Simple yet Delicious Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a classic dish that has been cherished by many for its soothing and comforting qualities. It is especially loved during cold seasons or when one feels unwell. This article will guide you through the process of making an easy chicken soup that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, serving up to four people.

Ingredients needed are:

• 2 pounds of chicken breasts
• 4 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 5 carrots, sliced into thin pieces
• 3 stalks of celery, diced equally
• A bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnishing: fresh parsley or a dash of lemon juice (optional)

To start, you need to prepare the ingredients. Wash the chicken breasts thoroughly under cold running water. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the celery into bite-sized pieces for easier digestion, and chop the onion finely so that it can be easily cooked.

In a large pot or soup pan, heat up your preferred cooking medium (olive oil or butter). Once melted, add in the chopped onions followed by the diced carrots and celery. Stir continuously until these ingredients become slightly translucent which should take about 5 minutes on low heat. This step is important because it allows you to extract maximum flavor from the vegetables.

Add your chicken breasts into this mixture and cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. Afterward, pour in four cups of water along with a bay leaf. Let everything simmer gently over low heat for about 20-30 minutes until the chicken is tender enough that you can easily pull apart its pieces using just your hands.

Once done, use tongs or another utensil to carefully take out the chicken from the pot, allowing it to cool slightly. While waiting, strain the broth into a separate container without any solid pieces left in it; this will serve as the base for our delicious soup. Then shred the meat off the bones into bite-sized chunks.

Return your strained broth back into the pot and season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Stir gently until everything is well combined, then add in the shredded chicken along with the sliced carrots and diced celery once more. Let it heat up for another few minutes before checking its seasoning again if necessary.

If desired, garnish your soup with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately while hot; this dish pairs wonderfully well with crusty bread or some toasted bagels on the side.

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutesNumber of Servings: About 4 people

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed full of beneficial nutrients. The chicken itself provides a good source of protein which helps build muscle mass while promoting healthy skin, nails, and hair growth due to its amino acid content.

The vegetables used in this recipe contribute various vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining overall health such as vitamin C found in carrots supporting the immune system, potassium aiding heart function through electrolyte balance maintenance. Additionally, it contains antioxidants which protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals within our bodies.

In conclusion, homemade chicken soup is more than just a meal; it’s a nutritious and comforting way to care for yourself or others when feeling under the weather. With minimal effort required but yielding impressive results, this recipe proves that good food doesn’t need to be complicated - especially when trying something as simple yet satisfying like chicken soup.