Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly evening? Look no further! This Lourdes Chicken Soup recipe is a family favorite, bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this healthy and delicious dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1 cup cooked noodles (egg noodles or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper 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 chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your soup.
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Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer and add chicken: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Add the shredded chicken and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Cook the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the soup 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 and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Lourdes Chicken Soup:
- Use quality ingredients: The better the broth and chicken, the tastier your soup will be.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Overcooked vegetables can become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp.
- Adjust seasonings to your liking: Feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to suit your taste. A pinch of garlic powder or a bay leaf would also add depth.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Add different vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest adds a bright, fresh note.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 5-8g
This Lourdes Chicken Soup recipe is a perfect example of how easy and satisfying healthy meals can be. It’s a quick dinner idea, a fantastic homemade cooking project, and one of the best recipes for a comforting and delicious dish. Enjoy!