Traditional Hungarian Chicken Soup – Húsleves

Hungarian Chicken Soup, traditionally known as Tyúkhúsleves or simply Húsleves, is one of the most cherished dishes in Hungarian home cooking. This comforting soup is made by slowly simmering chicken with carrots, parsley root, potatoes, onions, and other vegetables until the broth becomes wonderfully rich and aromatic.

The bowl shown in the photo captures the rustic character of Hungarian homemade soup, with tender chicken, carrots, potatoes, spiral pasta, and a golden, flavorful broth.

🇭🇺 What Is Hungarian Chicken Soup?

Hungarian húsleves is much more than an ordinary chicken soup. It is traditionally cooked slowly so the chicken and vegetables have plenty of time to release their flavor into the broth.

A classic Hungarian soup often includes:

• Chicken
• Carrots
• Parsley root
• Celery root
• Kohlrabi
• Onion
• Garlic
• Potatoes
• Homemade noodles or pasta
• Fresh parsley

The finished broth should be clear, golden, fragrant, and deeply savory.

🥕 Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 whole chicken, about 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg)
• 3–4 large carrots
• 2 parsley roots or parsnips
• 1 small celery root
• 1 small kohlrabi, optional
• 2–3 potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small green pepper, optional
• A few sprigs of fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1–2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 10–12 cups cold water

For Serving

• Hungarian egg noodles or small pasta
• Fresh parsley
• Cooked chicken and vegetables