Chicken Soup Recipe

Looking for a comforting, nourishing meal that can be prepared quickly with minimal effort? Chicken soup is often a go-to choice when you need something warm and tasty. This recipe provides an easy way to prepare delicious chicken soup at home, suitable for all ages in your family.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into parts (or 3 cups cooked chicken)
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 stalk of celery, finely sliced
1 medium onion, diced
6 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust according to taste)
1 bay leaf
A few sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by sautéing the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken parts and sauté them until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: After browning the chicken pieces, transfer them to a slow cooker or a large saucepan. Pour in the water or broth. Then add the carrots, celery, and onion into the pot or slow cooker. Stir everything together so that all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded nicely.

Step 4: If you are using a whole chicken instead of cooked chicken, it will take longer—approximately 3 hours. After the cooking period ends, remove the chicken pieces from the pot/slow cooker and let them cool slightly before shredding or pulling apart into bite-sized chunks with your hands.

Step 5: Once shredded, return the chicken back to the soup pot. Add salt and pepper to taste along with the bay leaf for added flavor. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes without boiling so as not to overcook the vegetables which may cause them to become mushy.

Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time and Servings

This chicken soup recipe takes approximately 1 hour for preparation and cooking time. It yields about 4-5 servings depending on portion size.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: ~300 kcal
Total Fat: ~7g
Saturated Fat: ~1.5g
Cholesterol: ~60mg
Sodium: ~400mg
Total Carbohydrates: ~20g
Dietary Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~10g
Protein: ~35g

Tips and Variations

To enhance the flavor of your soup, consider adding more vegetables such as peas or corn kernels during the last 20 minutes of cooking. You can also include some noodles like egg noodles for added heartiness.

If you prefer a lighter version without the chicken skin, use boneless and skinless chicken breasts instead. This will significantly reduce the fat content while maintaining its delicious taste.

Conclusion

p>Chicken soup is not only comforting but also highly nutritious. Preparing it at home allows for flexibility in adjusting flavors to suit individual preferences. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a homemade chicken soup anytime you want—a perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal!