Healthy Chicken Soup for a Cozy Day

Chicken soup is a classic remedy for colds and flu, providing warmth and nourishment to the body during winter months or when you're feeling under the weather. This easy-to-make chicken soup recipe will keep your family cozy and healthy with its delicious flavors and rich broth. Perfectly suited for those looking for comfort food, this simple yet flavorful meal can be prepared in about 30 minutes and serves four people.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 6 cups of water
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, sliced diagonally
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper (or red pepper flakes for a kick)
• Optional: 3 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth

Cooking time: Approximately 30 minutes. Servings: Enough for four people.

Instructions:

1. Start with the vegetables: Begin by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's hot, add your chopped onions and cook them until they start to soften, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the carrots and celery, stirring occasionally for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened but not yet reached a mushy state.
2. Adding garlic and flavoring: While your veggies are cooking, mince some garlic cloves to make sure they don't burn once added. After about six minutes of cooking vegetables, add the minced garlic into the pot. Stir it around for another minute or so until there's a nice aroma from the garlic.
3. Bring broth and chicken to simmer: Pour 6 cups of water into your soup mixture along with any optional broth you might be using. Bring everything to a boil before adding in your raw chicken pieces, making sure they are covered by about an inch of liquid. Lower the heat down to medium-low so that it simmers gently.
4. Simmer until done: Allow this mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes – keep an eye on it and adjust as needed depending on how much moisture you want in your soup. Once the chicken is fully cooked through (check by slicing into a piece; if clear juices run out, then it's done), remove any skin or bones from each portion.
5. Blend for creaminess: You can opt to blend some of the broth and vegetables until smooth with an immersion blender or let them cool slightly before transferring to a standard blender. This will make your soup richer and more velvety. Blend just enough so that you achieve desired texture but still maintain some chunky pieces.
6. Serve hot: Ladle the chicken soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if preferred, and serve warm! It's perfect for sipping on cold days or when recovering from illness.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This homemade chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed full of nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet. The vegetables provide essential vitamins like vitamin C, which helps support the immune system, while the protein found in the chicken supports muscle repair and growth. Additionally, the broth contains electrolytes such as sodium and potassium which can help balance fluid levels within the body.

Chicken soup is especially beneficial during flu season because it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties due to its high content of antioxidants like beta-carotene present in carrots. Drinking chicken soup also helps thin mucus, making it easier to breathe and clear out congested noses and throats.

Incorporating this warming dish into your weekly meal plan can bring more comfort during colder months or times when everyone is getting sick easily. Enjoy making and sharing this hearty chicken soup with loved ones!