Homemade Chicken Soup with Vegetables

Chicken soup with vegetables is a classic dish that has been comforting people for generations. It's a perfect remedy when you're not feeling well and can be enjoyed by the whole family, especially during cold weather or flu season. This hearty soup is packed full of nutrients and is incredibly easy to prepare at home. In this article, we will provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees delicious results every time.

For those looking for a simple yet nutritious meal, chicken soup with vegetables fits the bill perfectly. The rich broth enhances your immune system, while the vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health. To make this dish, you will need only 45 minutes of cooking time and it serves four people generously.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken bones or whole chicken (or use a rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can or 16 oz carton of chicken broth (or use homemade chicken stock for extra flavor)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil
• A few fresh parsley sprigs, optional but highly recommended for garnish

Instructions

1. Begin by browning your chicken. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some cooking oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the celery and carrots; sauté for another 5 minutes stirring frequently. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or so to release its flavor into the mixture.
3. Once your vegetables are nicely browned, add the chicken bones or whole chicken if using fresh pieces of chicken. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients completely. You can also use chicken broth here instead of plain water for extra depth of flavor.
4. Bring everything up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer gently uncovered until the soup starts to thicken slightly. This should take approximately 30 minutes or so depending on your desired consistency.
5. To ensure that all flavors are well integrated into the broth, remove the chicken from the pot after about 20 minutes of slow cooking. Allow it to cool just enough for you to handle easily before pulling meat off bones and shredding it back into chunks. Return this shredded chicken back into the soup once done.
6. Continue simmering until the vegetables are tender but not overcooked, another 15-20 minutes should do nicely depending on their freshness.
7. Add salt & pepper according to your taste preference. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving hot.

Tips for a Perfect Soup:

• For extra richness, consider adding a few tablespoons of cream or sour cream towards the end of cooking time.
• If you prefer more robust flavors, feel free to add any other herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, black pepper during the simmering phase.
• To make this dish even healthier, substitute white rice for whole wheat noodles as a base. Whole wheat pasta absorbs all those tasty juices making it an excellent option too!

Conclusion

Chicken soup with vegetables is more than just comfort food; it’s also an important part of your daily diet. It's comforting, nutritious, and easy to prepare. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy a delicious homemade version that will keep your family healthy throughout the colder months ahead.

Enjoy your meal!