Cozy Comfort Chicken Soup

$- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) - 1 cup frozen peas - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish When making chicken soup, each ingredient adds its own flavor. Olive oil helps to sauté the onion and garlic, creating a tasty base. Onions add sweetness while garlic gives a nice kick. Carrots and celery add crunch and earthiness. Thyme and rosemary bring warmth and depth to the soup. If you don’t have fresh chicken, rotisserie chicken is perfect. It saves time and adds flavor. You can swap frozen peas for other veggies like corn or green beans if you prefer. Salt and pepper are key to enhancing the overall taste, so adjust these to your liking. Feel free to get creative! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. This soup is all about comfort and flexibility. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and fun. For the vegetables, start with the onion. Dice it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Next, peel and slice the carrots. Aim for thin rounds. They will cook faster this way. Chop the celery into small bits too. Here are some tips to cook efficiently: - Use a sharp knife for quick chopping. - Have a clean workspace to avoid mess. - Keep your ingredients close to the pot. This saves time. Now, let’s cook! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to be soft and clear. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir for 1 minute until you smell the garlic. Then, it’s time for the carrots and celery. Add them to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. You want them to soften a bit. After that, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary. Stir to mix the flavors. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring this to a simmer. Then, add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of frozen peas. Let it simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to get it just right. Now for the fun part—serving! Garnish your soup with fresh chopped parsley. This adds color and taste. You can also squeeze a little lemon on top for extra zing. For sides, consider a warm baguette or some crackers. They are perfect for dipping into your soup. You can even serve a simple salad to add crunch. Enjoy every spoonful of your comforting chicken soup! To make your chicken soup shine, use a few key techniques. Start by sautéing your onions in olive oil. This step builds a great base flavor. Next, add garlic and cook just long enough to release its lovely scent. This makes the broth taste better. When you add the carrots and celery, don’t skip this step. Cook them for a few minutes. This softens them and brings out their sweetness. Season the soup at different stages. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary early on to let their flavors bloom. Adjust salt and pepper at the end, so you control the taste. Many people overcook their vegetables. This can make them mushy and dull. Cook them just until they soften, not too long. Also, don’t skip flavor-building steps. They are vital for a rich taste. Skipping the sautéing can leave your soup flat. Always take the time to build layers of flavor. Your soup deserves it! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and flavorful option, use shredded rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds depth to the soup. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried. They provide a brighter, more aromatic flavor. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference, such as potatoes or green beans, to make it your own. Let It Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for longer if you have time. This enhances the flavors and makes for a more comforting dish. {{image_2}} You can change up your chicken soup with different proteins. If you have leftover turkey, it works perfectly. You can even use tofu for a plant-based option. Both will add a nice texture and flavor. When it comes to veggies, feel free to swap based on what’s in season. In spring, try adding fresh peas or asparagus. In fall, sweet potatoes or pumpkin can give a nice twist. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook well. To boost flavor, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can brighten your soup. You can also try adding a bay leaf while it cooks for depth. If you want to change the broth, use vegetable or beef broth instead of chicken. Each will give your soup a unique taste. You could even mix in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy feel. Store any leftover chicken soup in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. The soup lasts in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Before serving the soup again, check for any off smells or changes in texture. This helps ensure what you eat is safe. To freeze chicken soup, let it cool completely. Once cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup expands when frozen. Label each container with the date. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, remove the soup from the freezer. Place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. If you forgot to thaw it, you can reheat it straight from the freezer. Just add it to a pot over low heat. Stir often until it warms through. Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it's hot throughout. Making homemade chicken soup takes about 30 minutes total. You spend 10 minutes getting everything ready. Cooking the soup takes about 20 minutes. This fast cooking time makes it easy to whip up a cozy meal. Yes, you can make chicken soup in advance! It tastes even better the next day. Just cool it down and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for the soup to expand. You can serve chicken soup with many tasty sides. Try crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also enjoy it with crackers for extra texture. Any of these sides will make your meal even more enjoyable! In this post, we explored chicken soup's ingredients, preparation, cooking steps, and serving ideas. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor with smart tips. We also discussed variations and how to store your soup efficiently. With this knowledge, you can create a delicious chicken soup tailored to your taste. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy cooking, and don't hesitate to experiment with new flavors! Your perfect bowl of chicken soup awaits!$

Cozy Comfort Chicken Soup

A warm and hearty chicken soup perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup frozen peas
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary, stirring to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas to the pot. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, soup