Classic Chicken Matzo Ball Soup Recipe (Print Version)
Warm, comforting Matzo Ball Soup featuring fluffy matzo balls in a savory chicken broth. A traditional Jewish recipe, ideal for any occasion.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 75 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 100 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Jewish
Dietary: Kosher
# Ingredients:
→ The Golden Broth Foundation
01 -
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken (e.g., thighs and drumsticks)
02 -
2 large carrots, roughly chopped
03 -
2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
04 -
1 large yellow onion, quartered
05 -
1/2 cup fresh dill and parsley, roughly chopped
06 -
2 bay leaves
07 -
1 tsp whole black peppercorns
08 -
12 cups cold water
09 -
1 tbsp salt
→ Matzo Ball Magic
10 -
1 cup matzo meal
11 -
4 large eggs
12 -
1/4 cup melted chicken fat (schmaltz) or vegetable oil
13 -
1/4 cup seltzer water or club soda
14 -
1 tsp salt
15 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Vibrant Garnishes & Final Seasoning
16 -
3 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
17 -
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
18 -
Fresh dill and parsley, for garnish
19 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot, combine 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken, 2 large carrots (roughly chopped), 2 stalks celery (roughly chopped), 1 large yellow onion (quartered), 1/2 cup fresh dill and parsley (roughly chopped), 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns, 12 cups cold water, and 1 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60 minutes. This is the foundation for your Grandma's Comforting Matzo Ball Soup.
02 -
Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or bowl, discarding solids. Skim off any excess fat if desired. Set aside the cooked chicken to cool, then shred the meat from the bones. Chill the broth while preparing the matzo balls.
03 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs. Add 1 cup matzo meal, 1/4 cup melted chicken fat (schmaltz) or vegetable oil, 1/4 cup seltzer water or club soda, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
04 -
With wet hands, gently roll the chilled matzo ball mixture into 1.5-inch balls. You should get about 16-20 matzo balls. Ensure they are not packed too tightly for a lighter texture in your Grandma's Comforting Matzo Ball Soup.
05 -
Bring the strained chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the formed matzo balls into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the matzo balls are puffed and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
06 -
While the matzo balls cook, add 3 medium carrots (thinly sliced) and 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced) to the simmering broth. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
07 -
Stir in the shredded chicken from Step 2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Ladle generous portions of Grandma's Comforting Matzo Ball Soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh dill and parsley.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra fluffy matzo balls, ensure your seltzer water is very cold. You can also substitute chicken fat (schmaltz) with vegetable oil for a pareve option, though schmaltz adds richer flavor.
02 -
Leftover matzo ball soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Matzo balls tend to absorb more broth over time, so you might want to store them separately or add extra broth when reheating.
03 -
Serve this comforting soup with a side of challah bread or crackers. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors beautifully.
04 -
Don't overmix your matzo ball batter; gentle mixing prevents dense matzo balls. Also, ensure your broth is simmering, not boiling vigorously, when cooking the matzo balls to prevent them from breaking apart.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large stockpot
02 -
Large mixing bowl
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Slotted spoon
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Measuring cups
08 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
Protein: 22 g