Healing Chicken Soup
Healing Chicken Soup is the best comfort food for your soul, perfect for nourishing your body and boosting your spirit.
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 3 stalks celery sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 8 cups chicken broth homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup water if needed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 Juice lemon optional, for brightness
- 1 cup egg noodles or rice optional, for heartiness
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by rinsing the whole chicken under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Cut the chicken into pieces: legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken pieces, skin-side down, for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf.
Building the Soup
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them among the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add water if needed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Shredding the Chicken
- Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot using tongs. Let them cool slightly.
- Shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
Final Touches
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- If adding egg noodles or rice, stir them into the soup and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice if using.
Serving the Soup
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
Notes
Consider pairing this delightful soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg
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