# The Best Chicken Soup Recipe for Warmth and Wellness
When you’re feeling off or simply craving something comforting, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup. This soothing dish not only warms you up but also feeds your spirit. This best chicken soup recipe blends succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of ginger and lemon, creating a wonderful mixture of tastes that will have you feeling better in a flash.
## Why Choose Chicken Soup?
Chicken soup has been a favored choice across diverse cultures, often dubbed “Jewish penicillin.” Its comforting effects are thought to help ease cold symptoms, diminish inflammation, and keep you hydrated. The heat from the soup can also be deeply reassuring, making it a preferred option for anyone feeling under the weather.
### Essential Ingredients
To prepare this feel-good chicken soup, gather a few fresh components:
– **Chicken**: Select uncooked chicken breasts or thighs. Shred the chicken after it’s cooked for a soft texture. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken added just before serving for convenience.
– **Vegetables**: The traditional combination of onions, carrots, and celery adds richness and flavor to the soup. Feel free to toss in any leftover veggies you have handy.
– **Broth**: Choose low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock if possible. This guarantees a tasty base without too much salt.
– **Pasta**: Small pasta shapes like orzo, vermicelli, or acini de pepe are ideal for this soup, lending a satisfying element.
– **Feel Good Additions**: Ginger and lemon not only boost the flavor but also contribute extra health advantages, enhancing the soup’s comforting nature.
## Steps to Create Feel Good Chicken Soup
Follow these simple instructions to prepare your own heartwarming chicken soup:
1. **Sauté the Veggies**: In a medium pot, melt butter and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery over medium heat until they’re tender. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an extra minute.
2. **Incorporate the Chicken and Broth**: Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, turmeric, and black pepper. Bring this blend to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for 11-17 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
3. **Shred the Chicken**: Take the chicken out of the pot and shred it into small pieces. Raise the heat to medium-high and mix in the pasta. Cook until the pasta is soft.
4. **Combine and Season**: Put the shredded chicken back into the pot with fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking before serving.
## Storing Extra Soup
If you have any remaining soup, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat on the stove, adding fresh noodles or rice if you wish. For long-term storage, freeze the cooled soup (without noodles) in zippered bags for up to 4 months. Reheat as needed.
## Customizations
Feel free to tweak this chicken soup recipe to your preference. Here are a few suggestions:
– **Add Greens**: Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition.
– **Spice it Up**: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
– **Herb Infusion**: Try various herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
## Final Thoughts
This best chicken soup recipe is more than just food; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just wishing for something comforting and nourishing, this soup will surely give you the solace you seek. So gather your ingredients, follow the directions, and indulge in a delightful bowl of homemade chicken soup that will help you feel right as rain in no time!
### Did you try this chicken soup recipe?
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