Healthy Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables
Overview:
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables is a nutritious, comforting, and flavorful dish that makes for a perfect weeknight dinner. With a combination of lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the wholesome addition of oats, this soup is creamy yet light. The blend of ingredients not only adds a rich texture but also provides a wholesome meal for the whole family. It’s an ideal balance of healthy and delicious, making it perfect for those who seek a nutritious meal without compromising on flavor.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless) | 300 grams |
| Lukewarm Water | 4 cups |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Celery (roughly cut) | 2 stalks |
| Carrots (cut into half and diced) | 2 |
| Green peas (steamed) | 1/4 cup |
| Sweet Potato (boiled and pureed) | 1 |
| Green beans (French Beans, cut into 1-inch pieces) | 50 grams |
| Rolled Oats or Instant Oats | 40 grams |
| Black pepper powder (crushed) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 2-inch piece |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Parsley leaves (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-5
Instructions:
-
Start by preparing the chicken stock:
In a large saucepan, pour 2 cups of lukewarm water and add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Add the chicken breasts along with a pinch of salt. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Once done, drain the chicken and set the cooking liquid aside—it will serve as your chicken stock for the soup. Shred the cooked chicken into thin, 1/4-inch-wide strips and set aside for later use. -
-
Prepare the vegetables:
In the same pot, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, celery, and onion. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. This will create a rich flavor base for your soup. -
Incorporate the rest of the vegetables:
Add the diced carrots, steamed green peas, pureed sweet potato, and cut green beans to the pot. Stir everything together and let it sauté for a few minutes to combine the flavors. -
Add the chicken stock and oats:
Pour the chicken stock (the liquid you set aside from boiling the chicken) into the pot, along with the remaining 2 cups of lukewarm water. Stir in the rolled oats (or instant oats) and let the oats cook in the liquid. As they cook, the soup will begin to thicken and acquire a creamy texture. -
Combine the shredded chicken:
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir everything together. Continue simmering the soup for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the oats to further thicken the soup and blend the flavors. -
Final touches:
Season the soup with salt and black pepper powder to taste. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness and acidity that will elevate the flavors. -
Serve:
Ladle the Healthy Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables into bowls and serve hot, accompanied by some freshly baked garlic bread or a serving of spicy basil fried rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers depending on what’s in season or available in your kitchen.
- Make it creamier: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup before adding the shredded chicken, then return it to the pot for a smoother consistency.
- For a gluten-free version: You can substitute the oats with quinoa or another gluten-free grain.
This Healthy Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables is a bowl of pure comfort and nutrition, ideal for any day of the week. Its hearty flavors will surely warm your heart and satisfy your hunger in the healthiest way possible!
