When the temperatures dip, I’m all about soup season, aren’t you? My family loves my recipe for chicken soup the best. It’s my favorite go-to recipe for winter because it is easy to make, tastes amazing and can be tweaked by changing up some of the staple ingredients.
Chicken soup has many health benefits because the broth soothes the body with lots of nutrients, hydration and warmth. Packed with vitamins and minerals, chicken broth nourishes people who are sick with common illnesses. Plus, homemade chicken soup is easy to digest.
It packs a nutrition power-punch of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber, and contains cysteine, an amino acid known for its healing properties.
Homemade chicken soup is also great because you can control the ingredients. When I’m trying to shed a few pounds, I substitute beans for pasta to increase my protein intake. When I want to get in some extra iron, I’ll sauté fresh spinach with the other base ingredients. Sometimes, I’ll use tortellini instead of small pieces of pasta. You get the idea.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
1 onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
48 oz chicken or vegetable broth
2 c water
1/2 lb small pasta
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Parmesan cheese, shaved (optional, for garnish and added flavor)
Method
Dice all of the veggies and chicken.
Mince the garlic.
Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat
Add the veggies and cook down for about 8 minutes until they are soft.
Add the garlic, salt and pepper, mix well and cook for another 30–60 seconds until the garlic releases its odor.
Add the broth and water. Bring to boil.
Add uncooked chicken and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
Add pasta and cook according to directions.
Garnish with shaved parmesan and parsley if desired.
Stacy Ling is a home and garden blogger in Bernardsville. A self-taught master gardener for over 20 years, she enjoys helping others find their inner green thumb and shares her passion for gardening with her decorating and entertaining style. Follow Ling @bricksnblooms on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Pinterest.