Easy Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup has long been a go-to remedy for those feeling under the weather. Known as a soothing dish that can help clear nasal congestion and boost your immune system, chicken soup is also deliciously comforting when consumed on a cold winter evening.

This simple recipe will guide you through creating a hearty yet light meal. The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes for chopping vegetables and preparing the ingredients, while the cooking time over low heat should take around an hour to ensure your soup reaches its peak flavor. It serves four people comfortably as a main course or can be served in larger portions as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (or 4 cups of cooked chicken, skin removed)
• 3 quarts water
• 6 carrots, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 5 celery stalks, sliced thinly
• 8 ounces of white or cremini mushrooms, sliced thin
• 1 yellow onion, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by prepping your ingredients. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmer but not quite smoking.

1. Add the diced carrots and celery along with the finely chopped onion. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly while the chicken is being cooked elsewhere.
2. If you are using a whole chicken, cut into smaller pieces and place them in another pan where they will brown on all sides under medium heat until well-cooked through; otherwise, use pre-chopped or shredded cooked chicken.
3. When the vegetables have softened, add the mushrooms. Stir continuously to prevent burning but allow the mushrooms time to release their juices, which will help flavor the broth.
4. Once you've browned all your ingredients and combined them with the water, bring everything to a boil. Then reduce heat so that it simmers gently for about an hour, skimming any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking. This step is crucial in creating clear, tasty broth.
5. Afterward, season generously with salt and pepper according to your preference, adding more water if necessary to maintain a soup-like consistency. Garnish with lemon juice for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

To enhance the dish, consider trying different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms for added umami depth. Alternatively, you could experiment by adding various herbs and spices like thyme, parsley, or bay leaves to tailor the flavor according to individual tastes.

Health Benefits

In addition to being a delicious comfort food, chicken soup provides numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins A and C which are great for boosting your immune system. The vegetable content adds essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and folate contributing to overall good health.

Conclusion

This easy-to-make Chicken Soup recipe proves that nutritious meals don't have to be overly complicated or time-consuming. With just a few basic ingredients readily available in most kitchens, this meal can provide substantial nourishment while being both satisfying and tasty.