Bahamian chicken souse recipe is a colorful soup dish, it’s a combination of juicy chicken, tangy, lemon juice, and nutritious vegetables. The aroma and taste in the recipe from fresh and dried herbs soothe the dinner tables from generation to generation.

The chicken souse is a traditional dish of many Caribbean countries like the Bahamas, Tobago, Trinidad, and Barbados. It is a main course recipe that is originated from Africa and Europe. In Bahamian, it is pronounced as “sow-se”. The word souse means soaking in liquid, and in this recipe, chicken is marinated in lemon juice.

Chicken Souse Recipe

The marination of chicken wings in lemon juice, and sauteing of vegetables makes chicken souse a pack of tempting flavors. Any type of protein source and vegetables go well for a chicken souse recipe. From potatoes to peas and carrots to celery, all compliment the rich taste of this traditional soup.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken Wings: For preparing the base of soup, chicken wings with skins are my first choice.

Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth pair well with chicken wings and vegetables to make a perfect souse base.

Onion: The aromatic notes and browning effect of onion complement the souse recipe.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory note along with a fresh aroma.

Carrots: Provides a subtle sweetness and color to the souse.

Potatoes: Along with adding an earthy taste to the souse, it also increases the nutritional content in the recipe.

Celery: Add depth of flavor to the soup.

Vegetable Oil: For sauteeing the vegetables and chicken wings.

Lemon Juice: Add tangy and refreshing flavor to the recipe.

Spices: Thyme, salt, black pepper powder, all spice powder, bay leaves, onion powder, and garlic powder will kick up the spice game in souse recipe.

Step By Step Directions

Step1- Marinate the Chicken

Firstly, in a large mixing bowl add clean chicken wings.
Then pour lemon juice, sprinkle salt and black pepper. Give them a good mix to combine well.
Cover with lid and let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Step2- Sautee Chicken & Veggies

Secondly, prep the vegetables by washing them thoroughly under tap water, and cutting them into cubes.
In a pot, heat vegetable oil then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sautee them for a minute until translucent.
Then add marinated chicken wings and brown all sides.
Then add chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery and saute them for 5-10 minutes on high heat.

Step3- Add Aromatics

Then add thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper powder, bay leaves and allspice powder.
Sautee them until fragrant.

Step4- Simmer with Broth

Finally, pour chicken broth into the pot and let it boil over a high flame.
Then reduce the flame to low and simmer until chicken and vegetables become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Once the soup is ready, garnish the soup with fresh herbs and serve it hot with boiled rice, dumplings, or bread. The sauteed vegetables like broccoli, peas, and carrots also pair well with the soup.

Tips That Will Help

For a richer tangy flavor marinate the chicken for a longer time.
You can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting the spices.
Experiment with a variety of other meats like boneless chicken and turkey.
You can use the vegetables as per preference.
If you want a thick broth consistency then try adding corn slurry to the soup.

FAQ’s

Can I make chicken souse recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3- days. Then reheat it over the low flame or microwave for 2 minutes.

Can I freeze chicken souse recipe?

This is a freezer friendly recipe and is good in freezer up to 2 months. However, it is best to use an airtight container for freezing the soup.