Simple Yet Delicious Chicken Soup

Soup lovers, this one is for you! Whether you're looking to warm up during a chilly day or need something comforting after a busy week, chicken soup is the perfect remedy.

This classic recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s simple enough to be made at home but still impresses your guests. If you’re new to cooking soups, this is an excellent place to start.

Ingredients

• 5 cups chicken broth (or more if you prefer a thinner soup)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 oz chicken breast, shredded (you can also use cooked thighs or legs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Lemon zest for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time & Servings

Cooking time: 30 minutes. Servings: 6 generous bowls.

Instructions

1. In a large pot or soup kettle, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer while you prepare your vegetables.
2. Dice the onion finely and sauté with 1 teaspoon of olive oil until softened but not browned. Add this to your pot along with the carrots and celery.
3. Once all veggies are soft (about 10 minutes), add the garlic, stirring it in well so that it doesn’t burn. Cook for another minute or two before adding the shredded chicken breast. Stir gently to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
4. Let everything simmer together for about 5-7 minutes until the flavors have melded nicely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. If you like a bit more creaminess, add half a cup of heavy cream towards the end of cooking time; stir gently to avoid breaking it up too much. Let this heat through but do not let it boil again once added because boiling can cause curdling.
6. Finally, garnish with some lemon zest if desired – it adds a bright citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the savory broth and rich creaminess from the chicken.

Tips & Variations

• Add noodles: For extra heartiness, cook some egg noodles or wide linguine according to package instructions before adding them into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give you a more substantial meal.
• Vary meats: If you don't prefer chicken, try using turkey breast instead for a lighter version of this soup. Pork shoulder or ham could also be used for different flavors and textures.
• Garnish options: Besides lemon zest, consider adding fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil for color and freshness. A sprinkle of paprika adds warmth to the dish as well.

This simple yet comforting chicken soup is versatile enough to adapt based on what you have available in your kitchen. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken from previous meals without having it go bad quickly. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that can be prepared ahead and refrigerated or even frozen for convenience later.

Conclusion

Chicken soup isn't just a winter staple; it's a versatile dish that works year-round as comfort food. Its simplicity allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors, making each batch unique yet delicious every time. Whether you're preparing for a cozy dinner or just want something quick during a busy workweek, this recipe will never disappoint.