Healthy Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a popular remedy for those who are feeling under the weather or simply need a comforting and nutritious meal. This easy-to-make chicken soup not only provides warmth but also boosts your immunity with key nutrients essential during colder months. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious, nourishing dish that serves four people in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients needed for making this healthy chicken soup:

• 2 lbs of organic chicken pieces
• 4 cups of water
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
2. Next, stir in the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown on all sides.
3. Add carrots, celery, thyme, salt, pepper, and low-sodium chicken broth to the pot. Mix well before bringing everything to a boil.
4. Cover and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender enough to easily shred with a fork or spoon.
5. Once done, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken from the broth. Let it cool slightly before shredding into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
6. Pour the shredded chicken back into the pot and let simmer for another 5 minutes just to heat through without overcooking further. Taste test and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

This homemade chicken soup is not only satisfying but also packed with vitamins like vitamin C from the carrots and antioxidants found in celery. Additionally, it contains proteins derived primarily from the chicken which are vital for muscle repair and growth.

Chicken soup is particularly beneficial when you're battling a cold or flu as it aids in relieving symptoms such as congestion and fever thanks to its soothing properties. The warmth of this dish can help reduce body temperature slightly while increasing perspiration, making one feel better overall. Moreover, the broth helps keep mucus membranes moist thus reducing dryness associated with upper respiratory infections.

For those watching their calorie intake, you may consider using less oil and choosing leaner cuts of chicken. You could also experiment by adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers depending on your preference. To make it more robust for someone who has a stronger immune system, you might add some spicy elements such as chili flakes or cayenne pepper to provide an added kick without compromising its healthfulness.

Prepared this way, our healthy chicken soup promises to be both delicious and beneficial. Enjoy your meal!