Hearty Chicken Soup: A Perfect Winter Comfort Food

Chicken soup is a classic remedy for colds and flu that has been passed down through generations. This popular recipe can be found in almost every household's recipe box, making it one of the most sought-after winter comfort foods. Whether you're looking for something to warm you up on a chilly day or need an easy meal after a long week, this hearty chicken soup is your go-to option.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Rinse it thoroughly under running water, pat dry with paper towels, and then cut the chicken into smaller pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, breasts, etc.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until they begin to soften and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot along with the bay leaf and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken starts browning slightly on all sides.
4. Transfer everything into a slow cooker if you prefer to prepare it in that manner. Alternatively, pour the mixture back into the large pot and add 5 cups of water or chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Cover and bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender. You can use a fork to check if it's easily pulled apart indicating that it’s ready. If you're using a slow cooker, set it on low heat for around 3 hours.
6. Once the chicken has been simmering for some time, remove about half of the meat from the bones and shred or chop it finely. Reserve this shredded chicken. You can discard the bones if they’re tough and chewy; otherwise, you might want to keep them in the soup depending on your preference.
7. In a separate small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with just enough water (about 1/4 cup) until smooth. Pour this slurry into the pot while stirring constantly to thicken the broth. Continue cooking and stirring for another few minutes until the soup reaches the desired thickness. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper according to taste.
8. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot along with any remaining juices from the shredded meat. Let it heat through for about 5 minutes but do not overheat or let the soup boil again, as this could break down the texture of the chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving.
9. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad to balance out the richness of the soup. It makes for an excellent meal served in small portions throughout the day.

Enjoy Your Hearty Chicken Soup!

This simple yet delicious recipe provides nourishment and warmth during cold weather. Serve this comforting dish on its own or add some rice or noodles if you want to make it more substantial. It's perfect for sharing with family and friends, creating a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen.