Healthy Chicken Soup for a Winter Day

Chicken soup is one of those comforting meals that can be enjoyed all year round, but it's especially popular during the colder months when we need something warm and nourishing to uplift our spirits. This healthy chicken soup recipe is packed with flavor and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and serves four people.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs)
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the chicken. Rinse it under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large pot.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook them for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften.

3. Add the cooked vegetables into the pot with the chicken along with water or broth. Stir gently so all ingredients combine well.

4. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender enough to fall apart easily when pulled from its bones.

5. Remove the chicken from the pot. Once it has cooled slightly, remove meat from the bones using two forks or tongs. Return this shredded chicken back into the soup pot.

6. Add thyme and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor, you can add some garlic powder or ginger during the first stage of cooking vegetables.
• To make this meal even healthier, consider using bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless ones so there will be more gelatin which thickens the soup naturally without needing any additives.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with low-fat milk or vegetable stock for a creamier texture while reducing calorie content significantly.

Conclusion:

This simple yet satisfying healthy chicken soup recipe makes an ideal light meal during winter days when you just want something warm and filling. Whether enjoyed on its own as part of a balanced diet, or paired with some whole-grain bread to make sandwiches for lunchboxes, this dish provides comfort and sustenance perfectly suited for colder weather conditions.