Healthy Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a classic dish that has been cherished for its warmth and comforting flavors. This versatile meal can be adapted to fit various tastes and dietary needs. In this article, we will explore the steps to prepare a healthy chicken soup that is both nutritious and delicious.

The key ingredient in our recipe today is "chicken." When selecting your chicken, look for organic or free-range options for better nutritional value and taste. This versatile bird can be used in many forms—whether it's bone-in, skin-on, or as a mixture of dark meat and white meat.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds of chicken pieces (a mix of dark and light meat)
• 2 onions, peeled and chopped finely
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1 lemon, halved for garnish
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

To begin your healthy chicken soup, first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it starts to shimmer, add the onions and carrots, and cook until they are softened but not browned, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, rinse the chicken pieces under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking. Add the seasoned chicken into the pot, skin-side down if possible, and allow it to brown on all sides. This should take around 5-7 minutes per side.

Lift the chicken out of the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon, leaving any accumulated juices behind in the pot. Return the onions and carrots to the pot along with the garlic, stirring everything together for about one minute until fragrant.

Once all ingredients have been prepared, pour in eight cups of water or chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil before lowering the heat so that it simmered slowly. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let it cook for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how tender you want your chicken to be.

During the last fifteen minutes of cooking time, you may add salt and pepper according to taste preferences if desired. Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the pot carefully using tongs or a slotted spoon; set them aside until later use for shredding. You can also check if there is enough liquid in your soup by adding more water or broth as needed.

Shredding and Serving

After removing the chicken pieces, let them cool slightly before handling them with clean hands to shred them into bite-sized pieces. Return these shreds back into the pot of simmering soup along with any leftover vegetables. Taste your creation once more and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Cook this mixture for another 10 minutes until everything is thoroughly combined. Serve hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice over each bowl. This simple yet satisfying meal can be enjoyed immediately after preparing it or stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to three days.

For those who prefer freezing leftovers, ensure that you cool your chicken soup completely before transferring it into containers designed specifically for freezer use. Freezing this dish allows you to enjoy its delightful flavors at another time when needed most. Remember always to label and date each container properly so that you know exactly how long the food has been stored.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total cooking time for making healthy chicken soup is approximately two hours, including preparation and cooling times. It serves six people generously, but it can easily be doubled or halved based on your family size requirements. Adjust the quantity of ingredients accordingly.

Conclusion

Cooking a homemade healthy chicken soup offers numerous health benefits while being cost-effective compared to buying ready-made versions from stores. By following these straightforward instructions, you'll end up with a nourishing and satisfying meal that will keep everyone warm on cold days or provide an easy dinner option during busy weeks.