Chestnut Free Healing Chicken & Root Vegetable Soup
Few things are as genuinely restorative as a pot of slow-simmered chicken soup built from scratch, and this one earns its "healing" name through honest, unfussy technique. Bone-in chicken pieces go into cold water with a splash of apple cider vinegar, which helps draw rich gelatin and minerals from the bones as the broth slowly develops over a long, gentle simmer. The result is a deeply savory, golden broth that no carton from the store can quite replicate. Carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and celery go in after straining, so every vegetable stays vibrant and holds its shape rather than turning to mush. The whole ingredient list is straightforward root vegetables, fresh herbs, and chicken — nothing processed, nothing obscure, and nothing that could sneak in a hidden allergen to worry about. It's the kind of soup that works equally well as a weeknight dinner or something you make when someone in the house needs a little extra comfort. A handful of fresh parsley over the top at the end keeps it bright and just a little bit beautiful.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the broth
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and/or drumsticks), fresh or freshly thawed
- 8 cups cold water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the soup
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 8 oz), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 3 stalks celery, sliced ½-inch thick
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken pieces in a large 6–8 qt stockpot and cover with 8 cups of cold water. Add the apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off any gray foam that rises to the surface during the first 10 minutes.
- 2
Once the broth is clear and the foam has been skimmed, add the thyme sprigs and rosemary sprigs. Partially cover the pot and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes — do not exceed 2 hours 30 minutes total simmer time.
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