Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup

Looking for a warm and comforting meal to soothe your soul during cold weather? Look no further than our healthy homemade chicken soup recipe! This nourishing broth is packed with vegetables, tender chicken, and herbs that will leave you feeling revitalized. Perfect for families or as an easy dinner option on busy nights.

Chicken soup has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. It's not just delicious but also beneficial when recovering from illnesses like the common cold due to its soothing properties and rich content of vitamins and minerals. In this article, we will walk you through how to prepare this wholesome dish step-by-step.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
• 4 quarts water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 5 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 large potato, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups fresh parsley leaves (or 1/4 cup dried)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

Begin by cleaning your chicken thoroughly under running water. Remove any excess fat from the skin but leave the skin on to add more flavor and richness to the soup.

1. In a large stockpot, combine all ingredients except for the parsley and lemon wedges. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat immediately once it starts boiling and simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Once cooked through, use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot. Allow it to cool enough to handle before stripping off the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any bones and skin.
3. Add back the chicken back into the broth along with fresh parsley leaves. Simmer for another 30 minutes or so until all flavors meld together.
4. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning as needed by adding salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon slices if desired before serving hot straight from the pot or ladled into bowls.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe takes approximately 3 hours to prepare including cooking time of around 2 hours for the chicken. It serves about 6-8 people generously depending upon individual appetites and hunger levels.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)

Calories: 170 kcal Protein: 35g Carbohydrates: 14g Fiber: 3g

Tips & Variations

• To make a low-sodium version, omit salt until the very end of cooking and use only a pinch or two if necessary. You can also add extra vegetables like parsnips for extra fiber content.
• For a heartier meal, serve this soup alongside crusty bread rolls which soak up every last bit of delicious broth!

Conclusion

A homemade chicken soup is more than just comfort food; it's an act of self-care and love. By preparing such nutritious meals at home, you take control over what goes into your body, ensuring better health outcomes. Whether served during winter colds or enjoyed simply as a treat on a lazy weekend afternoon, this recipe promises satisfaction every time. Happy cooking!