Are you craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that's also good for you? Look no further! This chicken meatball soup recipe is the perfect answer. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and a delicious broth that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. It’s so simple, even beginner cooks can master it, and it's easily customizable to your liking. Let’s dive into this delicious and healthy food recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Chicken Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Making the Soup:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Gently add the chicken meatballs to the soup. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- If using spinach or kale, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Meatball Soup:
- Don't overmix the meatballs: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use good quality chicken broth: The flavor of the broth significantly impacts the overall taste of the soup.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's a great make-ahead recipe for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Meatball Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Chicken Meatball Soup: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Creamy Chicken Meatball Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, one serving contains approximately 300-350 calories, 25-30 grams of protein, and 15-20 grams of fat. This is a rough estimate and using a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients will provide a more precise analysis. This hearty and delicious soup offers a satisfying and healthy meal option, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a comforting lunch. Enjoy!