Hearty Chicken Soup Recipe

This comforting chicken soup is a true winter warmer that will have you feeling better in no time! It’s perfect for those days when the weather turns chilly and you need something warm to soothe your body and soul.

Keyword: Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients needed to make this delicious chicken soup are simple, yet packed with flavor. You will be needing:

• 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (approx. 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into small rounds
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups of chicken broth or water (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• A sprig of fresh thyme (optional but recommended)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (optional, use for thickening)
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional for serving)

Cooking time is approximately 45 minutes, and it will serve four people generously. Let's get started with the steps!

Steps to Make Chicken Soup:

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. While you wait for everything to come together, chop your onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces if they are not already pre-cut. This will help them cook faster and blend well with other elements in the soup.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once heated through but not yet smoking, add your finely chopped onions along with the minced garlic. Stir frequently until they soften and turn golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Next, toss in the chicken pieces into the pot. Cook them until nicely seared on all sides; this step helps lock in flavors as it adds depth to the soup. This should take around 10 minutes or so.
4. Add the carrots and celery into the mixture already present in your pot. Stir again before adding six cups of either chicken broth or water depending upon your preference. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat down to low and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. During this time, take out one teaspoon of dried thyme along with an optional fresh sprig (or two) into the pot if using, add them to enhance aroma. You can also consider adding a bay leaf for extra depth. Stir occasionally until the chicken has become tender and easily pulls apart when tested with tongs.
6. If desired consistency is thick enough, use 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup. Blend it well into the broth and keep stirring until smooth. Let this simmer gently once more for another five minutes or so.
7. Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove about half a cup worth of meat from the pot carefully using tongs, set aside, then shred the remaining chicken into small pieces with your hands while it’s still warm from cooking. Place back this shredded chicken back into the soup once done.
8. Finally, taste-test the soup and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot. Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley or dill and serve alongside slices of lemon for an extra zesty touch if preferred.

To enjoy your homemade Chicken Soup Recipe right away, ladle out into individual bowls and either eat it plain or pair with crusty bread, rolls, or crackers. It’s equally good as a main course or side dish, making it versatile enough to serve anytime of the day!