Chicken Carcass to Comfort: Hearty Homemade Soup

Turn a leftover chicken into liquid gold! This hearty recipe for chicken soup using the carcass is budget-friendly and tastes like a hug. Get the secret to a deeply flavorful broth!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare at a chicken carcass and think, "there must be more to life than this?" well, mate, you're in luck! this recipe for chicken soup using a leftover roasted chicken is about to become your new best friend.

It’s a proper budget-friendly, flavour-packed comfort that’s like a hug in a bowl!

Brief Overview

Chicken soup, in its various forms, has been a staple in cultures around the world for centuries. from a classic jewish penicillin to heartwarming variations like sicilian chicken soup , it's always been considered a remedy.

Our rendition here takes inspiration from those hearty versions, but is all about making use of what you’ve already got.

This is an easy recipe taking about 2- 3 hours. it yields 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

Beyond its comforting flavour, this soup is packed with nutrients. it's also perfect for a chilly evening, or when you're feeling a bit peaky.

It's special because it maximizes flavor from something that would otherwise be discarded, making it economical and sustainable. you can almost think of it as zero-waste cooking.

Now, let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?

From Carcass to Kettle: Your Ingredients Await

So, what do you need to transform that humble chicken carcass into a culinary masterpiece? Let's break it down.

The Chicken Base

The foundation of any great chicken soup is, of course, the chicken itself. you'll need 1 roasted chicken carcass. don't worry if there's still some meat clinging to the bones – that's all extra flavour! then grab 12 cups of water.

Next throw in 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and add 1 tsp of black peppercorns, 2 bay leaves and 1 tsp of dried thyme.

These ingredients unlock an epic depth of flavor!.

A Medley of Marvelous Veggies

This wouldn't be a proper hearty soup without a good dose of vegetables! this will add some texture. chop 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks.

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, and you’re set.

The Finishing Flourishes

Nearly there. for that final touch of loveliness, think about adding some egg noodles (about 1 cup if you like them).

Some shredded chicken will not go amiss. add half a cup of fresh parsley. don't forget to season with salt and pepper.

A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and lifts the flavor.

Quick & Easy Steps for Chicken Soup Bliss

This is where the magic happens. First, make the broth.

1. Throw all your carcass, peppercorns, water and herbs into a stockpot.
2. Simmer it.

Next, saute your veggies, and add those to the broth. If you fancy pasta, add them too!. Finally, season your soup with love. Ladle it up!

Now, get in that kitchen and get cooking. You won't regret it. And remember, cooking is all about having fun.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this awesome " recipe for chicken soup using " a leftover carcass. Honestly, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday!

Main Ingredients

Okay, so here's the lowdown on what you need.

• Chicken Carcass: From a roasted chicken. Obvs. Should still have bits of meat on it.

• Water: 12 cups (2.8 liters) . Use tap water. Easy peasy.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . The good stuff. This helps get the goodness out.

• Black Peppercorns: 1 tsp (5 g) . Whole ones, yeah?

• Bay Leaves: 2 of these.

• Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (3 g) .

• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . Extra virgin.

• Onion: 1 large , chopped.

• Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped.

• Celery: 2 stalks , chopped.

• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.

• Egg Noodles: 1 cup (150g) . Optional, of course.

• Cooked Chicken: 1 cup (150g) . Shredded. Can be leftover from the carcass!

• Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup (75g) , chopped.

• Salt and Pepper: To taste, darlings.

• Lemon Juice: From 1/2 a lemon (optional).

Quality Indicators? For the carrots, they should be firm, yeah? Not all bendy and sad. And the celery should be crisp. Oh, and get a juicy lemon!

Seasoning Notes

This " Chicken Soup Carrabas " kinda deal is all about layers of flavour.

• Essential Spice Combination: Bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. The classics.
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Garlic and onion. Gotta have 'em!
• Quick Substitution Options: If you don’t have thyme, try oregano. Close enough. And white wine vinegar will work if you don't have apple cider vinegar.

Equipment Needed

Right, the essentials for the " Carrabas Mama Sicilian Chicken Soup " adventure:

• Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: This is the big daddy where the magic happens.
• Colander or Fine-Mesh Sieve: For straining that beautiful broth.
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Common Household Alternatives? If you don’t have a fancy colander, a regular sieve will do the trick. You could use a regular pot if you don't have a dutch oven.

Chicken Carcass to Comfort: Hearty Homemade Soup

Alright, let's get cracking on this recipe. it’s like turning yesterday's sunday roast into a proper hug in a bowl – something even mary berry would approve of! ever wondered what to do with that leftover chicken carcass? this recipe shows you how to transform it into something amazing.

I'm talking about a rich, flavourful soup that'll warm you from the inside out. the kind of soup that reminds me of something my sicilian gran would make!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic!

Honestly, the key to a stress-free soup experience is getting your mise en place sorted.

• Essential Mise en Place: Chop 1 large onion (about 1 cup, 150g), peel and chop 2 carrots (about 1 cup, 120g), and chop 2 celery stalks (about 1 cup, 100g). Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Gather your herbs: 2 bay leaves , 1 tsp (3g) dried thyme , and get ready to chop ½ cup (75g) fresh parsley . Shred about 1 cup (150g) of the leftover chicken if there’s any on the carcass.
• Time-Saving Organization Tips: I like to use those little prep bowls for each ingredient. It makes everything so much easier when you're actually cooking. If you're using egg noodles, have 1 cup (150g) measured out.
• Safety Reminders: Be careful when chopping vegetables, especially when dicing the onion. Nobody wants a trip to A&E because of a rogue onion slice!

Step-by-Step Process: From Carcass to Comfort

This is how we turn that humble carcass into liquid gold. The secret? Simmering. Lots of simmering. This process is totally reminiscent of Carrabas Mama Sicilian Chicken Soup or even a Copycat Carabas Chicken Soup , its that good!

1. Make the Broth: Place the chicken carcass, 12 cups (2.8 litres) water , 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar , 1 tsp (5 g) black peppercorns , 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp (3 g) dried thyme in a large stockpot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Simmer for at least 2 hours , or up to 3 hours , skimming off any foam.
4. Strain the broth through a colander and discard the solids.
5. Sauté the vegetables in 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil until softened, about 5- 7 minutes. Add minced garlic for 1 minute.
6. Pour the strained broth back into the pot with the veggies. Bring to a simmer.
7. Add 1 cup (150g) egg noodles (optional). Cook for 8- 10 minutes , or till done.
8. Stir in the shredded chicken, ½ cup (75g) fresh parsley , and lemon juice (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips: Secrets from the Soup Master (Me!)

Honestly, I've made this soup so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep. This is easier than trying to reproduce Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Chicken Soup , I promise!

• Expert Techniques: Don't skimp on the simmering time! Aim for at least 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor gets. And if you are not sure how to cook, you can find it at Carrabba's Recipes .
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcooking the noodles is a classic mistake. Add them later in the process so that they don’t go mushy.
• Make-Ahead Options: You can make the broth a day or two in advance. Just strain it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to make the soup, just pick up where you left off. The taste is pretty close to what I expect of Sicilian Soup and even the great Italian Chicken Soup .

This recipe for chicken soup using a carcass is a game changer. it's comforting, it's flavourful, and it's a great way to reduce food waste.

Plus, it tastes amazing! trust me, your family will thank you. so, what are you waiting for? get simmering!

Alright, let's dive into making this Chicken Carcass to Comfort: Hearty Homemade Soup . Think of it as giving that Sunday roast chicken a second life!

Recipe Notes

Time for some extra bits and bobs to make this soup sing!

Serving Suggestions: Mama Mia , That's Good!

Honestly, presentation matters. ladle your soup into bowls. top with a sprig of parsley. for extra flavour add a lemon wedge.

A side of crusty bread? a must! trust me, that crusty bread dipped in the broth takes it to another level.

This is sicilian chicken soup elevated!

Don’t forget about drinks. A glass of crisp white wine complements this Italian Chicken Soup perfectly. You know? Like a Pinot Grigio? Or a light beer works too!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? (if you do, you're lucky!). let the soup cool completely. then, stash it in an airtight container. it'll happily live in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You can even freeze it! just pop it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating is easy peasy. Simmer on the stovetop until heated through. Or microwave it in short bursts.

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to spice things up? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick. Or how about a squeeze of lime instead of lemon?

If you're looking for a copycat carrabas chicken soup experience, you could try adding a touch of heavy cream at the end.

Just a splash, mind you! this sicilian chicken soup is already pretty darn good.

Craving more veggies? Chuck in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. Boom! Instant health boost.

You could change the ingredients like "1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar", instead of apple cider vinegar use white vinegar or lemon juice.

Or instead of egg noodles you can use any small pasta shape, rice, or skip them entirely. for olive oil: use any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This recipe for chicken soup using a carcass isn't just tasty. it's packed with goodness. chicken is a fab source of protein.

Veggies are full of vitamins. the broth? it's like a magic potion for soothing a sore throat.

Each serving clocks in around 150-200 calories, with 15-20g of protein and 8-12g of fat. (without the noodles, mind!). it is important to remember that "nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

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Honestly, making soup from a chicken carcass is a brilliant way to reduce waste. it's like a badge of honour for being eco-friendly.

So there you have it! a hearty, healthy, and sustainable soup that'll warm you from the inside out. now, go get cookin'!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make a good soup from just a chicken carcass? Sounds a bit Del Boy!

Absolutely! Using a chicken carcass is like finding hidden treasure. It's packed with flavour and collagen that will create a rich and deeply satisfying broth. Simmering it for a couple of hours extracts all that goodness, turning yesterday's roast into a proper bowl of comfort.

How long should I simmer the chicken carcass for in this recipe for chicken soup using?

Simmering is key to a flavorful soup! Aim for at least 2 hours, but you can go up to 3 hours for an even richer broth. Just make sure to keep an eye on it and skim off any foam that rises to the surface – you want a nice, clean flavour, not something murky like the Thames!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe for chicken soup using a chicken carcass?

Definitely! Think of it as a chance to raid the vegetable drawer. Leeks, parsnips, potatoes, or even some shredded cabbage would be brilliant additions. Just chop them up and add them to the pot along with the carrots, celery, and onion for a truly hearty and nutritious soup.

How should I store leftover chicken soup, and how long will it last? I don’t want to waste a drop, like a right Yorkshireman.

Leftover chicken soup is brilliant for lunch the next day! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just be aware that any noodles might get a bit softer after thawing.

Is this Chicken Carcass to Comfort: Hearty Homemade Soup recipe healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Homemade chicken soup is often hailed as a natural remedy for colds, and for good reason. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and collagen from the bones, which is good for your joints. Plus, it's a comforting and hydrating meal when you're feeling under the weather. Think of it as a proper boost!

My chicken carcass doesn't have much meat left on it. Will the soup still be good?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in extracting the flavour from the bones, not relying on a ton of leftover meat. You can always supplement with some shredded cooked chicken if you want a meatier soup, but the broth itself will still be incredibly flavorful even with a relatively bare carcass. It’s all about that bone broth magic!

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