Classic Chicken Soup
We know that the streets of New York City are always bustling — the breakneck pace often calls for us to enjoy some of life’s simpler pleasures. As far as those pleasures are concerned, it’s hard to beat a tasty, nutritious, ad comforting bowl of chicken soup. Whether you’re in a rush, battling a cold, or simply in need of a warm embrace, chicken soup and the convenience of having its ingredients delivered to you offers unparalleled convenience.
Before we dive into our favorite chicken soup recipe, let’s talk about why chicken soup is an incredible meal for New Yorkers.
Why Chicken Soup is Perfect For New Yorkers
This simple yet comforting dish is a perfect match for the fast-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers.
Here’s why:
Providing an Energy Boost
The city that never sleeps demands a lot from its inhabitants! Chicken soup, with its high nutritional value, provides the necessary energy to keep up with New York’s relentless pace. The broth, rich in vitamins and minerals, acts as a natural energizer, making it an ideal meal for those always on the go. It’s a warm option, too—it’s hard to beat a warm bowl of soup in the cold NYC weather!
New Yorkers are also no strangers to many tempting food options, from cheap and easy bagels to delicious corner pizza shops in the Village. Chicken soup offers a healthy alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Its immune-boosting properties are especially valuable in the crowded urban environment, where staying healthy more important than ever.
Comfort Amidst the Chaos
The city’s vibrant energy, while exhilarating, can also be overwhelming. Chicken soup serves as a comforting reminder of home and simplicity in the midst of New York’s complexity. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, offering solace and a moment of peace in the bustling city life.
Adaptability
Just like the city itself, chicken soup can be tailored to fit any taste. If you’re looking for something a little different than the recipe we have below, that’s fine! Use it as a base to get you started. After all, chicken soup is a canvas for the diverse flavors of New York, accommodating everything from the traditional to the most avant-garde ingredients. This versatility makes chicken soup a reflection of the city’s melting pot culture.
Convenience
In a city where time is precious, chicken soup is a lifesaver. It’s easy to prepare, can be made in large batches, and freezes well, aligning perfectly with the busy schedules of New Yorkers. And for those days when cooking is not an option, grocery delivery services, such as FreshDirect, ensure that a comforting meal is just an order away!
In a Rush? Get Your Chicken Soup Delivered Instead!
Before we get started with the recipe, we thought we should mention something quick.
We understand that things can get hectic — and when they do, why not have your chicken soup delivered instead? FreshDirect has you covered when you aren’t looking to cook. Our meal delivery options include some hearty chicken noodle soup filled with your favorite ingredients. Or, if you prefer a more health-conscious option, we have the same bowl raised without any antibiotics.
Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, don’t miss out on convenient chicken soup delivery straight to your door!
Ingredients For the Perfect Chicken Soup
Now onto the ingredients!
- The chicken: First of all, you can’t have a chicken soup without some delicious chicken. We recommend a 3-4 pound pasture-raised chicken — they provide more nutritional value, and they’re tastier in the long run!
- Vegetables: Chicken soups need some vegetables — they add more nutrients, texture, and color to your dish. We recommend 1 large yellow onion, a pound of carrots, a pound of celery, and a head of garlic for our recipe. However, you can add in whatever vegetables you like!
- The noodles: If you’re making chicken noodle soup, you’ll need some tasty noodles. A pound of egg noodles will work just fine here.
- Fresh herbs: Herbs help to finish off dishes, and our chicken soup is no exception. Parsley is our herb of choice here, but you can add whatever you like, such as summer savory, thyme, or any other herb that you prefer.
- Kosher or sea salt: Most dishes need some salt to taste! Help bring your dish together with some kosher or sea salt.
Quick Ingredient List
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
4 medium carrots, peeled and
cut into 1/2-inch rounds
4 ribs celery, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 bay leaf
One whole chicken, 3–4 lb
1 lb egg noodles
Salt and pepper
3-4 sprigs roughly chopped parsley
Simple, Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Chicken Soup Recipe
1. Heat a large pot, melt the butter over medium. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and saute until just softened, 4–5 minutes. Add bay leaf and the whole chicken to pot, then pour in enough water to completely cover the chicken. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a brisk simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook until chicken is tender and falling off the bone, about 3 hours. Remove from heat.
2. Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place on a cutting board to cool. Once it is cool enough to touch, remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones and roughly chop the meat.
3. Add the chicken meat back to the pot with the broth and vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the egg noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, 8–10 minutes. Turn off the heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley before serving.
Tip: Chicken soup can be frozen for a later date.
And there you have it — delicious chicken soup that we know you’ll love!
Best New York City Activities to Enjoy When it’s Chicken Soup Season
The colder months offer unique opportunities to experience the Big Apple’s charm, with each borough presenting its own set of winter wonders. And what better way to complement these chilly outings than with the comforting warmth of our chicken soup recipe above?
Here are some of the best New York City activities to enjoy when it’s chicken soup season:
Go For A Serene Walk Through Central Park
Winter in Central Park is like stepping into a snow-globe scene, complete with ice skating at Wollman Rink, snow-laden walks through Bethesda Terrace, and picturesque views from Bow Bridge. These frosty activities make the thought of returning home to a steaming bowl of chicken soup even more delightful!
Capture a Different Perspective at the High Line
Experience a different perspective of winter on the High Line. This elevated park offers a unique stroll with views of snow-dusted city architecture and the icy Hudson River. After a brisk walk, the thought of hot chicken soup waiting at home is a comforting one.
Get Stunning Views From the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge provides stunning winter vistas of the Manhattan skyline. And the best part? It’s far less crowded during the colder months!
Embrace The Magic of the Bryant Park Winter Village
The Winter Village at Bryant Park is a festive destination, featuring the city’s only free-admission ice skating rink, holiday shops, and delicious food stands. After gliding on the ice and exploring the holiday market, warming up with chicken soup can feel like a cozy hug in the bustling heart of Midtown.
Tackle a World-Class Museum
Sometimes, even a warm bowl of soup isn’t enough to beat the harsh cold weather.
If it’s too cold to be outside, why not have some fun inside?
NYC is full of world-class museums — some of which include:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) – Offers an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years of art from around the globe, located on Fifth Avenue.
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – Features modern and contemporary art, including works of architecture, design, paintings, sculptures, photography, and films, located in Midtown Manhattan.
- American Museum of Natural History – One of the largest natural history museums in the world, showcasing exhibits on human cultures, the natural world, and the universe, located on the Upper West Side.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – Known for its unique architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this museum houses a renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art, located on the Upper East Side.
- Whitney Museum of American Art – Focuses on 20th- and 21st-century American art, with a particular emphasis on living artists, located in the Meatpacking District.
Find the Ingredients You Need From FreshDirect — Delivered Straight To Your Door!
Ready to start your chicken soup journey? If so, why not skip the grocery lines and get everything you need delivered with convenient same-day delivery? FreshDirect has all the fresh and tasty ingredients you need to make an unforgettable chicken soup. Start your order today!