Chicken Carcass Soup (Homemade Recipe)

Experience the joy of homemade Chicken Carcass Soup – a comforting, sustainable, and flavorful classic that turns every chicken bit into a delicious bowl of warmth.

Let’s talk leftovers—the unsung heroes of every great kitchen. If you’ve ever looked at a picked-over roast chicken carcass and thought, “There’s nothing left to do with this,” think again. 

That humble pile of bones is about to become the star of the show in this homemade Chicken Carcass Soup. A cozy, hearty, and downright magical way to turn leftovers into a warm hug in a bowl.

Few things offer as much comfort and nourishment as a warm pot of soup. This delightful concoction not only warms your soul but also makes the most of every part of the chicken, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. 

This isn’t just about stretching your grocery budget (though, let’s be real, we love that too). It’s about extracting every last bit of flavor from your chicken and transforming it into a broth so rich and golden, it feels like liquid gold. 

With just a handful of simple ingredients—onions, carrots, celery, and some dried herbs—you’ll create a soup base that’s bursting with flavor. Add tender pasta, perfectly cooked veggies, and shredded chicken, and suddenly you’ve got a meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something soothing, this soup delivers every single time. 

Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add extra veggies, swap in rice, or spice it up with your favorite seasonings. Waste less, savor more, and enjoy the simple pleasure of turning “leftovers” into something truly extraordinary. Let’s get simmering!

If you love soup recipes you may also like to try my Low Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup or my Keto Cheeseburger Soup.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS HOMEMADE CHICKEN CARCASS SOUP RECIPE

• Budget-Friendly: Stretch that roasted chicken into another delicious meal. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and save money!
• Rich, Flavorful Broth: Simmering the chicken carcass creates a deeply flavorful, golden broth that you just can’t get from store-bought options.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and veggies, this soup is like a hug for your soul on a cold day.
• Customizable: Whether you swap pasta for rice, add extra veggies, or spice it up, this soup can adapt to whatever you’re craving.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a nourishing and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this soup is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The soup tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need something warm and cozy, this soup is always the answer.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE HOMEMADE CHICKEN STOCK

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this homemade soup (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Olive oil – or avocado oil
• Leftover carcass – can use leftover rotisserie chicken carcass
• Filtered cold water
• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots
• Sea salt and black pepper
• Bay leaves
• Spices like dried oregano and dried basil
• Pasta – can use egg noodles, gluten-free noodles, rice, or any cooked noodles of choice. 
• Cooked chicken breasts – you will have leftover chicken pieces from the chicken carcasses, however a little extra shredded chicken adds more protein to this soup. Can use leftover chicken meat you already have on hand.

HOW TO MAKE THE CHICKEN BONES BONE BROTH

1. Prepare the Chicken Carcass:

• If you’re using a roasted or cooked chicken carcass, remove any remaining meat from the bones. Save the meat for later use in the soup in a large bowl.

2. Simmer the Broth:

• Place the chicken carcass in a large stock pot and cover it with water. Add the onion, celery and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a very light boil, then reduce to a low heat and allow to gently simmer. Leave it on a low simmer for 2 hours, occasionally skimming any impurities that rise to the surface.

3. Strain the Broth:

• Once the broth has simmered and developed a rich flavor, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the solids. This will leave you with a clear, flavorful broth. You can remove more leftover bones with a slotted spoon if they don’t all come out with the strainer.

4. Make the Soup:

• To turn the broth into a complete soup, add the cooked chicken meat, chopped vegetables, and dried herbs to the broth and cook for approximately 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. In a separate large pot cook the pasta according to package directions. Then add them to the completed soup.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the homemade chicken carcass soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and savor the warmth and goodness.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Start with a quality carcass – the quality of the leftover chicken carcass you use will significantly impact the flavor of your soup. If possible, use the carcass from a roasted or cooked chicken, as it will be richer in flavor.
• Roast the Carcass (Optional) – to enhance the flavor of your chicken carcass, you can roast it in the oven for about 20-30 minutes before making the broth. Roasting adds a deeper, savory dimension to the broth.
• Don’t Overdo Seasoning – while it’s essential to season your broth with salt and pepper, avoid adding too many herbs and spices. The goal is to create a versatile base that you can later season to suit your specific soup recipe.
• Skim the Impurities – during the simmering process, periodically skim off any impurities that rise to the surface. This helps maintain a clear and flavorful broth.
• Use Cold Water to Start – begin with cold water when covering the chicken carcass. Slowly heating the water allows the flavors to develop more effectively.
• Don’t Overcook – avoid overcooking the soup once you’ve added the cooked chicken meat and vegetables. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, and the meat is heated through, but be cautious not to overcook, as this can affect the texture.
• Customize with Vegetables – you can add a variety of vegetables to your soup, such as carrots, celery, and onions. These not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value.
• Experiment with Noodles or Grains – if you want to transform your broth into a hearty soup, consider adding noodles, rice, or pasta. These provide substance and turn your broth into a complete meal.
• Freeze the Broth – if you have leftover broth, freeze it in portions for future use. This way, you’ll always have a homemade chicken broth on hand for soups, stews, or sauces.

STORING LEFTOVER CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE

1. Cool the Soup:

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature after cooking. It’s essential to cool it relatively quickly to prevent bacterial growth.

2. Refrigeration:

• If you plan to consume the leftover roast chicken soup recipe within a few days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent odors from affecting the soup.

3. Freezing:

• For longer-term storage, consider freezing the leftover chicken soup. Ladle the cooled soup into airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Alternatively, you can use freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

4. Label and Date:

• Always label the containers with the date of preparation. This makes it easier to keep track of how long the soup has been stored.

5. Portion Control:

• Consider portioning the leftover roast chicken soup before freezing it. This allows you to defrost only the amount you need at any given time.

6. Defrosting:

• When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen soup, place it in the refrigerator for gradual defrosting, which maintains the soup’s texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQS

WHAT’S THE BENEFIT OF USING CHICKEN CARCASS TO MAKE SOUP?

Using a chicken carcass to make soup creates a rich, flavorful broth packed with nutrients like collagen and minerals, making it both delicious and nourishing. It’s a budget-friendly way to reduce food waste and turn leftover meat into a comforting, homemade meal.

CAN I USE RAW CHICKEN CARCASS TO MAKE THE SOUP?

Yes, you can use a raw chicken carcass, but a roasted or cooked carcass often yields richer flavors. Roasting the carcass before making the soup is a common practice to enhance flavor.

HOW LONG SHOULD I LET IT SIMMER FOR THE BEST BROTH?

Simmering the chicken carcass for 2-3 hours is typically sufficient to extract flavors and nutrients. However, you can simmer it longer for a more concentrated and flavorful broth.

HOW LONG DOES FROZEN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP LAST IN THE FREEZER?

When properly stored in the freezer, chicken carcass soup can remain good for 2-3 months or even longer. Proper storage is key to preserving its quality.

IS THIS ROTISSERIE CHICKEN STOCK SUITABLE FOR ALL DIET TYPES?

Homemade rotisserie chicken carcass soup can be adapted to fit various diets. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and can be customized to meet specific dietary requirements.

HOW CAN I ENSURE THE DELICIOUS HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP REMAINS FREE OF IMPURITIES?

Skimming the impurities that rise to the surface during the simmering process helps keep the soup clear and flavorful. Skim them off as needed throughout the cooking time.

CAN I MAKE THIS WITH A STORE-BOUGHT ROTISSERIE CHICKEN?

Yes, you can definitely use the whole chicken. It’s not necessary to wait until you have a roast chicken dinner for Thanksgiving or Christmas to save the bones for homemade stock.

CAN I MAKE THIS IN AN INSTANT POT OR SLOW COOKER?

Yes, you can absolutely make homemade chicken carcass soup in both an Instant Pot and a slow cooker, and each method has its advantages.

Instant Pot Method:

Ingredients and Preparation:

1. Use the same ingredients as mentioned in the blog post (chicken carcass, water, vegetables, and herbs).
2. Place all the ingredients into the Instant Pot.

Instructions:

1. Close the Instant Pot and set it to the “Soup” function. If your Instant Pot doesn’t have a soup function, you can use the “Pressure Cook” function.
2. Set the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, depending on your preference for a more concentrated broth.
3. Allow for a natural release for about 10-15 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Slow Cooker Method:

Ingredients and Preparation:

1. Use the same ingredients as mentioned in the blog post.
2. Place all the ingredients into the slow cooker.

Instructions:

1. Set your slow cooker to the low setting and cook for 6-8 hours or until the broth reaches your desired flavor and color. You can also set it on high for 3-4 hours if you need a quicker result.
2. After the cooking time, strain the solids from the broth using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.

Using these appliances can save you time and effort in monitoring the simmering process. However, you might find that the flavors are slightly different compared to traditional stovetop simmering. Experiment with both methods to see which one suits your preferences best.

Other Warming Meals You May Enjoy!

• Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
• Vegan Thai Red Curry With Tofu
• Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
• Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
• 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
• ​Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe 
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
• Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
• Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
• Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls With Easy Peanut Sauce
• Peach Tomato Feta Salad
• Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
• Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites

IF YOU MAKE THIS HOMEMADE CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS DELICIOUS SOUP RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails