How to Make Delicious Chicken Soup

Chicken soup, a popular remedy for colds and the flu, is not just comforting but also incredibly nutritious. This versatile dish can be enjoyed year-round as it has many health benefits. The following recipe will guide you through making a delicious and hearty chicken soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, cubed
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Paprika, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: Approx. 1 hour

Servings: 6-8 people

Instructions:

Step 1 - Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing your chicken thoroughly under cold water to ensure it’s free from dirt and impurities. Once clean, set aside. Next, slice your vegetables into bite-sized pieces, keeping in mind that larger chunks will take longer to cook but still blend well.

Step 2 - Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add all other vegetables—carrots, celery, potatoes—and stir to combine everything well.

Step 3 - Combine with Chicken & Broth

Add your chicken pieces into the pot along with enough water or chicken broth (about 6 cups) to cover it fully. Include salt, pepper, bay leaf, and dried thyme for flavoring purposes. Stir everything together carefully.

Step 4 - Bring To A Simmer

Bring the mixture slowly to a simmer by bringing the liquid just below boiling point. Let this mixture gently cook uncovered on low heat for approximately one hour or until your chicken is tender and falling apart easily when tested with a fork.

Step 5 - Serve Hot

Once done, strain out the vegetables and chicken from the soup broth using a fine mesh strainer. You can discard the solids unless you plan to use them for another dish like making vegetable stock or adding extra flavor into your next batch of chicken soup.

Garnish with paprika if desired; this step is optional but adds an attractive touch that enhances presentation significantly, which could make eating more enjoyable!

Storage & Serving Suggestions

• Storage: Store leftover chicken soup in airtight containers placed inside the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Serving: Serve hot, either individually or family-style at your dining table. Pair it with crusty bread or rolls for an even more satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Potassium
320	6g	1g	115mg	790mg	980mg

Note: The nutrient information provided here is based on typical ingredient amounts and cooking methods. Individual results may vary slightly depending upon specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

Chicken soup offers much more than just flavor; it’s a nutritious choice packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial for overall health maintenance during cold seasons or simply as part of daily balanced meals.