Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls is a comforting Jewish classic made with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and light, fluffy matzo balls. It is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want a warm and satisfying bowl of soup.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and flavorful homemade chicken broth
- Light, tender matzo balls
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation
- Perfect for Jewish holidays and cozy family meals
Ingredients
For the Chicken Soup
- 1 whole chicken, about 4–5 lbs
- 10 cups water
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh dill, optional
For the Matzo Balls
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted chicken fat
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls
- Make the broth: Place the chicken, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1½–2 hours, skimming any foam from the surface.
- Prepare the matzo balls: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, broth, oil or chicken fat, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley. Stir in the matzo meal until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Strain the soup: Remove the chicken and vegetables from the broth. Shred the chicken, discard the bones and bay leaves, and return the desired amount of chicken and vegetables to the broth.
- Cook the matzo balls: Bring a separate pot of salted water or broth to a gentle boil. Roll the chilled matzo mixture into small balls with wet hands. Add them to the pot, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- Finish the soup: Add the cooked matzo balls to the chicken soup and simmer for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken soup into bowls with chicken, vegetables, and matzo balls. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Tips for the Best Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to create a clear, flavorful broth.
- Chill the matzo mixture before shaping the balls for easier handling.
- Wet your hands before rolling the matzo balls to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overmixing the matzo mixture so the finished balls stay tender.
- For richer flavor, use chicken fat instead of vegetable oil.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls recipe combines rich homemade broth, tender chicken, vegetables, and fluffy matzo balls in one comforting bowl. It is a classic recipe that works beautifully for holidays, Shabbat, or a cozy family meal.
