Looking for a super simple, cozy, and delicious dish for winter? Wait until you try this recipe for chicken soup homemade! It’s quick to make and is the best soup when sick too.
When the temperatures dip, I’m all about soup season, aren’t you? We are huge soup fans here and I make it almost all the time during the colder months.
When you’re feeling under the weather, few things provide as much comfort as a steaming bowl of homemade chicken soup. Am I right?
This classic remedy has been cherished for generations, and for good reasons too. In this blog post, we’ll chat about why chicken soup is considered the best soup when you’re feeling sick and provide you with an easy homemade chicken soup recipe that’s sure to soothe your soul.
As an aside, my family loves my recipe for chicken soup homemade and requests it often during the colder months.
It’s super easy to make, tastes amazing and you can tweak it by changing up some of the staple ingredients. And it’s super comforting to serve someone who’s is not feeling their best.
Wait until you try this recipe for the best chicken soup homemade recipe!
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The Healing Power of Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has lots of health benefits because the broth soothes the body with lots of nutrients, hydration, and warmth. Packed with vitamins and minerals, chicken broth nourishes people who are ill with common illnesses.
Plus, chicken soup homemade is easy to digest. So it’s a great overall dish to nurse someone back to good health.
There’s nothing quite like a good cozy bowl of soup to raise the spirits and just make you feel better.
Why Homemade Chicken Soup is the Best Soup for Sick People
- Nourishing and Hydrating: When you’re sick, maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is crucial. Homemade chicken soup provides a combination of both. The warm broth keeps you hydrated, and the chicken and vegetables offer essential nutrients to help your body recover.
- Clears Congestion: The steam from a hot bowl of chicken soup can help clear nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe. It’s no wonder that many people turn to chicken soup recipes when dealing with a cold or the flu.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The ingredients in chicken soup, such as garlic, onions, and vegetables, have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the severity of symptoms like a sore throat or a stuffy nose.
- Boosts Immunity: Chicken soup contains minerals like zinc and antioxidants, which can help strengthen your immune system. It also stimulates the production of mucus, which can help trap and remove harmful bacteria or viruses.
- Comfort and Psychological Benefits: Chicken soup isn’t just good for your body; it’s good for your soul too. The warm, savory broth and the familiar flavors offer a sense of comfort and well-being, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Is Chicken Soup Healthy For You?
The healthiness of chicken soup largely depends on how it’s prepared. To ensure that your chicken soup is as healthy as possible, follow these tips:
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for skinless chicken breast or lean cuts to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Minimize Salt: Be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the soup. Excessive sodium intake can be detrimental to your health.
- Include Vegetables: Load up your soup with vegetables to increase its nutritional value. The more colorful and varied the vegetables, the better.
- Avoid Heavy Cream or Excessive Butter: Traditional recipes may include cream or butter, which can add unnecessary calories and saturated fat. Consider alternative ways to thicken your soup, like pureeing some of the vegetables.
- Limit Processed Ingredients: Avoid using pre-packaged broth or bouillon cubes, which can be high in sodium and artificial additives. Homemade broth is preferable.
- Watch Portions: While chicken soup is a nutritious choice, portion control is still important. Overindulging can lead to excess calorie intake.
Why is Chicken Soup Healing?
Chicken soup is often considered healing for the reasons stated above, many of which are based on both tradition and scientific evidence. While it may not be a cure-all, it can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with illnesses like colds and the flu.
Because chicken soup contains protein, it helps make the body stronger while it’s feeling weak. And it also contains something called “cysteine,” which is an amino acid known for its healing properties.
It’s important to note that while chicken soup can help relieve symptoms and provide comfort, it is not a substitute for medical treatment when necessary.
Is Chicken Soup Good for Healthy Weight Loss?
YES! Chicken soup can be a part of a healthy weight loss plan when consumed as part of a balanced diet and in moderation.
It’s full of lean protein, keeps you feeling fuller for longer, is dense in nutrients and there are ways to make it lower calorie. You just need to be mindful of how you prepare the soup. Which is why it’s a great dish to add to the rotation.
Homestyle chicken soup works well for healthy weight loss because you can control the ingredients. Whenever I’m trying to shed a few pounds, I substitute beans for pasta to increase my protein intake.
It’s important to remember that individual weight loss success depends on a variety of factors, including your overall dietary choices, physical activity, and metabolism. But making your own chicken soup is a great recipe to include in your diet.
Why I Love This Recipe for Chicken Soup Homemade
This recipe for homemade chicken soup is so easy to prepare that I can make it on the fly with whatever ingredients I have on hand.
I always have the chicken soup base ingredients on hand including onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and almost always chicken in the fridge or freezer.
So whipping up a good cozy bowl of healing chicken soup is a no-brainer on a chilly night or when someone is feeling ill.
And I almost never make it the same way twice. Sometimes, I’ll make a basic chicken soup (recipe below). But other times, I’ll swap out the pasta for beans for a leaner option.
Other times, I’ll saute fresh spinach with the other base ingredients to get extra iron in the meal. Sometimes, I like to make chicken soup homemade with tortellini instead of small pieces of pasta.
But my family loves it best when I keep it simple and make it with alphabet pasta.
Homestyle Chicken Soup Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this healing soup recipe.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- Water
- Chicken Breast Boneless, Diced
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Small Pasta or Noodles
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh Parsley
- Parmesan Cheese
What’s the Difference Between Stock and Broth?
Chicken stock and chicken broth might seem like they are the same thing but are actually slightly different. Here’s what you need to know.
- They can have different ingredients.
- Stock and broth are used differently.
- In general, broth can be sipped on its own, while stock is used more as a dish base.
Optional Spices for Chicken Soup
Adding spices to chicken soup can enhance its flavor and provide a delightful depth to the broth. If you want to tweak this recipe, here are some optional seasonings and spices for chicken soup.
- Bay Leaves
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Dill
- Sage
- Oregano
- Cilantro
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Chili Flakes or Powder
- Black Pepper
- Lemon or Lime Zest
- Garlic
When adding spices and seasonings to your chicken soup, start with small quantities, taste as you go, and adjust to your preference so you don’t risk overdoing it. Experiment and have fun with your spice selection to create a sick soup that suits your taste buds.
Directions to Make Healing Chicken Soup
- Dice all of the veggies and chicken.
- Mince the garlic.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat
- Add the veggies and cook down for about 8 minutes until they are cooked down and soft.
- Then add the garlic, plus the salt and pepper, mix well, and cook for another 30-60 seconds until the garlic releases its odor.
- Add the broth and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked chicken and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Then add pasta and cook according to directions.
- Optional – garnish with shaved parmesan and parsley.
How to Store and Reheat Homestyle Chicken Soup Recipe
Storing homemade chicken soup properly and reheating it safely is important to maintain its quality and safety. Here’s how to store and reheat chicken soup:
Storing Chicken Soup Homemade
- Cool It Down: After cooking your chicken soup, allow it to cool to room temperature. Do not leave it out at room temperature for an extended period, as bacteria can multiply rapidly. Ideally, cool it within 2 hours of cooking.
- Refrigeration: Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can use a plastic or glass container, or even freezer-safe bags if you plan to freeze it. Make sure the soup is tightly covered to prevent contamination and the absorption of other food odors in the fridge.
- Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the contents and the date. This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate: Place the tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Chicken soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating Homemade Chicken Soup
- Stovetop Method: To reheat the soup on the stovetop, pour it into a pot and heat it over medium-low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. When the soup reaches a simmer, it’s ready to serve. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Microwave Method: When using a microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe container. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat the soup in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Be cautious when removing the lid, as hot steam can escape. Ensure that the soup is piping hot (at least 165°F or 73.9°C) before serving.
- Frozen Soup: If you’ve frozen your chicken soup, it can be thawed in the refrigerator and then reheated using one of the methods mentioned above. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen in a pot on the stovetop, but it will take longer to warm through.
- Thoroughly Reheat: Regardless of the method you choose, make sure the soup is heated thoroughly. This not only makes it safe to eat but also ensures it’s enjoyable in terms of taste and texture.
- Season to Taste: After reheating, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The flavors may have mellowed during storage, and you might need to add a bit more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your preferences.
Homemade Chicken Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food When You’re Sick
Ingredients
- 48 Ounce Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Pound Chicken Breast Boneless, Diced
- 1 Onion Diced
- 3 Carrots Diced
- 3 Celery Diced
- 1 Clove Garlic Minced
- ½ Pound Small Pasta
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ Teaspoon Pepper
- Fresh Parsley chopped (optional), (For garnish)
- Parmesan Cheese Shaved (optional), (For garnish and added flavor)
Instructions
- Dice all of the veggies and chicken.
- Mince the garlic.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat
- Add the veggies and cook down for about 8 minutes until they are cooked down and soft.
- Then add the garlic, plus the salt and pepper, mix well, and cook for another 30-60 seconds until the garlic releases its odor.
- Add the broth and water. Bring to boil.
- Add uncooked chicken and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Then add pasta and cook according to directions.
- Optional – garnish with shaved parmesan and parsley.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
More About the Best Soup When Sick
Do you make homemade chicken soup? How do you like to prepare it? I would love to know more in the comments below.
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Keeping It Cozy Blog Hop
I’m sharing this recipe for homemade chicken soup as part of a cozy winter blog hop hosted by my friend Amber from Follow the Yellow Brick Home. I’m so glad you are here and hope you enjoy this recipe. Bon Appetit!
