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Healthy chicken soup with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, parsnips, and fresh herbs

Healthy Chicken Soup Recipe : Simple 30-Minute Comfort


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  • Author: kai

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

Scale

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.