Delia Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and simple herbs, this classic soup offers a light yet hearty meal, perfect for colder days or when you need something soothing. The combination of ingredients creates a delicious broth, while the slow simmering process ensures the flavors are rich and well-balanced.
What is Delia Chicken Soup?
Delia Chicken Soup is a traditional, wholesome soup made with chicken, root vegetables, and herbs, all simmered together to create a flavorful and nutritious broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that is ideal for lunch or dinner, and its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Wholesome and nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup is perfect for a balanced meal.
- Comforting: Ideal for when you’re feeling under the weather or need something warm and soothing.
- Simple to make: Requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it great for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and kids alike.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare a large batch and store it for later, making meal planning easier.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Chicken Soup
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg / 3.3 lbs) – the base of the soup, providing rich flavor and protein.
- 2 carrots – peeled and sliced for sweetness and texture.
- 2 celery stalks – adds freshness and crunch.
- 1 large onion – chopped to form the base of the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for a subtle flavor.
- 2 bay leaves – add depth to the broth.
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) of chicken stock – to create the flavorful broth.
- Fresh parsley – for garnish.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
Equipment
- Large soup pot – to cook the soup.
- Knife and chopping board – to prepare the chicken and vegetables.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
Instructions to Make Delia Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the chicken and vegetables
- Begin by chopping the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and set the vegetables aside. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken and stock
- Place the whole chicken into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Step 5: Season and serve
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve the Delia Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
What Goes Well With Delia Chicken Soup
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Rice or pasta: Add cooked rice or small pasta for extra heartiness.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic pairing that adds indulgence to the meal.
- Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the warmth of the soup.
- Crackers: Serve with crackers for an added crunchy texture.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Chicken Soup
- Use a whole chicken: Cooking the chicken whole adds more depth and flavor to the broth.
- Skim the broth: Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the top during cooking for a clearer broth.
- Simmer gently: Slow simmering ensures the chicken stays tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor of the soup if you want a more herbaceous note.
- Make it heartier: Add extra vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or peas to bulk up the soup.
Easy Variations of Delia Chicken Soup
- Creamy chicken soup: Stir in a splash of cream or milk to create a creamier version of this soup.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta or skip the noodles entirely for a lighter option.
- Spicy chicken soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian version: Use vegetable stock and add tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken.
- Lemon chicken soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty, bright flavor.
Best Practices to Store Delia Chicken Soup
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Portion control: Freeze individual portions for quick and easy reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Chicken Soup
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully heated.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How Can I Make Delia Chicken Soup Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken: Remove the skin from the chicken to reduce fat content.
- Limit the oil: Use less olive oil when sautéing the vegetables, or opt for a low-calorie cooking spray.
- Add more vegetables: Include extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Whole grain option: Serve the soup with whole-grain bread or crackers for added fiber.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I freeze Delia Chicken Soup?
Yes, Delia Chicken Soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What is the best way to make chicken soup more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of Delia Chicken Soup, use homemade chicken stock, simmer the soup gently for longer, and season with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Can I use boneless chicken for Delia Chicken Soup?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used in Delia Chicken Soup. However, using bone-in chicken adds more depth to the broth. If you use boneless chicken, consider adding chicken stock to enhance the flavor.
How long can I store Delia Chicken Soup in the fridge?
Delia Chicken Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Words
Delia Chicken Soup is a timeless, comforting recipe that brings warmth and nourishment to any meal. The simple yet rich flavors, combined with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, make this a perfect dish for family meals or when you need something comforting and nutritious.
With its easy-to-follow steps and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
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Delia Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Chicken Soup is a traditional, wholesome soup made with chicken, root vegetables, and herbs, all simmered together to create a flavorful and nutritious broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that is ideal for lunch or dinner, and its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg / 3.3 lbs) – the base of the soup, providing rich flavor and protein.
- 2 carrots – peeled and sliced for sweetness and texture.
- 2 celery stalks – adds freshness and crunch.
- 1 large onion – chopped to form the base of the soup.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for a subtle flavor.
- 2 bay leaves – add depth to the broth.
- 1.5 liters (6 cups) of chicken stock – to create the flavorful broth.
- Fresh parsley – for garnish.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken and vegetables
- Begin by chopping the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic and set the vegetables aside. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chicken and stock
- Place the whole chicken into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Step 5: Season and serve
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve the Delia Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
