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Hearty Chicken Soup

This comforting chicken soup is made by simmering shredded chicken with fragrant vegetables and herbs, resulting in a clear, nourishing broth with tender ingredients. The final dish features a warm, inviting appearance with colorful vegetables and a flavorful, soothing texture that feels like a hug in a bowl.
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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
  

  • 1 chicken thighs or breasts shredded
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 bay leaf bay leaf
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • optional lemon for a bright finish
  • fresh herbs parsley or thyme, chopped

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Gather your equipment: a large heavy-bottomed pot, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a wooden spoon.
  2. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. The vegetables should look uniform and ready for sautéing.
  3. Pour olive oil into the pot and set over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced vegetables and sauté until fragrant and slightly softened, about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the vegetables turn a bit translucent and smell sweet and inviting.
  4. Add the shredded chicken to the pot with the vegetables. Stir gently to combine and let everything cook together for a minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf. Stir to combine, and turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You should hear a soft bubbling sound, and the broth will start to steam.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will deepen. Keep an eye on the broth, ensuring it stays at a gentle simmer without boiling vigorously.
  7. Taste the broth and remove the bay leaf. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, adding a squeeze of lemon if desired for a bright, fresh zing. Stir gently to incorporate the flavors.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while steaming and fragrant.

Notes

For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of cream or add cooked noodles for a heartier version. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to suit your preference.