Brenda Gantt Chicken Soup
- Prep 20 min
- Cook 1 hr 10 min
- Total 1 hr 30 min
- Serves 8
- Level Easy
About Brenda Gantt’s Chicken Soup
Brenda Gantt is a Southern home cook from Andalusia, Alabama, known for simple, from-scratch cooking and for making the most of what is on hand. She has talked about turning leftover vegetables into a soup, and that practical spirit is behind this pot of chicken soup. You can read more of her background in our stories and keep up with the latest on our news page.
Chicken soup is a staple of Southern kitchens. It is the pot people make when someone is under the weather, when the weather turns cold, or when there is a crowd to feed. Simmering a whole chicken gives the broth body, and a few vegetables from the pantry and a package of egg noodles turn it into a full meal.
If you enjoy soup season, try our vegetable soup, potato soup, and cabbage soup too. You can also browse the full recipe collection.
Watch How It’s Made
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Brenda Gantt Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large stockpot (6 to 8 quart)
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Ladle
- Measuring cups & spoons
See our kitchen guides for help choosing a good stockpot and knife.
Instructions
- Start the broth. Put the chicken in a large stockpot with the water, onion, celery, bell pepper, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer. Skim any foam from the top. Cover partly and simmer for 1 hour, until the chicken is very tender and falling off the bone.
- Shred the chicken. Lift the chicken onto a cutting board and let it cool for 10 minutes. Remove the skin and bones, discard the bay leaves, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the vegetables. Add the carrots, garlic, and thyme to the broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the noodles. Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender.
- Finish. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and heat through. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
- Rest and serve. Let the soup sit off the heat for 5 minutes, stir in the parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 290 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Nutrition values are estimates and are not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Health Benefits of Chicken Soup
High in Protein
Chicken provides lean protein that helps you feel full and supports muscle repair.
Hydrating & Soothing
Warm broth helps you stay hydrated and is easy to eat when you are feeling run down.
Vitamin A from Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A for eye and immune health.
Veggie-Packed
Onion, celery, carrots, and bell pepper add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to every bowl.
What to Avoid
Preparation Mistakes
- Don’t boil hard. A rolling boil makes the broth cloudy and the chicken tough. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Don’t overcook the noodles. They keep softening in the hot broth, so cook just until tender.
- Don’t under-season. Taste at the end and add salt a little at a time.
Storage Mistakes
- Don’t leave it out. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Don’t freeze it with the noodles. They turn mushy. Freeze the soup base and add fresh noodles when reheating.
Dietary Considerations
- Contains Gluten (noodles)
- Contains Egg (noodles)
- Dairy-Free
- Moderate Sodium
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Soup
- Use bone-in chicken. The bones and skin give the broth its body and flavor.
- Skim the foam. Removing it early keeps the broth clear and clean tasting.
- Add the vegetables in stages. Onion, celery, and bell pepper flavor the broth, while carrots go in later so they stay tender but not mushy.
- Season at the end. The broth reduces as it simmers, so wait to adjust the salt.
- Add a squeeze of lemon to a bowl if you want a brighter flavor.
For more techniques, browse our cooking tips.
What to Serve With Chicken Soup
Beverages
- Sweet tea
- Hot tea with honey
- Lemonade
Sides
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Cornbread
- Saltine crackers
- Grilled cheese
When to Serve
- Cold weeknights
- When someone is sick
- Sunday supper
- Feeding a crowd
Serve biscuits from our breakfast recipes on the side, and finish with a slice of chocolate pie. Leftover chicken is also great in smothered fried chicken night.
Ingredient Substitutions
| Ingredient | Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken | Bone-in thighs and drumsticks | Dark meat adds richness and stays juicy. |
| Egg noodles | Rice, small pasta, or dumplings | Cook rice separately for clearer broth. |
| Green bell pepper | Extra celery | Skip it if you do not like the flavor. |
| Water | Half water, half chicken broth | Boosts flavor if using boneless chicken. |
| Dried thyme | Poultry seasoning or fresh thyme | Use about 1 tablespoon fresh. |
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Cool, then store in airtight containers for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm on the stove over medium heat until steaming. Add a splash of water or broth if the noodles have absorbed the liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Simmer the vegetables in 3 quarts of chicken broth for 20 minutes, add the noodles, then stir in about 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken at the end. It is faster, but a broth made from a whole chicken has deeper flavor.
You can, but bone-in chicken makes a richer broth. If you use boneless breasts, replace some of the water with store-bought chicken broth and simmer the chicken for about 25 minutes, until cooked through.
Cook the noodles just until tender and serve the soup right away. For leftovers, store the broth and noodles separately, or cook the noodles in a separate pot and add them to each bowl.
Yes. Freeze the soup without the noodles in airtight containers for up to 3 months, leaving room at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and add freshly cooked noodles.
Simmer it uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce the broth, or mash a few cooked carrots or potatoes into the pot. You can also see our thickening potatoes page for another way to add body.
Yes. Put everything except the noodles in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Remove and shred the chicken, then add the noodles and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes until tender.
Reader Reviews
More Brenda Gantt Recipes
- Vegetable SoupAnother hearty pot for cold days
- Potato SoupCreamy, filling, and simple
- Cabbage SoupA light, budget-friendly soup
- Smothered Fried ChickenSouthern chicken with gravy
- Tomato GravyA classic Southern breakfast gravy
- Salmon PattiesA pantry staple supper
- Thickening PotatoesA simple way to thicken soups and stews
- Chocolate PieA sweet finish to the meal
- Chocolate Fudge PieRich and fudgy dessert
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