Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken soup is a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. It's not just about indulging in tasty broth; it's also a remedy for many ailments such as cold and flu. This homemade chicken soup recipe will help you make delicious soup that is both nutritious and easy to prepare.

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of chicken bones or thighs (skinless)
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 celery sticks, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced finely
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 3 quarts of water (or chicken broth)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Steps to Make Chicken Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

To start, place your chicken bones in a large pot. If you're using thighs instead of bones, simply add them directly into the pot as well. Next, add all the vegetables and garlic. These ingredients will provide flavor to your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a pan or skillet, heat up about two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Once heated, sauté the diced onion and celery until they become soft and translucent. This process should take around five minutes. As you continue cooking, add in the minced garlic, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Transfer the sautéed vegetables into your pot with chicken bones and broth or water. Bring everything to a boil over high heat before reducing it down to simmer gently for about an hour. During this time, ensure that you stir occasionally to prevent any scorching on the bottom of the pot.

Enhancing Your Soup:

If you want your homemade chicken soup recipe extra special, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro towards the end when serving. You could also experiment by including other vegetables such as potatoes, spinach leaves, or corn kernels for an added dimension of texture and flavor.

How to Make It Healthier:

Avoid using too many seasonings right from the beginning; instead, taste your broth frequently while cooking so that you can adjust according to preference. By doing this methodically, it ensures no excess salt or spices are added which might make the dish less healthy.

Storage Options:

• If you have extra time, consider portioning out portions of the cooled soup into individual containers and freezing them for future meals. This way, you always have a warm bowl of soup ready whenever needed without having to spend much energy preparing it again from scratch.
• Leftovers can last in your refrigerator up to four days if kept sealed properly within airtight containers.

In conclusion, this homemade chicken soup recipe is simple yet satisfying. Whether you're looking for a hearty lunch or dinner option, or even trying to boost immunity during flu season, this dish offers an array of benefits without sacrificing taste. Try experimenting with different garnishes and additions; who knows what creative variations might become your new favorite go-to meal?