Tired of takeout and craving a warm, comforting meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This recipe for canned chicken soup delivers all the delicious flavors of homemade chicken soup with the convenience of using canned ingredients. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both easy recipes and healthy meals, ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe makes a quick dinner, perfect for homemade cooking at its finest. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chicken breast, drained and shredded
- 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup egg noodles
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of your soup.
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Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the shredded canned chicken and chickpeas. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Canned Chicken Soup:
- Use high-quality ingredients: While this recipe utilizes canned goods for convenience, opting for higher-quality canned chicken and broth will significantly enhance the overall taste.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy, so be sure to follow the package directions carefully.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can add extra zest.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Add the juice of half a lemon at the end of cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This canned chicken soup recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy meals and easy recipes can coexist beautifully. It's a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful soup, and remember to adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking!