Healing Chicken Soup: 7 Comforting Benefits for Wellness

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Healing Chicken Soup is more than just a comforting dish; it’s a soothing elixir for the body and soul. This homemade soup, crafted with a rich healing broth, tender chicken, and an array of nutrient-dense vegetables, is perfect for those chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. With its therapeutic properties, this delicious recipe is a staple in many households, serving as a go-to remedy for colds and flu. Let’s dive into the benefits and the simple steps to create this nourishing chicken soup!

Why You’ll Love This Healing Chicken Soup

This healing chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. Here are some compelling reasons to love it:

It provides a rich source of nutrients, thanks to the wholesome ingredients.
Enjoy the soothing effects of the homemade healing broth, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
This therapeutic chicken soup helps boost immunity, making it ideal for recovery during cold and flu season.
The comforting flavors make it a perfect dish for the soul, promoting overall wellness.
It’s a versatile recipe, allowing you to include medicinal herbs or vegetables of your choice.
This is one of the best chicken soup recipes for recovery, particularly when you’re feeling under the weather.

Ingredients for Healing Chicken Soup

Gather these items:

3-4 pound whole fresh chicken (giblets removed)
2 large yellow onions (peeled and halved)
1 head garlic (cut in half horizontally)
½ small jalapeno (seeded and ribs removed)
2 dried bay leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt (+ more to taste)
½ tablespoon peppercorns (or 1 teaspoon ground black pepper)
12 cups water
2 large Yukon Gold potatoes (scrubbed and cut into ½-inch cubes)
2 large sweet potatoes (scrubbed, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes)
3 large carrots (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes)
1 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce
1 large lemon (juiced)

How to Make Healing Chicken Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Remove any giblets, gravy packet, thermometer, or plastic ties from the chicken and discard. Place the chicken into a large stock pot or Dutch Oven. Add onions, garlic, jalapeño, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns. Cover with water.
Step 2: Bring the stock to a simmer over medium heat. Remove any cloudy material that rises to the top with a fine-mesh strainer and discard.
Step 3: Once simmering, turn the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Strain the broth using a colander over a large bowl, or use a spoon to fish out the solids.
Step 5: Optional: Refrigerate broth to let fat consolidate. Once the fat rises, scoop it out and discard.
Step 6: If needed, return the broth to the pan and bring back to a simmer. Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and soy sauce. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
Step 7: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the chicken by removing the skin and bones. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Save 2-3 cups of the chicken for the soup.
Step 8: Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken to the soup and simmer for 2-5 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the soup from heat and add the lemon juice. Stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Healing Chicken Soup

Keep these in mind:

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
You can use leftover chicken for this recipe, making it a great way to minimize waste.
This soup can be refrigerated for several days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Consider adding medicinal herbs such as thyme or rosemary for added flavor and health benefits.

Best Ways to Serve Healing Chicken Soup

Here are a few ideas:

Serve it with crusty whole-grain bread for a wholesome meal.
Pair the soup with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy dinner.
Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Healing Chicken Soup

To store, keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This soup is perfect for meal prep, providing a quick and healthy option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healing Chicken Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Healing Chicken Soup?

The secret lies in making a rich, flavorful broth. Use fresh ingredients and allow the soup to simmer long enough for all the flavors to meld together. Adding a squeeze of lemon at the end gives it a refreshing finish.

Can I make Healing Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge or freezer.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Healing Chicken Soup?

One common mistake is not skimming the broth while it simmers. This helps achieve a clear, clean broth. Additionally, ensure you don’t overcook the vegetables to maintain their texture and nutritional value.

Variations of Healing Chicken Soup You Can Try

Here are a few delicious variations:

Add a variety of vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Incorporate different spices such as turmeric or ginger for additional health benefits.
Try using a pressure cooker for a quicker cooking process while still achieving that comforting flavor.

For more delicious soup recipes, check out Hearty Tomato Soup with Cheddar or Creamy Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup. If you’re interested in the health benefits of chicken soup, you can read more about it here.