Simple Homemade Chicken Soup

Soup is one of those universal comfort foods that can heal the soul as effectively as it heals the body. A simple bowl of chicken soup can offer a much-needed respite from colds and flu, but did you know that it’s also incredibly nutritious? Made with tender pieces of poached chicken, carrots, celery, and onions, this homemade chicken soup is not only easy to make but also rich in vitamins and minerals. Whether you're preparing for a chilly evening or just want something warming after a long day at work, this recipe will definitely satisfy your taste buds.

The cooking time required for this simple yet delicious dish is approximately 45 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights when you need sustenance but don’t have much time to prepare elaborate meals. It serves four generous portions, which makes it ideal for sharing with family or friends who might also be feeling under the weather.

Now let’s get into the ingredients and method of preparation. You’ll need:

• Poached chicken (about 300 grams)
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 large onion
• 3 stalks of celery
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter for cooking vegetables
• 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water or chicken broth as needed
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method:

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Peel and finely chop the carrots, slice the onion into thin rings, and cut the celery into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
3. Next, add the celery and carrots to the pot along with the garlic cloves. Stir well and let them sauté for another three minutes until all veggies are soft but not browned.
4. Add the poached chicken to the pot. Pour in enough water or chicken broth so that it just about covers everything. If using bouillon powder, mix it into the liquid now before adding more water.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for around 20 minutes until all vegetables are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally during this process.
6. To check if your soup is ready, taste one of the chicken pieces—it should be very tender. If necessary, continue cooking until satisfied with its texture. Once done, remove the meat from the soup to cool slightly while you puree the broth and vegetables into a smooth consistency using an immersion blender or regular blender.
7. Return the poached chicken back to the pot. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes so that flavors meld together nicely.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side if preferred.

Health Benefits:

This homemade chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed full of health benefits. The carrots provide beta-carotene, which helps protect your eyes and skin from damage caused by sunlight. Onions contain quercetin—a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation throughout the body. Celery contains apigenin, a compound linked to reduced blood pressure and improved heart health.

The combination of these vegetables along with the nutrients found in chicken makes this soup an excellent choice for boosting your immune system during cold seasons or simply as part of a balanced diet aimed at maintaining good overall health.

To make this dish even more enjoyable, consider adding some lemon zest to the final touch before serving. This adds a refreshing citrus flavor that complements all other flavors beautifully. Additionally, you could experiment with different types of herbs such as thyme or basil for added complexity in taste.

Homemade chicken soup is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s also about caring for yourself and those around you who might be unwell too. Next time you feel like eating something warm and comforting, try making this simple yet hearty meal at home using fresh ingredients whenever possible. You’ll find that homemade versions always taste better than store-bought alternatives thanks to the love poured into each batch.