Fast Chicken Soup Base Recipe is a really great soup recipe. It made it exactly as written and it came out fabulous. It also used this as a base to make Chicken Tortellini Soup With Zucchini and Tomatoes.

Ingredients:

1 quart water

1 store-bought roast chicken

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

2 quarts chicken broth

2 large onions, cut into medium dice

2 large stalks celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick

2 large carrots, peeled and cut into rounds or half rounds, depending on size

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method:

Bring broth and water to a simmer over medium-high heat in a large soup kettle. Meanwhile, separate chicken meat from skin and bones; reserve meat.

Add skin and bones to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer until bones release their flavor, 20 to 30 minutes.

Strain broth through a colander into a large container; reserve broth and discard skin and bones. Return kettle to burner set on medium-high.

Add oil, then onions, carrots and celery. Saute until soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add chicken, broth and thyme.

Bring to a simmer. (Can be refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Return to a simmer before adding the extras of your choice.)