Description
This Cold Fighting Chicken Soup is a comforting, nutritious dish designed to boost your immune system and soothe cold symptoms. Made with wholesome vegetables, shredded chicken, and flavorful herbs, it’s a warm and hearty soup perfect for chilly days or when feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 cups spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot and sauté until the vegetables become soft and tender, which helps build the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating the soup liquid.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine all flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Spinach and Lemon: Stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf during simmering and remove before serving.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- This soup freezes well — store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or blend a portion of the soup before adding spinach.
