Sesame Free Healing Chicken & Root Vegetable Soup
There is something deeply comforting about a pot of slow-simmered chicken soup built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients — and this one delivers that comfort in spades. 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 forms the backbone of everything else in the pot. Carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and celery are added after straining, so every vegetable cooks in that clean, concentrated liquid until perfectly tender. For anyone navigating a sesame allergy or sensitivity, this recipe is genuinely stress-free — there are no sauces, pastes, oils, or condiments hiding in the ingredient list, just herbs, salt, and fresh produce. Shredded chicken gets stirred back in at the end, making every bowl hearty and satisfying rather than brothy and thin. A handful of fresh parsley on top is optional, but it adds a bright finish that makes the whole thing feel a little more special.
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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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