Deliciously Simple Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a comforting dish that has been a staple in many households for generations. This simple yet flavorful recipe provides all the ingredients and steps to make a delicious chicken soup at home without any complex techniques or tools required.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
• 6 celery stalks, sliced diagonally
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Steps

Start by preparing your chicken. Rinse it under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft and translucent.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook them on all sides until they turn golden brown. This should take approximately 7-8 minutes. If you do not have a large pot, divide the ingredients between two pans for even cooking.
3. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon and set aside. Be sure to keep all juices in the pot.

To continue with the recipe:

4. Add the carrots, celery, garlic, and sauté them for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften slightly but still retain some crispness. The vegetables should not be overcooked at this stage.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Stir everything together well before letting it come to a boil on high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes while partially covered to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.

Add back in the previously cooked chicken pieces into this broth. Adjust seasoning according to personal preferences by adding salt and pepper as needed. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully heated through - approximately another 10-15 minutes.

Final Touches

Garnish your soup with fresh parsley for added color if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this nourishing dish straight from a bowl or over some crusty bread to soak up the extra goodness!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, consider adding a few tablespoons of cream just before serving.
• To make it more substantial, add some cooked noodles or rice towards the end of cooking time when the soup has thickened slightly from reduced liquid content.
• If you prefer a spicier version, you can incorporate some red pepper flakes into either during sautéing stages or right before serving.

This homemade chicken soup recipe provides an easy yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. The key to success lies in balancing the flavors through appropriate seasoning and timing throughout each step. Experiment with various spices and vegetables based on what you have available at home for a unique twist every time!