Hey there, friend! Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chicken carcass soup. Seriously, it’s like a hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made it; I had a leftover chicken carcass from dinner, and instead of tossing it, I decided to turn it into something magical. Just a few simple ingredients and a little time, and voilà! I had a rich, flavorful broth that filled my home with the most mouthwatering aroma. This soup is not only a fantastic way to use up leftovers, but it also warms you from the inside out. Trust me, once you try this chicken carcass soup, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients for your chicken carcass soup, and get ready to create something special:
- 1 chicken carcass (leftover bones from a roasted chicken work perfectly)
- 10 cups water (to create a rich broth)
- 2 carrots, chopped (for a hint of sweetness)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (adds great flavor and crunch)
- 1 onion, quartered (for depth of flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 bay leaf (for an aromatic touch)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, but add gradually)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best!)
- Optional herbs (like thyme or parsley for extra flavor)
How to Prepare Chicken Carcass Soup
Now, let’s get cooking! Making chicken carcass soup is a straightforward process, and I promise you, it’s incredibly rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade soup in no time!
Step 1: Place the Chicken Carcass in a Pot
First things first, grab your chicken carcass. Using a good quality carcass is key for a rich flavor. If you’ve roasted a chicken, all those leftover bones are perfect! Just toss it right into a large pot, and we’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add Water and Bring to a Boil
Next, pour in about 10 cups of water. This will create that beautiful broth we’re after. Turn your heat up to high and bring it to a boil. Boiling helps extract all those fantastic flavors from the bones, so don’t skip this part!
Step 3: Simmer and Skim
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! You’ll notice some foam rising to the top—just skim that off with a spoon. It helps keep your broth nice and clear. Keep it simmering for the best flavor.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add your chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. These veggies not only add flavor but also make the soup feel heartier. Toss in a bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Don’t worry, you can always adjust the seasoning later!
Step 5: Simmer for Flavor
Let everything simmer together for at least 1.5 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavor you’ll get. Just let it do its thing while your kitchen fills with that delightful aroma—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Strain and Adjust Seasoning
Finally, once that time is up, it’s time to strain your soup. Carefully pour the broth through a fine mesh strainer to catch all the solids. Give it a taste; if it needs more seasoning, now’s your chance to adjust with a little more salt and pepper. And then, it’s ready to serve hot!
Tips for Success
Before you dive in, here are some handy tips to make sure your chicken carcass soup turns out perfectly! First off, don’t over-salt the broth too early; you can always add more later after tasting. It’s better to start with a little and build up the flavor. Also, remember that simmering is your friend! A good, long simmer—at least 1.5 hours—allows those rich flavors to develop, so don’t rush it. If you need to, you can even simmer longer for a deeper taste. Lastly, feel free to use any leftover veggies you have in the fridge; they’re a great way to add extra flavor and make the most of what you have. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! You can store your chicken carcass soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools down a bit before you pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it’s thickened up a bit, feel free to add a splash of water to loosen it. You can also freeze any leftover soup for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes! Happy soup enjoying!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of this chicken carcass soup! For a serving size of 1 cup, you can expect approximately 150 calories, 5g of fat, and 15g of protein. It also contains about 10g of carbohydrates and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a comforting, low-fat option that’s packed with flavor and nutrition—perfect for any meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use a store-bought rotisserie chicken carcass?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken carcass is a fantastic option. It’s super convenient and packed with flavor from the seasoning on the chicken. Just make sure to pick a chicken that hasn’t been overly seasoned if you want more control over your soup’s taste!
What other vegetables can I add?
You can get creative with your vegetables! Feel free to add things like potatoes, parsnips, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just chop them up and toss them in during the cooking process to enhance the flavor of your chicken carcass soup!
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Your chicken carcass soup will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. If you’re not planning to eat it within that time, it’s best to freeze it for later enjoyment!
Can I freeze chicken carcass soup?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your chicken carcass soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop!
What can I serve with chicken carcass soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm roll for dipping. You might also consider a fresh side salad for a light meal. If you want to elevate it, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream right before serving for an extra touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple to make with just a few ingredients
- A fantastic way to use leftover chicken and avoid waste
- Rich and comforting flavors that warm you up
- Versatile—customize with any vegetables you have on hand
- A healthy, low-fat option that’s packed with nutrients
- Perfect for meal prep; great for leftovers!
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Chicken Carcass Soup: Simple Steps for a Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting chicken carcass soup made from leftover chicken bones.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken carcass
- 10 cups water
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Optional herbs (like thyme or parsley)
Instructions
- Place the chicken carcass in a large pot.
- Add water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Let it simmer for at least 1.5 hours.
- Strain the soup to remove solids.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy your soup.
Notes
- Use leftover veggies if you have them.
- Don’t rush the simmering; it develops flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chicken carcass soup, chicken soup, homemade soup, leftover chicken recipe
