Description
Healthy Chicken Soup is a warm, light, and filling 30-minute meal made with tender chicken breast, carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, onion, garlic, fresh herbs, and savory low-sodium chicken broth. Fresh thyme, tarragon, and parsley give every spoonful a bright herbal flavor.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 carrots, sliced
3 parsnips, sliced
3 celery ribs, sliced
1 leek, sliced
1/2 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 fresh thyme sprigs
2 fresh tarragon sprigs
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery, leek, and onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often.
3. Add the garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until the garlic smells fragrant without browning.
4. Add the chicken breasts, thyme, tarragon, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Gently stir everything together.
5. Bring the soup to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Remove the thyme sprigs, tarragon sprigs, and bay leaf.
9. Stir in the fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts for a slightly richer flavor.
Turnips or potatoes can replace the parsnips. Potatoes may need extra cooking time, so check them with a fork before serving.
If using dried herbs, start with about 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried tarragon.
Peas or zucchini make good add-ins. Add them near the end of cooking so they keep their texture.
Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the salt.
Keep the soup at a gentle simmer so the vegetables become tender without turning too soft.
Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
For a milder herbal flavor, reduce the amount of tarragon.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the soup gently in a pot on the stove.
