Homemade Chicken Soup: A Recipe You'll Want to Make Again

Chicken soup is one of those comfort foods that can make you feel better when you're sick and still be delicious on a cold winter night. This classic recipe for homemade chicken soup not only provides the warmth your body needs but also offers essential nutrients to help you recover faster.

The preparation time for this dish will take approximately 1 hour, while the cooking time is about 30 minutes. The total number of servings is around 6-8 people depending on how big a portion each person prefers.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast or thighs
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, diced
8 cups water or chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: ½ cup of noodles for extra texture

Instructions

To start, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Next, throw in the carrots and celery. Stir continuously for another 5 minutes or so to soften them up. By now, your base should be ready. Add your chicken pieces along with the water or broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. During this time, make sure you keep an eye on whether your soup is at a consistent temperature and adjust if necessary.

If you're using noodles, add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Once everything has come together into a hearty broth, taste it for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Don't forget to remove the bay leaves before serving.

Optional Variations

Add more vegetables: Feel free to experiment by adding more carrots or even some parsnips for extra sweetness. For a bit of color, you could include red bell peppers too.
Incorporate herbs and spices: To elevate the flavor profile, consider adding thyme, parsley, or even a pinch of curry powder if you're looking for something new. These will add depth without overpowering the traditional flavors.

Tips for Success

Use good quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken make all the difference in terms of taste. While buying frozen vegetables is fine, fresh ones are always preferable when possible.
Skip salt early on: It's easy to add more later but too much salt at the beginning can cause your soup to toughen up faster than it should.

Health Benefits

This chicken soup isn't just about comfort; it offers various health benefits as well. The broth is rich in amino acids, which are crucial for muscle repair and recovery. Garlic has strong antibacterial properties, helping to fight off infections faster. Carrots provide beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports your immune system.

Incorporating this homemade chicken soup into your diet can be part of maintaining overall health or aiding in the healing process when you're under the weather. Whether served hot with crusty bread or cold for lunch on those warmer days, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends alike!