The Best Chicken Soup You’ll Ever Eat: A Nourishing and Flavorful Delight
When the weather turns chilly, or you’re feeling a bit under the weather, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup. This recipe, hailed as The Best Chicken Soup You’ll Ever Eat, is not only delicious but also packed with nourishing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and garlic. It’s a healthy, homemade remedy that’s sure to warm your soul and boost your immune system. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this chicken soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why This Chicken Soup Is the Best
This chicken soup stands out for its robust flavor and nutritional benefits. The combination of fresh ginger and turmeric adds an anti-inflammatory punch, while garlic, rosemary, and thyme contribute to the soup’s depth of flavor. The addition of pearl or Israeli couscous makes the soup more filling, and optional peas add a touch of sweetness and color. Whether you’re making this soup for a cozy family dinner or to soothe a cold, it’s guaranteed to satisfy and nourish.
Ingredients: A Powerhouse of Flavor and Nutrition
Avocado Oil or Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
The base of the soup starts with avocado oil or olive oil, which is used to sauté the vegetables. Both oils are heart-healthy options that provide a mild flavor and a good source of healthy fats.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced)
Garlic is a key ingredient in this soup, known for its immune-boosting properties and strong, savory flavor. Minced garlic is sautéed with the vegetables, releasing its aroma and infusing the soup with its rich flavor.
Yellow Onion (1, diced)
Onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. As they cook, they become soft and slightly caramelized, contributing to the overall richness of the broth.
Carrots (2 large, thinly sliced)
Carrots bring a natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup. Thinly slicing them ensures they cook quickly and evenly, adding to the heartiness of the dish.
Celery (2 stalks, roughly chopped)
Celery adds a savory, slightly peppery flavor and a satisfying crunch to the soup. It’s a classic ingredient in many soups and stews, providing a nice balance to the sweetness of the carrots.
Fresh Grated Ginger (1 tablespoon)
Ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor to the soup, as well as powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh ginger is preferred for its bright flavor, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
Fresh Grated Turmeric (1 tablespoon, or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric)
Turmeric is the golden spice that gives this soup its beautiful color and anti-inflammatory benefits. Freshly grated turmeric has a vibrant flavor, while ground turmeric is a convenient alternative. Be careful when handling turmeric, as it can stain surfaces and skin.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth (6 cups)
Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, providing a rich, savory flavor. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup while still delivering a full-bodied taste.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs (1 pound)
Chicken breast or thighs are cooked directly in the broth, making them tender and flavorful. Once cooked, the chicken is shredded and added back to the soup, ensuring every bite is filled with protein.
Freshly Chopped Rosemary (1 teaspoon)
Rosemary adds an earthy, piney flavor to the soup that pairs beautifully with chicken. Fresh rosemary is preferred for its strong aroma, but dried rosemary can also be used if fresh is unavailable.
Freshly Chopped Thyme (1 teaspoon)
Thyme is another aromatic herb that complements the flavors of the soup, adding a subtle lemony note. As with rosemary, fresh thyme is ideal, but dried thyme can be substituted.
Salt (½ teaspoon)
Salt enhances all the flavors in the soup, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned. You can adjust the amount of salt to taste, depending on your preference and the saltiness of your broth.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth to the soup. Like salt, it can be adjusted to taste.
Pearl or Israeli Couscous (1 cup)
Couscous adds a delightful texture to the soup, making it more substantial. Pearl or Israeli couscous is larger than regular couscous, with a chewy texture that holds up well in soup. If you prefer, you can substitute with another grain, such as quinoa.
Frozen Peas (⅔ cup, optional)
Peas add a pop of color and sweetness to the soup. While they’re optional, they’re highly recommended for the added flavor and nutritional benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Chicken Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil or olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for the soup, as the vegetables soften and release their aromas.
2. Add Ginger and Turmeric
Next, add the freshly grated ginger and turmeric to the pot. Sauté these spices for about 30 seconds, allowing them to cook slightly and release their flavors. The ginger adds warmth and spice, while the turmeric contributes a vibrant color and earthy taste.
3. Add Chicken Broth and Chicken
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine it with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs to the broth, making sure the chicken is fully submerged. Sprinkle in the freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These herbs will infuse the broth with their aromatic flavors as the soup cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken and Couscous
Bring the soup to a boil, then stir in the pearl or Israeli couscous. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The couscous will also cook during this time, absorbing the flavorful broth and becoming tender.
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup.
6. Add Peas and Adjust Seasoning
Stir in the frozen peas, allowing them to heat through for a few minutes. If you prefer a soupier consistency, you can add an extra cup of chicken broth at this stage. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve it immediately. The soup can be garnished with additional fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the soup warm, savoring the comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Tips for the Best Chicken Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, turmeric, and herbs provide the best flavor and nutritional benefits. If using ground spices, remember that they are more concentrated, so adjust the quantities accordingly.
- Control the Salt: Start with low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of the soup. It’s easier to add more salt at the end than to fix an overly salty soup.
- Don’t Skip the Couscous: The couscous adds a wonderful texture and makes the soup more filling. If you’re gluten-free, quinoa is a great alternative.
- Shred the Chicken Properly: Shredding the chicken rather than dicing it allows it to absorb more of the broth’s flavor and distribute more evenly throughout the soup.
Storing and Reheating
This chicken soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Freezing Chicken Soup
This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove. The couscous may absorb more liquid during freezing, so you might need to add more broth when reheating.
Conclusion
The Best Chicken Soup You’ll Ever Eat is more than just a comforting meal—it’s a nourishing bowl of healthful ingredients designed to soothe, heal, and satisfy. With its rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and warming spices, this soup is the ultimate remedy for a cold day or a cold itself. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, and discover why this chicken soup recipe has earned such rave reviews. Happy cooking!