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Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup
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Chicken Soup is a classic, nourishing dish known for its comforting warmth and immune-boosting benefits. Made with fresh bone-in chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is easy to prepare using simple pantry staples and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Its rich flavors and healing properties make it a beloved remedy and wholesome meal, perfect for soothing cold symptoms or enjoying any time you need a comforting bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–6 bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2–3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh parsley)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth

Optional Add-ins and Variations

  • Chili flakes or 1-inch piece fresh ginger for spice
  • Extra vegetables: kale, spinach, zucchini, or others
  • Gluten-free noodles, rice, or quinoa
  • Olive oil for sautéing and finishing drizzle
  • Lemon juice and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the carrots, celery, and onion uniformly for even cooking. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water to ensure freshness. Have your herbs, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper ready for easy access.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Add Chicken and Liquids: Place the bone-in chicken pieces into the pot. Pour in 8 cups of water or chicken broth to cover the ingredients. Add bay leaves, thyme (or parsley), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Simmer Slowly: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a slow simmer. Cover partially and let it cook for at least 1 hour to extract maximum flavor and nutrients from the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Final Touches: Carefully remove the chicken pieces, shred the meat off the bones, and discard the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add additional vegetables, gluten-free noodles, or grains. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is tender and flavors meld well.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and cracked black pepper. Optionally, drizzle with a little olive oil or add a spoonful of yogurt for extra creaminess.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor and collagen benefits.
  • Simmer gently to keep broth clear and chicken tender.
  • Add salt gradually during cooking to avoid over-seasoning.
  • Skim excess fat from the surface once the soup cools for a lighter broth.
  • Stir in fresh herbs right before serving to preserve their vibrancy and nutrients.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, immune boosting soup, comforting soup, bone-in chicken soup, gluten free chicken soup, homemade chicken soup

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/chicken-soup/