Chicken & Vegetable Soup is a nourishing and comforting dish packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables. This immune-boosting soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s easy to make and full of flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (for added vitamin C)

Timing

Making Chicken & Vegetable Soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

1. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the pot, then pour in the chicken broth and water.
2. Season: Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the chicken simmer for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
2. Remove Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

1. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Add Green Beans and Spinach: Add the green beans and spinach, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Return Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the lemon juice.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chicken & Vegetable Soup (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	25g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for added nutrition.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added at the end for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken & Vegetable Soup is a wholesome and comforting dish that’s perfect for boosting your immune system. With its delicious blend of chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s a great option for a healthy meal any time of the year!