Perfectly Balanced Chicken Soup

Keyword: Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world. Whether you're battling a cold or simply craving something warm and nourishing, this dish offers a satisfying solution to all your needs. This recipe for chicken soup promises not only delicious taste but also health benefits that can help you stay strong during seasonal changes.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of whole chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 medium carrots, diced into 2-inch pieces
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if possible)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup of uncooked egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish
• Lemon slices as an optional garnish

Cooking Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Servings: 6 servings

Preparation Steps:

Begin by preparing your chicken. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water, then place the whole bird into a large pot with enough water to cover it entirely. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat while skimming off any foam that may rise to the surface. Once you've removed all visible impurities, reduce the temperature and let simmer gently for about 1 hour until the chicken becomes tender.

While your chicken is cooking, take time to prepare the vegetables. Dice the carrot, celery, potato, and chop the onion and garlic finely. Set these components aside as they will be added later during the preparation process.

After the first hour of simmering, remove the chicken from its broth using a slotted spoon or fork. Allow it to cool slightly before shredding into bite-sized pieces with two forks. Return those shredded pieces back into your pot once you're satisfied with their texture. Next, add in the chopped vegetables along with 6 cups of chicken broth and bring everything up to a boil again.

To finish off our soup, season it according to taste by adding salt and pepper. Finally, add in one cup of uncooked egg noodles. Stir gently until they start absorbing some flavors before allowing them to cook for another 10 minutes or so until fully al dente (firm yet soft). Garnish with chopped parsley and optionally lemon slices.

Chicken soup offers numerous health benefits beyond just tasting good. It contains essential nutrients like vitamins B6, D, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, etc., which are crucial for maintaining overall body functions. The warmth from the broth helps clear nasal passages during colds or flu while also providing hydration which is beneficial when dealing with respiratory issues.

Enjoy your homemade chicken soup, knowing that you're not only treating yourself to a delightful meal but also taking care of your health. This versatile dish can be paired nicely with crusty bread or served alongside a crisp salad for an even more satisfying experience.

Tips & Variations:

1. To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs such as parsley, thyme, bay leaves, or oregano according to personal preference.
2. For those who prefer spicier flavors, include some red pepper flakes or cayenne powder into your soup towards the end of cooking time.
3. If you want a creamier texture without using actual cream, try blending half of the cooked vegetables before reincorporating them back into the pot. This trick adds richness without additional calories from dairy products.