Chicken Soup from Leftover Carcass - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Chicken Soup from Leftover Carcass

(349)
2 hr 10 min8220 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|March 15, 2024

Every roast chicken carcass that gets thrown away is a pot of soup you wasted. Save the bones, skin, and any pan drippings. Put them in a large pot with water, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Simmer for 2 hours. Strain, return the broth to the pot, add fresh vegetables and any leftover chicken meat. This is zero-waste cooking at its finest — your grandmother did this instinctively.

leftover-chickenleftoverquick

Ingredients

Servings:
8

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Build Layers of Flavour

Sear the chicken first to develop a fond (those brown bits on the bottom of the pot). Deglaze with broth and scrape it all up — that's where 80% of your soup's depth comes from.

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

Add Acid at the End

A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar added right before serving brightens the entire bowl. It doesn't make it sour — it makes everything else taste more like itself.

About This Recipe

There's something incredibly heartwarming about transforming a simple roast chicken carcass into a rich, nourishing soup. This Chicken Soup from Leftover Carcass is a cherished Canadian tradition, reflecting our zero-waste ethos and love for comfort food. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when a family member is feeling under the weather; the fragrant broth warms both body and soul, while the tender bits of chicken and vibrant vegetables add a delightful texture and flavor. Home cooks across Canada have long embraced this dish, not just for its deliciousness but for the memories it evokes—of gathering around the table with loved ones and sharing a bowl of homemade goodness.

As you simmer the bones together with aromatic vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery, the kitchen fills with a familiar, soothing aroma that beckons everyone home. Each sip of this soup tells a story of resourcefulness and love, making it not just a meal but a nourishing experience that connects us to our roots and to each other.

Tips for the Best Chicken Soup from Leftover Carcass

For the best flavor and clarity in your broth, be sure to strain it well after simmering. This removes any impurities that could cloud your soup. When adding fresh vegetables, aim for a variety of colors and textures—think diced potatoes, chopped kale, or sweet peas. If you’re using leftover chicken, add it towards the end of cooking to keep it moist and tender. Remember, a gentle simmer is key; boiling can make the meat tough and the broth cloudy.

What to Serve With It

Serve your Chicken Soup in deep bowls, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with warm, crusty bread from a local bakery or a classic Canadian biscuit to soak up the delicious broth. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side salad with seasonal produce, bringing a lovely crunch that complements the soup's comforting warmth.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you want to freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure you leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.

Nutrition Per Serving

220
Calories
23g
Protein
12g
Fat
37g
Carbs
Fiber5g
Sugar5g
Sodium645mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken carcass for this recipe?+

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it in the recipe. The flavor will still come through beautifully.

What vegetables can I add to my soup?+

Feel free to mix and match with whatever you have on hand! Common additions include potatoes, corn, green beans, and even leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard.

How do I make this soup richer?+

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar while the broth simmers. This adds depth to the overall taste.

Can I use store-bought chicken broth instead of making my own?+

Yes, you can substitute store-bought broth, especially if you're short on time. However, homemade broth adds an unmatched flavor that elevates the soup.

What can I do with leftover vegetables from the soup?+

Leftover vegetables can be puréed into a creamy soup or added to stir-fries or casseroles, making sure nothing goes to waste.

Reviews

4.5 / 5 (349 reviews)
Nicole C.
Oct 13, 2025

Great recipe! Even my picky kids loved it.

Emily Q.
Jun 6, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Jessica T.
Mar 13, 2025

The flavours are incredible. Restaurant quality at home!

Ryan L.
Jun 27, 2025

Really good! I added a bit more seasoning but otherwise perfect.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
2 hr
Total:
2 hr 10 min
Servings:
8
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Always add a splash of broth or water when reheating chicken — it prevents drying out and adds moisture back.
  • 2Leftover chicken keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. If you won't use it by then, freeze it in portioned bags.
  • 3Rotisserie chicken from Costco ($7.99 for a whole chicken) is the best value ingredient in Canadian grocery stores.

Variations

  • Any leftover chicken recipe works with rotisserie, grilled, baked, or slow-cooked chicken.
  • Add extra vegetables to bulk up the meal without extra protein.
  • Swap chicken for turkey — Thanksgiving leftover turkey works in every recipe here.

Leftover Chicken Recipes

Chicken Soup from Leftover Carcass

One bite of this Chicken Soup from Leftover Carcass and you will be hooked. Save for later!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Chicken Soup from Leftover Carcass - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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