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Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup is a nourishing and comforting meal cherished for its healing properties. Made with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered in a hydrating broth, this soup supports immune health, soothes symptoms of cold, and offers gentle digestion. Perfect for cozying up or recovering from illness, this versatile recipe can be customized with noodles, rice, or extra veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or breast (bone-in for extra flavor or boneless for convenience)

Vegetables

  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Liquids

  • 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup noodles or rice (for added texture and heartiness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Trim any excess fat from the chicken. Bone-in chicken is recommended for a richer broth.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, lightly sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until fragrant and slightly softened to build flavor.
  3. Add Chicken and Broth: Place chicken pieces into the pot. Cover with water or low-sodium chicken broth. Add bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer for about one hour, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, allowing full release of nutrients and flavors.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot to evenly distribute protein.
  6. Season and Finish: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley before serving. If using noodles or rice, add them now and cook until tender.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for collagen and minerals that enhance healing.
  • Don’t skip aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs for depth and health benefits.
  • Simmer soup gently over low heat for best flavor and nutrient extraction.
  • Season the soup at the end to avoid over-salting.
  • Customize textures by adding noodles, rice, or extra vegetables as preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, healing soup, immune-boosting soup, comfort food, homemade chicken soup, gluten free soup