Hearty Chicken and Vegetables Soup Recipe

Chicken and vegetables soup is a popular dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This comforting meal provides essential nutrients while being easy to prepare. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make a delicious and filling chicken and vegetable soup. The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes, and it serves four generous portions.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the whole chicken in a large baking dish. Drizzle it with two tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken until its skin is golden brown and crispy. This should take about 40 minutes.

While the chicken is roasting, prepare your vegetables. Slice the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onions finely and mince the garlic cloves.

Once the chicken has finished cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before removing it from the oven and transferring it to a cutting board. Remove all the meat from the bones carefully; discard the skin and bones. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.

In a large pot over medium heat, add the diced onions along with two tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté for about five minutes until they become translucent. Add in the garlic cloves and sauté for another minute to release their flavors but be careful not to burn them.

Next, toss in the chopped carrots, celery, and chicken broth into the pot. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce heat down to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes to allow all the vegetables to soften completely.

Add the roasted chicken back into the pot along with thyme. Stir gently but thoroughly so that each piece of meat is well-coated in broth. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Let it simmer again until everything is nicely heated through—about 5 minutes more should suffice.

For garnishing purposes, you might want to consider adding some paprika on top once the soup has been ladled into bowls and topped off with lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Feel free to use different types: You can vary this recipe by substituting beef instead of chicken. Just ensure you adjust the cooking times accordingly since beef generally requires longer cooking than poultry does.
• Veggie options abound: Feel free to experiment with various vegetables according to what's available fresh from your local market or garden. Broccoli, peas, and corn are excellent choices that could be added midway through the simmering process.

Conclusion

This simple yet flavorful chicken and vegetable soup is perfect for those looking for something warm and satisfying during colder months. Whether served as a main course or alongside some crusty bread, this dish promises to bring joy both to your taste buds and body. Enjoy!