americas test kitchen chicken soup: Discover the secrets to the perfect chicken soup with America's Test Kitchen.

America’s Test Kitchen has a well-earned reputation for producing balanced, thoroughly tested recipes—and their chicken soup is no exception. Their chicken soup recipe is beloved for its clear, rich broth, tender shreds of chicken, and a savory mix of vegetables, all designed to provide comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful. The process typically involves simmering bone-in chicken parts with aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery, removing the meat partway to prevent overcooking, and straining the broth for clarity. This method results in chicken that stays juicy and soup that’s both hearty and elegant, with that homemade quality cooks value.

From a designer’s point of view, making great chicken soup is a lot like crafting a harmonious living space. You need the right foundational flavors (just as you would with colors or textures in a home), thoughtful layering of ingredients (as with furniture placement), and attention to small details that affect the overall experience. If you’re planning to serve homemade soup at a dinner party, imagine how it can be presented—perhaps in artisan bowls at a creatively styled dining table. And just as with fine-tuning your floor plan before moving furniture, you can envision your kitchen’s workflow with tools like an online kitchen layout planner to optimize both cooking and entertaining.

Tips 1:

For the best homemade chicken soup, use bone-in pieces for maximal flavor extraction, and don’t forget to add a splash of acidity (such as lemon juice or a drop of vinegar) at the end to brighten the finished dish. Garnish with fresh herbs for a visual and flavor boost. And when serving guests, consider how tableware and presentation can elevate the humble bowl of soup—much like how interior details can transform a room.

FAQ

Q: What kind of chicken is best for America’s Test Kitchen chicken soup?

A: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (like thighs, drumsticks, or breasts) are preferred for richer flavor and juicier meat.

Q: How long does it take to make homemade chicken soup?

A: The process typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, allowing time for simmering and prepping ingredients.

Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

A: Yes, but you’ll want to make stock separately since rotisserie chicken won’t provide as much flavor or gelatin as raw bones.

Q: How do I keep my chicken soup broth clear?

A: Skim the broth occasionally as it simmers and strain the final soup through a sieve or cheesecloth.

Q: What vegetables work best in homemade chicken soup?

A: Classic choices are onions, carrots, and celery, but you can also add leeks, parsnips, or herbs for extra depth of flavor.