DINNER

Comforting Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe to Savor

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The aroma of a steaming bowl of Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup wafting through the air is the ultimate comfort food experience. The tender chicken mingles with crisp vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that will warm even the coldest of nights. Picture yourself curled up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket, spooning this delightful concoction, and feeling every worry melt away.

This soup is not just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt hug in a bowl. It reminds me of rainy Sundays spent with family, laughter echoing while we savored each hearty sip. Whether it’s healing a cold or simply satisfying your soul, there’s no wrong time to whip up this delicious elixir – and trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup is easy to prepare and packed with flavor
  • Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for any dinner table
  • You can customize it based on what you have in your pantry, making it versatile for any occasion
  • Enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or as comfort food on chilly days

I remember my friend’s face lighting up when she first tasted this soup; she declared it “better than grandma’s!”

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.

  • Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and color; look for firm ones for the best texture.

  • Celery: Crisp celery contributes crunchiness and flavor; choose stalks that are bright green and firm.

  • Onion: A medium onion adds depth; yellow onions work beautifully in soups for their sweetness.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves release an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on this flavorful ingredient.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while infusing rich flavor into the soup.

  • Dried Herbs (Thyme and Bay Leaves): These herbs elevate the flavor profile; opt for fresh if possible for added vibrancy.

  • Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust to your personal taste preference.

  • Optional Add-ins: Noodles or Rice: For heartiness, feel free to toss in some noodles or cooked rice during the last few minutes of cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop them into bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking smoother and more organized as you go along.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften and become fragrant—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in minced garlic until aromatic—around 1 minute. Then add chicken breasts to the pot, coating them with veggies for extra flavor.

Pour in Chicken Broth : Carefully pour in enough chicken broth to cover everything by at least an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat before reducing to simmer.

Add Seasonings : Toss in thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred Chicken & Serve : Remove chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the soup pot, stir well, then serve hot!

Enjoy every sip of your Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup! It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving something cozy that feels like home.

You Must Know

  • This healthy homemade chicken soup is a hug in a bowl, bursting with flavor and nutrition
  • It’s perfect for cozy nights and can be tailored to your taste
  • The aroma alone will make your kitchen the happiest place on earth

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken and broth for rich flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables or noodles based on what you have, or add herbs for extra flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers; reheat gently on the stove to keep flavors vibrant.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For the best flavor, use bone-in chicken; it adds richness
  • Avoid overcooking veggies to keep them vibrant and crunchy
  • A splash of lemon juice brightens up the soup beautifully

Sometimes I sneak in extra veggies just to see if anyone will notice—spoiler alert: they never do!

FAQ

How long does healthy homemade chicken soup last in the fridge?

It lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze healthy homemade chicken soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to three months; just thaw before reheating.

What spices enhance healthy homemade chicken soup?

Thyme, parsley, and bay leaves elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Print
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Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup


  • Author: homerecipeseasy
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves about 8

Description

Healthy Homemade Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a nourishing bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, it’s a delightful dish that your family will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup noodles or cooked rice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (5-7 minutes).
  3. Add garlic and cook for another minute before adding chicken breasts.
  4. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients by an inch; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
  5. Stir in thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper; simmer for 30-40 minutes until chicken is tender.
  6. Remove chicken, shred it with forks, return it to the pot, stir well, and serve hot.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added richness, use bone-in chicken instead of breasts. You can swap vegetables based on what you have on hand or add fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. A splash of lemon juice brightens the soup beautifully.

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