Intuitive Nutrition Homemade Chicken Soup Using a Pre-Cooked Chicken

Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 2.5 hours | Serves: 6–8

🛒 Ingredients

For the stock:

• 1 pre-cooked whole chicken (carcass + leftover meat)
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, halved (leave skin on for colour)
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp peppercorns
• A few sprigs of parsley and thyme (or 1 tsp dried herbs)
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2.5–3 litres cold water

For the soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 courgette (zucchini), diced (optional)
• 1 parsnip or small swede, diced (optional for depth)
• Reserved cooked chicken (shredded)
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Squeeze of lemon juice (optional, brightens the flavour)

🍲 Step-by-Step Method

1. Make the Stock (1.5–2 hours):

• Remove as much meat as possible from the cooked chicken and set aside.
• Place the chicken carcass and skin in a large pot with all stock ingredients.
• Cover with water and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5–2 hours. Skim off any foam that rises.
• Strain through a fine sieve into a clean pot or large bowl. Discard the solids (or compost).

2. Prepare the Soup Base (30–40 mins):

• In a clean soup pot, heat olive oil/butter over medium heat.
• Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
• Add diced courgette and parsnip/swede if using, then pour in the strained stock.
• Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.

3. Add Chicken and Season (Final 5–10 mins):

• Stir in shredded chicken. Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to heat through.
• Taste and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh parsley.

🥣 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with crusty sourdough or gluten-free bread.
• For extra gut-healing, stir in a spoonful of collagen powder or gelatin before serving.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last 2 minutes for a green boost.