Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe

Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe is made with whole chicken, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, chicken stock, egg noodles, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. This hearty Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe creates a comforting dinner that takes about 2 hours to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 ½ to 4 pounds)
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 cups chicken stock or water
• 1 ½ cups egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth In a large stockpot, combine the whole chicken, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, and chicken stock (or water). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Shred the Chicken Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Remove and discard the skin and bones, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside.
3. Strain the Broth (Optional) If you prefer a clearer soup, strain the broth to remove any solids (like herbs or vegetable remnants). Return the strained broth to the pot.
4. Cook the Noodles Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 7–9 minutes, until tender.
5. Combine and Serve Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes to warm everything through.
6. Garnish and Enjoy Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance the Broth Flavor: To add depth to the broth, try roasting the chicken first. Simply roast the whole chicken in the oven with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs for about 30-40 minutes before adding it to the pot. This will give your soup a rich, roasted flavor.
• Add Creaminess: For a creamier texture, stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. This will make the soup feel heartier and smoother.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary can brighten up the soup’s flavor. Adding them near the end of cooking preserves their fresh, vibrant taste.

How To Store Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe

Refrigerate: Cool the Paula Deen Chicken Soup completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the chicken soup. Let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. The soup can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove over low heat.

How to Reheat Leftover Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe

On the Stove: Pour the leftover soup into a pot and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and heat for about 5–10 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

In the Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In the Slow Cooker: For an easy method, transfer the soup to a slow cooker. Set it on low and heat for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

What To Serve Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe

Paula Deen Chicken Soup Recipe pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, steamed broccoli, and mashed potatoes. It also can be served alongside cornbread, a fruit salad, roasted vegetables, and crackers for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. However, using a whole chicken adds more flavor to the broth. If using chicken breasts, you may want to add extra seasonings to boost the flavor.

Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

Can I freeze the Paula Deen Chicken Soup?

Yes, the soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to add fresh noodles after reheating, as pasta can become soft when frozen.

Try more recipes:

• Dawn Russell Zucchini Soup Recipe
• Danos Lasagna Soup Recipe
• Covent Garden Mushroom Soup Recipe