How to Make Comforting Frozen Chicken Matzo Ball Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Winter is the perfect season to warm up with a hearty and comforting matzo ball soup, especially if you're using frozen chicken. This guide will walk you through the process of preparing delicious matzo ball soup with frozen chicken, ensuring you have a memorable meal.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 whole 3-4 pounds frozen chicken 10 cups water (or more if needed) 2-3 carrots, sliced 2-3 celery stalks, sliced 1 onion, quartered 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional) Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

For the Matzo Balls:

1 cup matzo meal 4 large eggs 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted schmaltz (chicken fat) 1/4 cup water or chicken broth Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup

Cook the Chicken: Place the frozen chicken in a large pot and cover it with about 10 cups of water. Bring to a Boil: Heat over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Add Vegetables: Add the quartered onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the Chicken: Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the skin and bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 2: Make the Matzo Balls

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the matzo meal, eggs, oil, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. Form Balls: With wet hands, form the matzo mixture into balls, about the size of a walnut. Set aside. Cook Matzo Balls: Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the matzo balls into the boiling water, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes or until they have expanded and are cooked through.

Step 3: Serve

Combine: Once the matzo balls are cooked, add them to the chicken soup. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

Tips

Flavor Enhancements: For additional flavor, you can add bay leaves, thyme, or other herbs while the soup simmers. Storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage. If freezing, consider adding matzo balls fresh when serving to avoid them becoming mushy.

Enjoy your homemade matzo ball soup and stay warm this winter!