Healthy and Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a classic comfort food that has been cherished for its soothing properties during the flu season or simply when you need to feel better. This simple recipe provides a hearty yet nutritious meal, perfect for busy weeknights or as an indulgent treat on weekends.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts or thighs
3 carrots, sliced into chunks
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 celery sticks, sliced
3 cups of water or broth (chicken)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing vegetables, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary, and lemon slices for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Begin by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, gently add the onions, celery, and carrots to sauté until they become soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Incorporate the garlic into the mixture, stirring it around for another minute or two. This step enhances the flavor of your soup by caramelizing slightly some of the vegetables.
Now place the chicken breasts/thighs into the pot and cook until they are golden brown on each side, about 7 minutes per side. Then remove them from the heat source and set aside to cool a bit before chopping or shredding.
Add water or broth along with salt and pepper to the pot; bring it all to a boil. Reduce the heat immediately after boiling begins to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Use tongs to take out the chicken pieces from the soup, allowing them to cool enough so you can easily handle them without burning yourself. Once cooled down, shred or dice finely into bite-sized pieces. Return these back into the pot with the vegetables; heat briefly until everything is warm.
If desired, garnish each serving with lemon slices and additional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken soup!

Preparation Time & Servings

Total preparation time is roughly 30 minutes, while the cooking duration takes about an hour including simmering time. This recipe serves four generous portions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The exact nutritional breakdown will vary depending on individual ingredients used and portion size but generally speaking, one serving contains around:

Calories: ~300 kcal
Total fat: ~12g
Saturated fat: ~3g
Cholesterol: ~90mg
Total carbohydrates: ~40g (including fiber)
Sugars: ~7g
Protein: ~45g

Tips for Perfecting the Flavor

To ensure your chicken soup turns out particularly tasty, here are some expert tips:

Add more vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other veggies such as green beans, potatoes, or zucchini which can add depth and texture.
Season judiciously: Taste your broth frequently while cooking; season accordingly. Too much salt at the beginning might lead to over-salting later in the process.
Use homemade chicken stock if possible: While store-bought options work well enough, making your own can elevate the flavor profile significantly.

Conclusion

A good bowl of chicken soup is not just about filling up but also about nurturing both body and soul. Whether you're cooking for yourself or someone else during tough times, this simple yet satisfying dish proves that great meals don't always require complex techniques or exotic ingredients.