Easy Chicken Soup From Roast Chicken Leftovers

Chicken soup is a classic dish that is not only delicious but also comforting. It is a perfect meal for cold days or when feeling under the weather. Luckily, making chicken soup is easy and can be done with leftover chicken.

Using leftover chicken is a great way to make use of food that would otherwise go to waste. It also saves time as the chicken is already cooked. There are many variations of chicken soup, but the basic ingredients are chicken, vegetables, and broth. The vegetables can vary depending on personal preference, but commonly used ones are carrots, celery, and onions.

In this post, we will explore different recipes and techniques for making chicken soup from leftover chicken. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you will find a recipe that suits your taste and skill level. So, let’s get started and learn how to make delicious chicken soup from leftover chicken!

Preparing the Ingredients

The first step in making chicken soup from leftover chicken is to prepare the ingredients. This involves gathering all the necessary ingredients and preparing them for use in the soup. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• Leftover chicken (about 4 cups shredded chicken)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoon Cornflour
• 900ml Hot Water
• Chicken stock from the roast chicken or 1 tablespoon of powdered chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon Rapeseed Oil
• 30g Butter
• Sage leaves – chopped
• 1 Stock of celery chopped

Start by removing any leftover chicken from the bones and shredding it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to incorporate into the soup later on. Next, peel and dice the onion. Set all the prepared vegetables aside.

Once the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to start making the soup.

Making the Soup Base

One of the keys to making a delicious chicken soup from leftover chicken is creating a flavorful broth. Here are some steps to follow:

Add oil and butter to a deep pot and fry the chopped onions until soft. Add the chopped sage flour and mix for about a minute. Add the chicken stock and slowly add the water mixing all the time.

Add veg to the pot if using. Vegetables will add flavour to the broth. You can also add garlic, thyme, and bay leaves for additional flavour.

Once you have made the broth, you can add other ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying soup. Some popular additions include:

• Noodles or rice: These ingredients will add texture and substance to the soup. Add them to the pot and cook until they are tender.
• Vegetables: You can add any vegetables you like to the soup. Some popular choices include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes.
• Herbs and spices: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the soup for extra flavour. You can also add spices like paprika or cumin to give the soup a little kick.

Remember, the key to making a great chicken soup is to start with a flavorful broth. Once you have that, you can add any ingredients you like to create a soup that is perfect for you and your family.

Adding the Chicken in soup

Now that the broth is ready, it’s time to add the leftover chicken and vegetables to the pot. Here’s how:

• Remove any remaining chicken meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• Add the chicken to the pot and stir well to combine.
• If you’re using potatoes, make sure to cut them into small pieces, so they cook evenly.
• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra flavour.

Simmering the Soup

Once all the vegetables and chicken have been added to the pot, it’s time to start simmering the soup. This is where all the flavours come together, and the soup becomes rich and hearty. Here’s how to do it:

• Cover the pot with a lid and bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavours have melded together.
• If you have the time, you can let the soup simmer for up to 2 hours to really develop the flavours. Just make sure to keep an eye on it and add more water or broth if needed.

While the soup is simmering, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more salt and pepper if needed or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten up the flavours.

Once the soup is done simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or coriander/cilantro or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt. Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Serving the homemade chicken soup

Once the soup is ready, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few tips to make sure you serve the best chicken soup:

• Let the soup cool down a bit before serving: Hot soup can burn your mouth and tongue. Let it cool down for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with crusty bread: A loaf of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chicken soup. It can help soak up the broth and add some texture to the meal.
• Add some toppings: If you want to take your soup to the next level, try adding some toppings. Some popular options include croutons, grated cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream.

Remember, chicken soup is a comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a warm and hearty meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.