OMG, y’all are gonna flip over this killer chicken soup with drumsticks! It’s seriously the real deal – we’re talking rich AF broth, meat that falls right off the bone, and all those veggies that make you feel like you’re not totally wrecking your diet. The secret to this perfect homemade chicken soup? Taking your sweet time letting those drumsticks simmer away. Perfect when it’s freezing outside, when you’re feeling under the weather, or just when you need some legit soul-warming chicken soup that doesn’t suck.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Soup from WebHealthy
- Bone-in drumsticks are a total game-changer for flavor in your chicken drumstick soup – don’t even think about using that boneless stuff
- Don’t rush it! Good soup is like a good relationship – it needs time, ya know?
- Skim that gunky foam off the top unless you want cloudy soup (gross!)
- Tough herbs like thyme go in early, but save the delicate ones like parsley for the last minute of your easy chicken soup recipe
- Season as you go, folks – nobody likes bland soup that’s been salt-bombed at the end
The Magic Behind This Recipe
What makes this best chicken soup recipe rock is my two-part cooking hack. First off, we’re building this crazy good flavor base with the drumsticks and those aromatic veggies. Then – here’s where it gets good – we pull that chicken out, shred it up, and throw it back in with fresh veggies that aren’t cooked to death. Trust me, it’s a total flavor bomb in every spoonful of comforting chicken soup!
Recipe Notes for Easy Weeknight Chicken Soup
- Make this bad boy up to 3 days ahead – it’s actually better on day 2 after all the flavors have had a chance to hook up
- In a rush? Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store instead – I won’t tell anyone!
- Want it thicker? Just smash some of those potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon
- Like it spicy? Throw in some red pepper flakes and live your best life
- This homemade chicken soup freezes like a dream for up to 3 months in those containers with the snap-on lids
How to Make Authentic Chicken Soup Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Throw in some ginger and star anise, then finish with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil – chef’s kiss!
- Mediterranean Style: Chuck in some diced tomatoes and zucchini, then finish with fresh basil – so dang good!
- Mexican Flair: Add corn, black beans, and cumin, then top with tortilla strips and lime – it’s like a fiesta in your mouth!
- Creamy Version: Hit it with some heavy cream at the end for a chicken drumstick soup that’ll make you wanna slap your mama (don’t actually do that)
- Grain Addition: Toss in some rice or that tiny pasta (what’s it called again? orzo!) for a stick-to-your-ribs meal
My Best Touch
What really kicks this best chicken soup recipe up a notch is throwing in a hunk of parmesan rind while the broth simmers. Hands down, it adds this crazy depth that’ll make people think you spent days on this soup. Just toss in a 2-3 inch piece with the broth and fish it out before serving. Also, that squeeze of lemon at the end? Non-negotiable! It cuts through all that richness and makes everything in this homemade soup pop like fireworks!
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 325
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
This chicken soup isn’t just crazy delicious – it’s packed with all the good stuff your body needs. The combo of lean chicken, all those veggies, and that healing broth makes this comforting chicken soup a complete meal that’ll fill you up without making you feel like garbage afterward. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking already!
Homemade Chicken Soup
Ingredients
For the broth
- 4 pieces Bone-in drumsticks For rich flavor
- 8 cups Water For the soup base
- 2 pieces Onion, chopped
- 2 pieces Carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Add early
- 2 pieces Potatoes, diced Thicker texture
- 1 piece Parmesan rind, 2-3 inch For depth of flavor
For finishing
- 1 cup Fresh parsley, chopped Add at the end
- 1 lemon Lemon, squeezed To brighten flavor
- optional Red pepper flakes For spiciness
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, combine bone-in drumsticks, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Finishing Touches
- Once the chicken is tender, remove the drumsticks and shred the meat off the bones.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot, add diced potatoes and any optional add-ins.
- Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Add fresh parsley and squeeze lemon juice before serving.
