla. I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme
September 5, 2018 at 7:58 amYum! You know when a grandma is involved in the recipe, it’s legit. This looks perfect for knocking out any flu or cold this season!
Sandi Gaertner
September 5, 2018 at 1:29 pmThanks Eden.
kim
September 5, 2018 at 7:46 amYum! This sounds like my kind of comfort meal! Will be adding this to my weekly meal plan!
Sandi Gaertner
September 5, 2018 at 1:29 pmI hope you enjoy it as much as we do Kim :-).
Dannii
September 5, 2018 at 7:41 amChicken soup is the best thing to have when you need a pick me up. This sound so full of flavour.
Sandi Gaertner
September 5, 2018 at 1:29 pmWait until you try it…a lot of people commented on Pinterest about the wonderful flavors too :-).
Kassandra
April 12, 2018 at 2:31 pmHi! I was wondering at what temperature, med-low or med-high or high to cooks the chicken and the soup in before I turn to low and simmer? Making witching the next hour!
Sandig45
April 12, 2018 at 3:06 pmHi Kassandra, I let the chicken and soup boil for about 20 minutes on med-high, then turn to simmer low for 2 hours. Enjoy 🙂
Fern Manire
February 14, 2018 at 2:38 pmAs soon as I saw a chicken soup recipe with the word “Grandma” in the title, I knew I had to make it! I added a can of Cream of Chicken soup, since I like a thicker broth. I used rotisserie chicken and frozen homemade noodles, and it is the best chicken soup recipe I have ever found. I usually eat one bowl, and give the rest away, but not this time! I froze the remainder for myself!
Sandig45
February 14, 2018 at 8:55 pmWow Fern, you are really creative :-). Thank you so much for writing about this soup. I am not sure if you are gluten free or not, but for anyone reading this comment, I do want to point out that Cream of Chicken Soup isn’t gluten free. I do believe Walmart makes a gluten free cream of chicken soup, so just read labels if in doubt. Have a wonderful week.
Amanda
February 7, 2018 at 8:00 pmThis is my kind of chicken soup! I love that you use the whole chicken!
Sandig45
February 7, 2018 at 9:30 pmThank you so much Amanda.
Nellie
February 7, 2018 at 4:39 pmPerfect homemade comfort food recipe – one I’ll definitely be adding to my collection!
Sandig45
February 7, 2018 at 9:31 pmEnjoy Nellie 🙂
Lorrie
January 15, 2018 at 8:02 amCan I possibly get the nutrition values (need it for Keto Diet). Can’t wait to try this.
Lorrie
January 15, 2018 at 8:03 amI am actually cooking it now. 🙂
Sandig45
January 15, 2018 at 12:59 pmHi Lorrie, I am happy to add it.
Terri
January 11, 2018 at 5:31 pmThis looks incredible!
Do you think cooking in a crockpot all day would do it justice?
Sandig45
January 11, 2018 at 6:16 pmHi Terri, I haven’t made it in a crockpot, but I am sure it would work. Will you please stop back and let us know how it turns out?
Terri
January 13, 2018 at 7:34 amHi there!! I made this yesterday in my crockpot and it was AMAAAAZING! Cooked on high about 6 hours….lifted out the chicken onto a sheet pan….deboned and put the chicken right back in. Will eat the leftovers today!!!!
Thank you! 🙂
Sandig45
January 13, 2018 at 8:54 amOh my gosh Terri, thank you so much for coming back to let us know!!
Laurie
December 16, 2017 at 1:48 pmCan’t wait to try it looks delish and will be fine for the ketogenic diet thanks for sharing
Sandig45
December 16, 2017 at 1:50 pmAwesome Laurie, I hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Mary
December 8, 2017 at 8:54 amThis sounds delicious. We love to pour our soup over homemade mashed potatoes. <3 I'm gonna try your version of soup this coming week! 🙂
Sandig45
December 16, 2017 at 1:50 pmThat sounds delicious! It will make the soup beautifully creamy!
Carmen
November 11, 2017 at 7:06 amI want to add alphabet pasta for the kids…when should I add it in??
Sandig45
November 14, 2017 at 7:08 pmHi Carmen, I would cook the alphabet pasta separately and add it to the bowl. Pour the soup on top. That will keep it from getting too mushy. Thank you 🙂
Traleana
October 24, 2017 at 4:12 pmI think I’m gonna try this, but since I have a bunch of boneless skinless chicken breasts, I’m gonna use them instead. I know I will be sacrificing some of the flavor from the whole chicken, but I think it’s still going to be delicious.
Sandig45
October 28, 2017 at 9:59 amPlease let me know how it turns out 🙂
DedrDawn
December 13, 2017 at 9:05 pmActually you can use already made broth, I use organic bone broth.
Suz
September 29, 2017 at 6:56 amYou failed to mention putting the meat back into the pot and you show parsley but don’t mention it as an ingredient.. required or optional
I am going to try it today
Sandig45
September 29, 2017 at 8:14 amHi Suz, I am happy to clarify. I used parsley as a garnish. It is optional, but will add that in. Have a great weekend.
Gail
August 18, 2017 at 9:26 amMaybe I missed it but when do you add the noodles?
Sandig45
August 18, 2017 at 8:14 pmHi Gail, You would add the cooked noodles to the bowl before you ladle the soup into the bowl. I hope this helps. Thank you, Sandi
Amanda
May 23, 2017 at 3:59 pmhow mug parsley do you add and do you add the chicken back in?
Sandig45
May 23, 2017 at 4:21 pmHi Amanda, thank you so much for writing. I find parsley to be strong. I used 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, but some people may like a lot more than that. I do remove the chicken from the soup. I remove the chicken and toss the bones. Sometimes if I am short of time, I just leave the chicken in there whole. The meat pretty much falls off the bones and then it is a matter of just taking the bones out. I hope this helps 🙂 Sandi
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon
April 13, 2017 at 12:08 pmWe are big fans of homemade chicken soup here. It is definitely the perfect food for a cold! And this looks like a great and easy recipe.
Sandig45
April 13, 2017 at 1:23 pmThank you so much Annemarie. Hope you avoid colds the last part of the cold season 🙂