Pileća Supa sa Zelenchuk
A comforting and flavorful chicken soup packed with tender chicken pieces and a medley of fresh vegetables, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken or chicken pieces(about 2.2 lbs)
- 2.5 L Water(about 10 cups)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 3 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 Celery stalks(chopped)
- 3 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Parsley(fresh, chopped, for garnish)
- 1 Bay leaf
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken in a large pot with water. Add salt and a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- 2
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth and discard the bay leaf. Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken meat.
💡 Tip: Ensure all impurities are skimmed off for a clear broth. - 3
In the same pot (or a clean one), heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, and chopped celery to the pot. Pour in the strained chicken broth.
💡 Tip: Ensure vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. - 6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 7
Add the shredded or diced chicken back into the soup. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. - 8
Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Tip: A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon can be added for extra flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, you can use chicken bones or a whole chicken.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or leeks.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little water towards the end of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add small pasta shapes like orzo or alphabet pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking the vegetables.
- For a heartier soup, add cooked rice or barley.