How to Make Delicious Chicken Soup with Vegetables

Chicken soup with vegetables is a popular recipe that everyone loves. This warming and comforting dish can be enjoyed any time of the year, especially during cold days or when you need something light yet filling. Here’s how to make it at home in just one hour for 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken (around 3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Varieties of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, green beans

Steps for Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast it for about 1 hour until the meat is fully cooked (check with a thermometer). The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

Once done, take out the chicken from the oven and let it rest for around 10 minutes. After that, carefully remove all the meat from the bones. You will get about 4 cups of cooked chicken pieces.

In a large pot, heat up olive oil over medium heat. Add in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéing them until they are soft but not browned (about 5-7 minutes).

Add the roasted chicken back into the pot along with 8 cups of chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Cooking Process

Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat down significantly so that you can simmer gently for about an hour while adding your vegetables one by one towards the end of cooking time. Begin with lighter-colored veggies like zucchini which take longer than darker ones such as bell peppers or green beans.

1. Add 2 cups diced zucchini first after boiling for half an hour
2. After another twenty minutes, add in another 1 cup sliced bell pepper and 1/2 cup green beans
3. Simmer until all vegetables are tender but not mushy - this should take around ten more minutes.

Final Step

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Season each bowl with additional salt & pepper as needed based on personal preference. This hearty chicken soup is now ready to serve immediately! It can also be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for later use.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

The exact nutritional value may vary depending upon the specific ingredients used but here’s an estimate:

• Calories: ~300 per serving
• Fat: ~14g per serving
• Protein: ~25g per serving
• Sodium: ~600mg per serving
• Fiber: ~7g per serving

Tips for Success

For best results, make sure you don't overcook the chicken. Overcooking can result in dry meat which isn’t desirable at all. Also, ensure that your vegetables are not overly cooked as they should retain some texture but still be tender enough to eat easily.

Bonus Recipe Idea

Consider making a vegetarian version of this dish by replacing the chicken with 1 cup of lentils or chickpeas. You can also add more herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create delicious homemade chicken soup packed full of vegetables that will warm your heart and stomach.