Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup? This recipe offers all the deliciousness of classic chicken soup, but made completely gluten-free, ensuring it’s enjoyable for everyone. It's a perfect healthy meal, easy to make, and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe is packed with flavor and will quickly become one of your go-to homemade cooking staples. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups gluten-free chicken broth (check labels carefully!)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 cup gluten-free pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where you build the flavour base of your soup, so don't rush this step!
Build the soup:
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Pour in the gluten-free chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to release their flavors into the broth.
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Add the shredded chicken, gluten-free pasta, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well to combine.
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Continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finishing touches:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Chicken Soup:
- Broth matters: Using high-quality gluten-free chicken broth makes a big difference in the overall taste. Look for brands that are low in sodium if you prefer.
- Fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme and rosemary on hand, use them instead of dried. Fresh herbs offer a brighter, more intense flavor.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or potatoes. Experiment to find your perfect combination!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Lemon Chicken Soup: Add the juice of half a lemon at the end for a bright, zesty twist.
- Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture. (Ensure your chosen cream is gluten-free if necessary.)
- Chicken Noodle Soup (Gluten-Free): Use gluten-free egg noodles instead of the small pasta shapes for a more traditional noodle soup experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains around:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This delicious and easy gluten-free chicken soup recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that are simple to prepare. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!