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Hearty Chicken Soup

This chicken soup is made by gently simmering chicken breast or thighs with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful broth. The soup develops a comforting, clear broth with tender chunks of chicken and wilted greens, creating a nourishing and visually inviting dish perfect for any day. It’s quick to prepare and easily adaptable to pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts or thighs diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth preferably homemade or good quality store-bought
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 cups spinach or kale roughly chopped
  • 1 lemon lemon juiced, for brightness
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients: diced chicken, sliced carrots and celery, greens, garlic, broth, lemon, and your seasonings. Keep everything within reach to streamline the process.
  2. Heat the large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil or butter. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds—smell that warm aroma filling the kitchen.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until it turns opaque, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll hear a gentle bubbling as it cooks, and it will turn a light golden color on the edges.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—these add flavor and richness.
  5. Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Stir gently and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the broth is fragrant.
  6. Stir in your greens—spinach or kale—and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted and vibrant in color.
  7. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the brightness and saltiness to your liking.
  8. Once everything is heated through and flavors melded, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to customize with additional herbs or vegetables based on what you have at home. For a heartier version, add cooked rice or noodles just before serving.