Deliciously Simple Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is one of those comforting dishes that everyone seems to love. It's perfect for a cold winter day or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe offers a simple yet delicious version, ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

This recipe will serve 4 people and takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, not including cooling time. The key to making this soup tasty is using fresh ingredients and simmering it slowly to let the flavors meld together.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of chicken pieces (breast or thighs work well)
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery sticks, cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 cups of water or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (optional for thicker soup)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by rinsing your chicken pieces under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a large pot: Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You can use a stockpot or any other large vessel that has a lid.

3. Fry the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add your chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides. This step is crucial as it adds flavor to the broth. It should take about 5 minutes per side for browning.

4. Add vegetables: After the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the pot and add in the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaf. Sauté these veggies for another 5-7 minutes until they start to soften but not turn golden.

5. Cooking broth: Return the chicken back into the pot along with six cups of water or homemade chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.

6. Create creaminess (optional): If you prefer your soup to be slightly thicker, add two tablespoons of flour at this stage while stirring continuously. Let it thicken by cooking another 5 minutes or so before proceeding further.

7. Fine-tuning: Season the soup with salt and pepper according to taste preferences. Taste it now; you might find that adding some lemon slices just before serving enhances its flavor significantly too!

Tips & Variations

• To make this dish even healthier, substitute chicken pieces for turkey or use boneless skinless chicken breasts only.
• If you enjoy more robust flavors, consider adding some dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary during the simmering process.
• For a bit of kick, incorporate cayenne pepper into your broth. However, be careful not to overdo it since too much heat could easily overpower other components in the dish.

Tips: While you're waiting for the soup to finish cooking, prepare some fresh bread or crackers on the side to accompany this meal. This way, everyone can enjoy their nourishing bowl of chicken soup with something tasty and light too!

Final Notes: Remember that leftovers are great for lunches! Store any extra soup in an airtight container inside your refrigerator where it should last up to four days.

This homemade chicken soup isn't just about satisfying hunger; it's also about nurturing health and bringing joy. Whether you're enjoying this dish alone or sharing with friends, there's nothing quite like the warmth provided by a steaming bowl of deliciously simple chicken soup.