Healthy Chicken Soup for Busy Nights

Looking for a quick yet nutritious meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes? This healthy chicken soup is perfect for those busy nights when you need something warming and comforting without the fuss of a multi-course dinner. Not only does it fill your belly, but it also provides essential nutrients to boost your immune system.

The key ingredient here is chicken, which gives the soup a rich flavor combined with vegetables like carrots and celery. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health. Whether you're looking for something soothing during cold weather or just need an instant meal solution on a hectic day, this chicken soup will do the trick.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 8 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Paprika (to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

This soup requires just about half an hour from start to finish. You will need a good pot or Dutch oven that is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing your vegetables and chicken. Slice the carrots, chop celery, and dice the onion finely for better texture when blended into the soup base.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft (about 5 minutes). Next, add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides (about 7-8 minutes).
3. Add Vegetables and Season: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Add carrots, celery ribs, garlic cloves, paprika, salt, and pepper into the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Stir to combine everything evenly.
4. Braising the Soup: Pour in 8 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) along with the reserved browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Bring this mixture up to a boil and then reduce heat down to low. Let it simmer gently on low for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.
5. Final Adjustments: After 20 minutes, check if you like more spices or flavorings by tasting the soup. Add more salt and pepper as needed before letting it cook another few minutes longer to meld flavors together properly.

Taste your chicken soup – if everything tastes just right for you now is probably the time to serve it hot. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.

Number of Servings: 4-6 people

This hearty bowl of chicken soup will likely feed four to six individuals depending on individual appetites. It’s ideal for a family gathering or even as part of a balanced meal plan during the week. The protein-rich broth supports muscle recovery and bone health, making it suitable for everyone.

Health Benefits

In addition to being delicious, this healthy chicken soup offers numerous benefits that support good health:

• Nutritional Value: Packed full of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C found in the carrots which help fight off infections.
• Vitamin B6: Present in abundance within both the meat and vegetable components, it supports brain development especially important for children but also beneficial for adults too!
• Low Fat: By choosing skinless chicken breast meat, you reduce excess fat consumption while still enjoying all its wonderful flavors.

In conclusion, this healthy chicken soup is more than just another meal; it’s a practical solution to busy nights when time seems limited yet nutrition matters greatly. Its simplicity ensures even beginners can whip up a perfect batch easily without compromising on taste or health benefits.