Healthy Chicken Soup for Cold Season

In the middle of a cold season, nothing beats the comfort food that boosts your immune system and warms you from inside out. A bowl of healthy chicken soup is the perfect remedy for a runny nose and sore throat. This recipe is easy to make at home; all ingredients are readily available in grocery stores.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, sliced thinly
• 1 celery stick, diced small
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped finely
• Salt to taste
• Paprika to taste
• Lemon juice for garnishing

Cooking Time: 45 minutes; Servings: 6 servings.

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, then sauté until soft and translucent for about five minutes.

2. Stir in the carrots and celery. Continue to cook for another three to four minutes until they begin to soften. This step adds flavor and nutrition while also enhancing the color of your soup base.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for ten minutes.

4. Add cubed chicken breasts into the pot and continue to cook until the chicken is fully cooked through – usually around 20-25 minutes or when no pink meat remains inside. Make sure you use a thermometer if necessary!

5. Meanwhile, cube the potatoes and add them into the boiling soup about fifteen minutes after adding the chicken.

6. Once both main ingredients have cooked sufficiently, stir in fresh parsley. Season with salt according to your taste preference; paprika can also be sprinkled for added color and flavor.

7. Allow another five minutes of simmering time before removing from heat source carefully using oven mitts due to heat retention inside the pot.

Garnishing:

Add a drizzle of fresh lemon juice over each serving to enhance both freshness and nutritional value of your chicken soup.

Health Benefits

• Nutritional Boost: Rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants, this chicken soup helps support immune function during colds or flu symptoms.
• Vitamin C & A: Potatoes and carrots supply Vitamin C which aids iron absorption while vitamin A supports eye health.
• Protein Support: Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle repair, growth, and maintenance.

Conclusion

A homemade chicken soup is not just about satisfying your palate but also nurturing your body when you’re feeling under the weather. Preparing this recipe at home ensures that there are no preservatives or added sugars—only wholesome goodness in every spoonful. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish anytime of the year, especially during colder months when colds spread easily among family members.