Chicken Soup Recipe | How to make Chicken Vegetable Soup at Home

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a delicious and easy chicken vegetable soup at home. Perfect for dinner, this recipe allows flexibility with the choice of chicken parts and vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you start cooking, assemble all necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• Chicken (any part, such as thighs, breasts, or drumsticks)
• Vegetables (such as carrots, peas, potatoes, and celery)
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Chicken broth (4 cups)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme, optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if using larger parts.
3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot.
2. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Broth

1. Add your choice of chopped vegetables to the pot.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is covered.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

1. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
3. Check for doneness; the chicken should be cooked through, and vegetables should be tender.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. If using, add fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.

Step 8: Serve the Soup

1. Ladle the hot chicken vegetable soup into bowls.
2. Optionally, garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
3. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making a hearty chicken vegetable soup! This recipe is not only simple but also adaptable to suit your flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spices in future batches. Enjoy your meal, and consider making a larger batch to freeze for later use!