How to Make a Flavorful Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has long been known for its healing properties and comforting warmth. Whether you're using it as a light meal or a quick remedy when you feel under the weather, this classic recipe is both easy and delicious. In this article, we will explore how to prepare a nourishing chicken soup that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare Chicken Soup

To begin, prepare the chicken by rinsing it under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

In a large pot, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Add in the celery, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves, and stir everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so that the flavors start blending well together.

Once the vegetables have softened somewhat, sprinkle in the flour and mix it into the vegetables. Stir continuously until a roux forms. This will help thicken your soup later on during cooking time.

Next, add in your chicken breasts along with vegetable broth to cover them entirely. Bring everything up to a simmer; then reduce heat down to low so that you maintain a gentle boil without letting it bubble too much which could cause the soup’s texture to break apart prematurely.

Cooking time for this step should be approximately 20 minutes - ensuring that all pieces of chicken are fully cooked through before moving onto the next stage. Use a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast or wing section if you're unsure about doneness; it must reach at least 165°F (74°C).

After achieving proper internal temperature for your main protein component, remove and set aside while continuing to simmer down the vegetables until they become very tender. You might need another 10-15 minutes depending on how soft you like them.

Garnish and Serve

Add salt and pepper according to taste preference. If desired, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Serve immediately in bowls and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken soup either as a meal by itself or alongside some crusty bread.

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 6 people comfortably. Adjust the portion sizes accordingly based on individual preferences and family size.

Cooking Time

The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45-60 minutes, including preparation steps before starting to cook as well as serving after completion.