Healthy Chicken Soup for Busy Weeknights

Chicken soup is a timeless classic that has been cherished for its soothing properties and nutritional value. This comforting dish provides the perfect remedy for colds, flu, or just a need for something warm during busy weeknights. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious homemade version in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, sliced finely
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

To begin, you'll want to start by chopping your carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces. While preparing the vegetables, place a large pot on high heat over medium-high flame. Once hot, add in one tablespoon of olive oil.

1. Once the oil has heated up slightly, add in the chicken breasts. Allow them to cook until they have browned all over – this should take about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the heat and set aside on a plate.
2. Next, decrease the flame under your pot to medium-low heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onions, and garlic into the same pot that you used for cooking the chicken. Stir in these ingredients together until they are slightly softened. This process usually takes about 5 minutes.
3. After the vegetables have begun to soften, add back the cooked chicken breasts along with any juices from the plate. Pour over your chicken broth and black pepper into this mixture. Stir everything together so that it is well-combined.
4. At this point, you can either leave as is or stir in some small pasta if desired. Bring to a boil before reducing heat again until it begins simmering gently. Let the soup simmer slowly for around 20 minutes while continuing to stir occasionally.
5. Once done, remove from stove top and allow it cool slightly before serving with salt according to taste preference.

This simple yet effective method will leave you with a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup that can be customized based on personal preferences. Feel free to experiment by adding different spices like cumin or paprika for an extra kick, or perhaps try substituting some of the ingredients used depending upon what you have available at home.

Health Benefits

Chicken soup is well-known for its health benefits. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and broth provides essential nutrients like protein, vitamins (A, C), minerals (potassium) among others which support overall wellness especially during flu season when immune system needs strengthening.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties due to its ability to reduce inflammation associated with colds and other respiratory infections. Moreover, it helps thin mucus secretions so they can be expelled more easily through coughing or blowing one's nose.

Custom Variations

If you're looking for additional flavor options without adding too much complexity, consider these simple adjustments:

• Incorporate some fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme right at the end of cooking time to enhance freshness.
• Add more spices like cayenne pepper if you prefer spicier soups.
• For those who enjoy a bit of creaminess in their broth, consider adding heavy whipping cream towards the finish instead of pasta.

The versatility makes this recipe appealing for various occasions throughout the year. Whether served as part of a weekday meal or during family gatherings on weekends, this hearty dish promises to satisfy every taste bud while offering numerous health benefits too.