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+ servings
Matzo ball soup served in a white bowl, highlighting the tender matzo balls nestled in a rich, flavorful chicken broth with vibrant vegetables.

Jewish Chicken Soup (Matzo Ball Soup)

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
This classic Jewish Chicken Soup (Matzo Ball Soup) features tender chicken, fluffy matzo balls, and fresh herbs in a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for holidays or cozy evenings.
12 Servings

Ingredients

Chicken Soup:

  • 4 lbs whole chicken bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 lbs celery divided
  • 1 yellow onion peeled and halved
  • 1 lb carrots peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 oz fresh parsley
  • 1.5 oz fresh dill divided
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black peppercorns
  • tsp saffron threads optional

Matzo Balls (12-14):

  • 1 cup matzo meal
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup melted schmaltz ghee, butter, canola, or avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill minced
  • 3 quarts chicken stock or water

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Broth:

  1. Trim the celery, cutting half into 2-inch pieces and the remaining half into ½-inch pieces. Reserve the smaller pieces for later use.
  2. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and cover with 20 cups of cold water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, skimming any foam from the surface to ensure a clear broth.
  3. Add the 2-inch celery pieces, onion halves, parsley, 1 ounce of dill, cloves, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns to the pot.
  4. Simmer gently, partially covered, for 90 minutes. Avoid boiling to maintain a clear broth.

Prepare the Matzo Balls:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the matzo meal, baking powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and white pepper.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs with melted schmaltz (or your preferred fat).
  3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Add the minced dill and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Strain and Shred:

  1. Turn off the heat for the broth and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes. Test the doneness by tugging at a leg; if it comes off easily, the chicken is ready.
  2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding the cooked vegetables, herbs, and spices.
  3. Shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones.

Cook the Matzo Balls:

  1. In a separate stockpot, bring 3 quarts of chicken stock or water to a boil. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, form the matzo ball mixture into walnut-sized balls.
  2. Gently place the matzo balls into the boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30–40 minutes until the matzo balls float.

Assemble the Soup:

  1. Add the reserved ½-inch celery pieces and carrots to the strained broth. Simmer for 30 minutes or until tender.
  2. Stir in the shredded chicken and remaining fresh dill. Season the broth to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  3. Serve hot with 1–2 matzo balls per bowl, garnished with dill or parsley, if desired.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the matzo meal with a certified gluten-free matzo meal or substitute with finely ground almond flour. Ensure the chicken stock used is also gluten-free for a safe and delicious variation.
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