- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Start by placing your chicken (whole or parts) into a large pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs (bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns). If you have any leftover vegetable scraps or herbs, feel free to throw them in as well—they’ll add extra flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the ingredients with water, making sure there’s enough to submerge the chicken and vegetables. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth has developed a rich, savory flavor.
- Strain the Broth: Once the soup is ready, remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. You can save the chicken meat for other uses, like adding it back to the soup later or using it in sandwiches or salads. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining bits of vegetables and bones, leaving you with a smooth, clear broth.
- Reduce the Broth (Optional): For a more concentrated flavor, you can simmer the broth for an additional 30 minutes to reduce it. This step is optional, but it can make your soup cubes even richer and more flavorful.
- Cool the Broth: Allow the broth to cool slightly before transferring it into ice cube trays or silicone molds. If you’d like to add more flavor, you can season the broth with salt to taste at this stage.
- Freeze the Broth: Pour the broth into the ice cube trays, making sure the cubes are not too large, so they will melt easily when you use them later. Place the trays in the freezer and let the broth cubes freeze completely, which should take about 4 hours or overnight.
- Store and Use: Once frozen, pop the soup cubes out of the trays and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date so you can keep track of freshness. When you need a quick meal, simply drop one or two cubes into a pot of hot water or broth, and you’ll have a warm, homemade chicken soup in minutes.
How to Use Homemade Chicken Soup Cubes
Now that you have a stash of homemade chicken soup cubes, you can use them in various ways:
- Quick Soup: Add 1–2 cubes to a pot of hot water or broth, and season with additional herbs or spices as needed. Let it melt, and you’ll have a comforting, nutrient-rich soup in minutes.
- Cooking Base: Use the cubes as a base for other recipes, such as risotto, stews, or gravies. The rich chicken flavor can enhance any dish.
- Rice or Quinoa: Drop a cube into the water when cooking rice or quinoa for an extra boost of flavor.
- Pasta Sauce or Stir-Fry: Use the cubes to add depth to your favorite pasta sauces or stir-fries.
Benefits of Homemade Chicken Soup Cubes
- Rich in Protein and Collagen: Chicken soup is known for its ability to support joint health and promote gut healing. The collagen extracted from the chicken bones during the simmering process can help improve skin elasticity, joint flexibility, and overall wellness.
- Immune-Boosting: The combination of chicken, garlic, and vegetables in homemade chicken soup cubes provides essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, C, and zinc, which help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
- Hydration: Chicken broth is not only comforting but also hydrating. It’s a great way to keep your body replenished, especially during cold and flu season.
- Digestive Health: The gelatin in the broth from the bones can help improve digestion, soothe the stomach, and even support the healing of the digestive tract lining.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken soup cubes are a game-changer in the kitchen. They’re healthy, affordable, and versatile, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of homemade chicken soup whenever you need it. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal, adding flavor to other dishes, or supporting your health with a nutrient-dense broth, these cubes will become an essential staple in your freezer. Not only do they make meal prep easier, but they also ensure that you’re always ready to enjoy a comforting, wholesome bowl of chicken soup.
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