Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup: A Comforting Nourishment for Any Day
This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the perfect comfort food to warm your soul and fill your belly. Packed with nutritious vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Ideal for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup brings a sense of home and well-being to every spoonful.
### Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
### Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Pot
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Peppers
Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Include the Zucchini
Stir in the sliced zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Herbs
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Step 8: Finish with Spinach and Fresh Herbs
Stir in the chopped baby spinach and fresh parsley. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.
This nourishing soup is sure to become a family favorite with its combination of hearty ingredients and savory herbs. Enjoy its comforting warmth and wholesome goodness throughout the year.