Delia Smith Chicken Soup Recipe

Delia Smith chicken soup is a creamy and velvety chicken soup, made with fresh chicken stock, fresh herbs, and milk. It is a recipe by Delia Smith, a famous British cook and author, who is known for her simple and reliable recipes. Delia Smith chicken soup is a comfort food that can warm you up on a cold day, soothe your sore throat, and make you feel better when you’re sick. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or to make a simple and nutritious meal for your family.

Other Soup Recipes

• Mary Berry Vegetable Soup Recipes
• Delia Smith Broccoli and Stilton Soup
• James Martin Leek and Potato Soup

Why You Love this Recipe

Delia Smith’s chicken soup recipe stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Rich Flavor from Fresh Stock: The use of fresh chicken stock, crafted with chicken giblets, onion, and bay leaf, imbues the soup with a profound and robust flavor that store-bought stock simply can’t match.
• Aromatic Freshness with Herbs: A medley of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and tarragon adds a burst of freshness and a delightful aroma, elevating the soup’s overall sensory appeal.
• Creamy and Velvety Texture: The combination of butter, flour, and milk creates a luxuriously creamy and smooth texture, making every spoonful a pleasure.
• Ease of Preparation: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, with simple, everyday ingredients and a clear, step-by-step guide.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With tender chicken pieces and a variety of vegetables, this soup is both nourishing and fulfilling, perfect for a wholesome meal.
• Customizable to Taste: The recipe is flexible, allowing you to use different parts of the chicken or incorporate additional ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith’s Chicken Soup

For the Chicken Stock:

1. Chicken giblets – for a rich and flavorful stock
2. 1 large onion – peeled and sliced
3. 1 bay leaf
4. 2.5 liters of water

For the Soup:

1. 450 grams of chicken (your choice of breast, thigh, leg, or wing), cut into bite-sized pieces
2. Salt and pepper – for seasoning
3. Cooking oil – for browning the chicken
4. 1 onion – peeled and diced
5. 1 carrot – peeled and diced
6. 1 stick of celery – diced
7. 1-2 cloves of garlic – peeled and crushed
8. 25 grams of butter
9. 25 grams of flour
10. 600 ml of milk
11. Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, tarragon) – chopped, about 2 tablespoons each

Optional Garnishes and Accompaniments:

1. Additional fresh herbs
2. Grated cheese
3. Crusty bread, rice, or noodles for serving

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Chicken Soup

Step 1: Make the chicken stock

The first step to making Delia Smith’s chicken soup recipe is to make the chicken stock. This will take about an hour, but it’s worth it, trust me.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Rinse the chicken giblets under cold water, and place them in a large saucepan.
• Peel and slice the onion, and add it to the saucepan, along with the bay leaf and 2.5 liters of water.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface.
• Strain the stock through a sieve into a measuring jug, and discard the giblets, onion, and bay leaf. You should have about 1.5 liters of stock. If you have more, boil it until it reduces to 1.5 liters. If you have less, add some water to make up the difference.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

The next step to make Delia Smith chicken soup recipe is to cook the chicken. You can use any part of the chicken you like, such as breast, thigh, leg, or wing. You’ll need about 450 grams of chicken, which is enough for 4 servings. Here’s what you need to do:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat some oil in a frying pan over high heat, and brown the chicken on all sides, for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Transfer the chicken to a plate, and set aside.

Step 3: Make the soup base

The third step to make Delia Smith chicken soup recipe is to make the soup base. This is where you’ll add the vegetables, butter, flour, and milk, to create a creamy and thick soup.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Peel and dice the onion, carrot, and celery, and peel and crush the garlic.
• Melt the butter in the same frying pan you used for the chicken, over medium heat.
• Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and a pinch of salt, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
• Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, to make a smooth sauce.
• Stir in the chicken stock, and bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add the chicken and herbs

The final step to make Delia Smith chicken soup recipe is to add the chicken and herbs. This will give the soup some protein and flavor, and make it more filling and satisfying. Here’s what you need to do:

• Chop the parsley, thyme, and tarragon, and measure out 2 tablespoons of each.
• Add the chicken and the herbs to the soup, and simmer for 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the soup is fragrant.
• Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 5: Enjoy your chicken soup

Congratulations, you’ve just made Delia Smith chicken soup recipe! Now you can enjoy your chicken soup, either as a starter or a main course.

What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Chicken Soup?

Delia Smith’s chicken soup pairs wonderfully with various sides:

• Crusty Bread or Grains: Serve the soup with crusty bread, rice, or noodles. These options not only add heartiness to the meal but also complement the soup’s flavors beautifully.
• Garnishing for Enhanced Taste: Enhance the soup with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese. These simple additions can elevate the flavor profile and add a delightful textural contrast.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Chicken Soup

To elevate your chicken soup to Delia Smith’s standard, here are some professional tips:

• Opt for Chicken Giblets for Stock: Utilize chicken giblets for the stock. They are rich in flavor and gelatin, contributing to a richer, more substantial broth. You can find them inside a whole chicken or purchase them separately.
• Skim for Clarity: As the stock simmers, skim off any scum that surfaces. This step is crucial for achieving a clear, pure stock.
• Perfectly Brown the Chicken: Brown the chicken pieces thoroughly. This not only adds a beautiful color but also enriches the soup with a caramelized depth of flavor.
• Soft and Golden Vegetables: Cook your vegetables until they are soft and acquire a golden hue, which brings out their inherent sweetness and flavors.
• Smooth Integration of Flour: Combine the flour seamlessly with the butter and vegetables. This ensures the soup is free from lumps and smooth in texture.
• Gradual Incorporation of Milk: Add the milk gradually to the flour mixture. This technique is key to creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Balanced Seasoning: Season the soup well with salt and pepper to enhance its overall taste.
• Fresh Herbs for More Flavor: Fresh herbs are preferable as they offer more flavor and aroma compared to dried ones. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage, rosemary, or dill to add variety.

Variations of Delia Smith Chicken Soup

Experiment with these variations to add a personal touch to Delia Smith’s chicken soup:

• Add Color and Texture: Introduce corn, peas, or beans to the soup. These ingredients not only enrich the color palette but also contribute additional texture.
• Boost Flavor and Nutrition: Incorporate mushrooms, leeks, or spinach. These vegetables offer a boost of flavor and are packed with nutrients.
• Spice it Up: For a bit of warmth and spice, sprinkle in some curry powder, cumin, or turmeric.
• Richer and Creamier: Enhance the soup’s richness by adding cream, sour cream, or yogurt.
• Cheesy Delight: For a savory twist, stir in some cheddar, parmesan, or blue cheese.

How do I store Delia Smith Chicken Soup Leftovers?

Here’s how to keep Delia Smith’s chicken soup leftovers fresh:

• Cool Before Storing: Let the soup cool completely to prevent bacterial growth before storing.
• Label for Easy Identification: Mark the container with the soup’s name and storage date to avoid any mix-ups.
• Account for Expansion: Leave space in the container, especially when freezing, to allow for expansion.

How do I reheat Delia Smith Chicken Soup Leftovers?

Follow these tips for reheating Delia Smith’s chicken soup leftovers:

• Gentle Reheating: Warm the soup in a saucepan over low heat. Avoid boiling to prevent the milk from curdling.
• Adjust Consistency: Add water or stock if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
• Fine-Tune Seasoning: If needed, adjust the seasoning for optimal taste.
• Garnish as Desired: Before serving, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or cheese for added flavor and appeal.

This is the end of the recipe blog post about Delia Smith chicken soup recipe. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned how to make this delicious and comforting soup. Delia Smith chicken soup recipe is a simple and reliable way to make a creamy and velvety chicken soup, with fresh chicken stock, fresh herbs, and milk. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or to make a nutritious and satisfying meal for your family. You can also customize the soup to your liking, by adding or changing some ingredients, or serving it with different accompaniments. You can also store and reheat the soup easily, for later use.

Thank you for reading, and happy cooking! If you liked this recipe blog post, please share it with your friends and family.