There’s just something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of chicken soup, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. The rich aroma wafting through the kitchen is like a comforting hug, wrapping you in warmth and care. This chicken soup for sickness isn’t just any ordinary recipe; it’s designed to nourish and heal, using wholesome ingredients that your body craves during those tough days. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, I promise it’s the ultimate remedy that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into making this comforting classic that will have you feeling better in no time!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 10 cups water
- 2 medium onions, quartered
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Prepare Chicken Soup for Sickness
Preparing chicken soup for sickness is a comforting ritual that not only nourishes but also soothes. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a deliciously healing bowl of soup that will have you or your loved ones feeling better in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by placing the whole chicken into a large pot. It’s best to use a pot that’s at least 8 quarts to give the chicken plenty of room to cook.
- Next, pour in 10 cups of water. This will create the base for your broth, so make sure the chicken is fully submerged. If you’re using a smaller chicken, adjust the water accordingly.
- Add the quartered onions, sliced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. These vegetables will infuse their flavors into the broth.
- Sprinkle in the black peppercorns and add the bay leaves for an aromatic touch. Don’t forget to season with salt to taste—this is crucial for bringing out the flavors!
- Now, bring everything to a boil over high heat. Keep an eye on it, and once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. You’ll want to let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This will help achieve a clear and beautiful broth.
- After the simmering time, carefully remove the chicken from the pot using tongs, and set it aside to cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones.
- Now, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids, returning the clear broth to the pot. This step is vital for a smooth texture.
- If you’re adding egg noodles, now’s the time to do so. Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer and cook the noodles for about 7-10 minutes, or until they’re tender.
- Finally, stir in the shredded chicken and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
And there you have it! Your homemade chicken soup for sickness is ready to serve. Enjoy every warm, nourishing spoonful as it works its magic!
Nutritional Information
This chicken soup for sickness not only comforts but also provides essential nutrients to help you heal. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per bowl:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this nourishing bowl while knowing you’re giving your body a healthy boost!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and nourishing, perfect for restoring your health during sickness.
- Simple to prepare with straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand.
- Comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.
- Leftovers make for easy meals throughout the week, saving you time.
This chicken soup for sickness truly embodies the essence of comfort food, making it a go-to remedy during those tough times!
Tips for Success
To elevate your chicken soup for sickness, consider roasting the chicken beforehand. This adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible! Just pop it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes before adding it to the pot. Also, don’t shy away from herbs—adding fresh thyme or dill during the simmering process can lend an aromatic touch that brightens the entire dish. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up. Lastly, remember to taste and adjust your seasoning throughout the cooking process; it’s key to making it truly comforting!
Variations
One of the best things about chicken soup is how adaptable it is! If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding different vegetables like green beans, peas, or even sweet potatoes for a unique twist. You can also experiment with spices—try adding a dash of turmeric for its health benefits and vibrant color, or some ginger for a warm, zesty kick. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving. And if you want to make it a bit more filling, throw in some cooked rice or quinoa instead of noodles. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chicken soup for sickness properly is key to maintaining its delicious flavor and comforting qualities. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy later. If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, but remember to cover it to avoid splatters!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken soup for sickness pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that enhance its comforting qualities. I love serving it with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping—there’s nothing like sopping up that delicious broth! A light salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the soup nicely, adding a refreshing contrast. For a cozy twist, try adding a side of buttery crackers or a simple grilled cheese sandwich to round out your meal. Enjoy every bite!
For more information on the health benefits of chicken soup, you can visit Healthline.
If you’re interested in other comforting recipes, check out our Tomato Soup recipe or our Chicken and Sweet Potato dishes!
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Chicken Soup for Sickness: 9 Steps to Nourishment
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A nourishing chicken soup recipe designed to provide comfort during sickness.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 10 cups water
- 2 medium onions, quartered
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup egg noodles (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the whole chicken in a large pot.
- Add water, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, skimming foam as needed.
- Remove the chicken and let it cool before shredding the meat.
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove solids.
- Return the broth to the pot and add egg noodles if desired.
- Simmer until noodles are cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, roast the chicken before adding it to the pot.
- Consider adding thyme or dill for an herbaceous note.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken soup for sickness, comfort soup, healing soup
