Philadelphia-style Chicken Soup

Ingredients

This Philadelphia-style Chicken Soup differs from the original Greek Kotosoupa in a few ways. Firstly, it incorporates local ingredients commonly found in Philadelphia, such as carrots, celery, and onions. Additionally, it uses a blend of herbs and spices that are popular in Philadelphia cuisine, such as thyme and bay leaves. Lastly, the cooking technique is adapted to the Philadelphia style, ensuring a rich and flavorful broth that is characteristic of the city's culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Kotosoupa, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) chicken, bone-in 2 pounds (900g) chicken, bone-in
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5. 5.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Philadelphia-style Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For a more flavorful soup, you can use bone-in chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks. Remove the skin before cooking to reduce the fat content.
• Bay leaves — Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving the soup, as they are not meant to be eaten.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a tangy twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the soup just before serving.
• Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like potatoes or peas.
• For a heartier meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.
• Don't skip the fresh parsley garnish as it adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Philadelphia-style Chicken Soup in warm bowls, allowing the comforting aroma to envelop your senses. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the Philadelphia-style Chicken Soup, make sure to ladle it generously into bowls, ensuring that each serving has a generous amount of chicken, vegetables, and flavorful broth. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch of elegance.