Cozy Chicken Soup for Colds
This cozy chicken soup for colds features homemade chicken stock, tender vegetables, and fresh herbs — the perfect comforting bowl when you need warmth and healing.
4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 4 cups homemade chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon chicken fat from the stock or olive oil
- 1 yellow onion peeled and chopped
- 2 carrots sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 celery stalks sliced into ¼-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion tops green part only or chives
- ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning a blend of ground sage and thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a small pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Crusty day-old French bread or your favorite hearty loaf
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a 4-quart saucepan, heat the chicken fat (or olive oil) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
Season the Vegetables:
- While sautéing, add the poultry seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly. Allow the seasonings to release their aroma and blend with the vegetables.
Add the Stock:
- Pour in the homemade chicken stock. Stir gently, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain the texture of the vegetables.
Add Fresh Herbs:
- Stir in the chopped parsley and green onion tops (or chives). Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve Warm:
- Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls and serve immediately with slices of crusty French bread. The mild heat from the red pepper and the freshness of the herbs create a soothing, flavorful balance.
Notes
To make this soup gluten-free, ensure that your chicken stock is free from additives containing gluten. Replace the French bread with a gluten-free baguette or serve with gluten-free crackers. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.