Nourishing Chicken Soup
This nourishing chicken soup is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and fresh vegetables, creating a flavorful broth that warms the heart.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 whole whole chicken You can also use four chicken breasts.
- 8 cups chicken broth Homemade or quality store-bought.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 chopped onion Chopped.
- 3 cloves garlic Minced.
- 2 diced carrots Diced.
- 2 stalks celery Diced.
- 2 cups green leafy vegetables Use spinach or kale.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Adds flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant.
Cooking
- Add chicken and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove chicken from pot, shred, and return to soup.
- Stir in green leafy vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
For deeper flavor, consider roasting the chicken before adding it to the pot. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice for brightness if needed.