Delicious and Nutritious: Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe
Welcome to my super simple chicken soup recipe! As a chef, I have experimented with many different soup recipes, but this one is my go-to when I want something comforting, tasty, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, looking for a quick and easy meal, or just in the mood for some homemade comfort food, this chicken soup recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Not only is this recipe simple to make, but it also uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and nutritious chicken soup that will warm you up and make you feel good inside.
So, if you’re ready to learn my super simple chicken soup recipe, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a simple and delicious chicken soup recipe to warm up on a cold day? Look no further than my Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe!
First of all, this chicken soup recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you can have a warm and comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Plus, it’s a great recipe to make in large batches and store for later.
But easy doesn’t mean lack of flavor. This chicken soup is bursting with savory flavors from the chicken broth, garlic, shallot, celery, and carrot. The aroma of the soup is simply irresistible and will fill your home with warmth and comfort.
One of the best things about this chicken soup recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can easily swap out the noodles for rice or pasta, add your favorite vegetables, or even use a rotisserie chicken for extra convenience. The possibilities are endless!
But let’s not forget the health benefits of this simple chicken soup recipe. Chicken soup has been proven to boost the immune system, help with digestion, and reduce inflammation. Plus, it’s a great source of protein and other essential nutrients.
Overall, my Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and has amazing health benefits. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why this is the ultimate chicken soup recipe?
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this super simple chicken soup. All of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, and some may already be in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: You can use bone-in or boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also use a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 3 stalks, chopped
- Chicken broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- Water: 5 cups of water
- Bay leaf: 1 or 2 bay leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 1/4 cup
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Noodles or rice: You can use egg noodles, pasta, brown rice or long-grain white rice. Use 1-2 cups depending on how hearty you want your soup.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the fun part – making the chicken soup! Here’s how you can make a Super Simple Chicken Soup that will warm your soul in no time.
Instructions:
- In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot, skin-side down, and let them cook for 5 minutes, until golden brown. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat. Discard the bones and skin.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste and then serve hot.
Enjoy your Super Simple Chicken Soup with crusty bread or crackers.
Substitutions and Variations
There are countless ways to switch up this super simple chicken soup recipe to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Protein: While bone-in chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe, you can easily swap them out for boneless chicken breasts or thighs, or even use a rotisserie chicken instead. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try adding some hearty mushrooms or tofu instead of the chicken.
– Veggies: The classic trio of onions, carrots, and celery are a staple in this recipe, but feel free to mix it up with other veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions.
– Broth: I usually use low-sodium chicken broth for this recipe, but you can certainly use regular chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even beef broth if you prefer.
– Noodles: Egg noodles are my favorite for chicken noodle soup, but you can use any type of pasta you like. Try swapping in some brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
– Creamy: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
– Spicy: Add some heat to your soup by stirring in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno.
No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, it’s sure to be a comforting and delicious meal.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have made this super simple chicken soup recipe, you will be left with a delicious, comforting and hearty soup that is perfect for any meal. This soup can be served as a main course or as a starter soup. I love serving it with some crusty bread or crackers.
If you are serving it as a main course, you can add in some cooked pasta or rice for extra sustenance. This will make it a more filling and satisfying meal. You can use any variety of pasta or rice that you prefer, but I recommend using egg noodles or brown rice for a healthier option.
If you are looking for a lighter option, you can serve this soup with a side salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would be the perfect accompaniment to this soup. The salad will add some freshness and crunch to your meal.
For a more indulgent option, you can add some creamy chicken to your soup. This will make the soup richer and creamier, and will be perfect for a chilly winter evening. You can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to make this soup even more flavorful.
Overall, this soup is very versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and dishes. It is a great dish to make for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later. It’s a great option for meal prep, or for those busy nights when you just don’t have time to cook. To make ahead, simply follow the recipe as directed and let the soup cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When it comes time to reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to thin it out if it has thickened while in the fridge.
If you prefer to freeze your soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through.
When storing or reheating, be sure to remove any bay leaves from the soup. It’s also recommended to store the soup and rice or noodles separately as they can become mushy when stored together.
This Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe is delicious and versatile, making it a great option for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or freezing for later, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best results for your Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe, here are some tips that I recommend:
First, make sure to use bone-in chicken breasts for the soup. The bones add extra flavor to the broth, making it richer and more savory.
When cooking the onions and celery, be sure to cook them until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This will help to deepen the flavor of the soup.
To make the soup even heartier, you can add some cooked brown rice or egg noodles to the pot. These will absorb the flavor of the broth and add texture to the soup.
If you prefer a creamy chicken soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pot. This will give the soup a smooth, velvety texture and a richer flavor.
To add a bit of brightness to the soup, you can squeeze in some lemon juice at the end of cooking. This will balance out the flavors and give the soup a fresh, tangy finish.
If you want to make the soup ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, be sure to do so over low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
Finally, if you want to make the soup even more flavorful, you can add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pot. These will infuse the broth with their fragrant aromas and add depth to the flavor of the soup.
With these tips, you can make sure that your Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
FAQ
Now that we’ve gone through the steps of making this super simple chicken soup recipe, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to ensure that your soup comes out perfectly every time. Read on to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe.
What gives chicken soup the most flavor?
When it comes to adding flavor to chicken soup, there are a variety of spices and herbs that can be used to enhance its taste. Some great options for spices include paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Additionally, herbs such as bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and coriander can complement the salty flavor of chicken. For those who prefer more unique flavors, marjoram, oregano, and rosemary can also be used.
What is the secret to making good soup?
As a seasoned chef, I know that making soup requires a few key steps to ensure that it comes out perfect every time. One of the most important things to keep in mind is to use a sturdy pot. Investing in a heavy pot with a thick bottom is worth it in the long run, as it will help distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
When it comes to making soup, starting with a good base is crucial. That’s why I always begin by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery. This step helps release their flavors and create a delicious base for the soup.
Another important step is to start with good broth. Whether you make your own or use store-bought, using a high-quality broth is key to making a flavorful soup.
When it comes to cutting vegetables, it’s important to pay attention to their size. Cutting them too large or too small can affect their texture and how they cook. That’s why I always make sure to cut vegetables to the right size for the soup I’m making.
Adding vegetables to the soup should be staggered, meaning that you add them in stages. This ensures that each vegetable is cooked perfectly and retains its texture and flavor.
Keeping the liquid at a simmer is another important step in making soup. You want to avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the vegetables to become mushy and the flavors to become diluted.
Finally, I always recommend seasoning the soup just before serving. This allows you to adjust the seasoning to taste and ensures that the soup is flavorful and delicious.
How do you make chicken soup taste richer?
When it comes to enhancing the taste of your broth, there are a few ingredients that can add a boost of savory richness. For instance, roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso can all provide a depth of flavor known as umami. By incorporating these ingredients into your broth, you can elevate its taste and make it more satisfying to the palate.
Is it OK to put raw chicken in soup?
Including raw chicken in soup is a totally feasible option, as long as you allow sufficient cooking time to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. I frequently use this method myself.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this super simple chicken soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. It’s easy to make, requires only a few simple ingredients, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of a warm and hearty meal, this chicken soup recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up a pot of deliciousness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Super Simple Chicken Soup Recipe
Just what it says… really simple and quick. I change amounts as I add them to the pot if I think I need a little more of anything. This is a very forgiving recipe and a great base for additions.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup carrot, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup shallot, chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
- 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can chunk chicken (this is in the tuna section of my store, I buy the all natural one, ingred. should be chicken, water)
- 6 cups hot water
- 8 teaspoons chicken base
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Place first 5 ingredients in a soup pot and saute for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken, stir.
- Combine hot water and base then add to your pot.
- Cook (medium boil) for 15 minutes or until carrots are done enough for you.
- Combine cold water and corn starch then add to your pot while stirring.
- Your soup will thicken and be ready to serve.
- *You can add more cornstarch mixture if you would like it thicker. I like mine somewhere between a soup and a stew consistency.*.