Warm up with this comforting Detox Chicken Soup! Packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and tasty herbs, it’s a bowl of goodness that helps you feel great.
There’s something special about soup on a chilly day. I love how cozy it feels! Plus, making it is easy peasy—just chop, simmer, and enjoy a healthy meal in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its health benefits and rich flavor. You can swap it with avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point or want a different taste.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup. If you’re out of onions, shallots or leeks work well too.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give great flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a substitute—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Vegetables: This soup features celery, carrots, and broccoli—a great mix! Feel free to add other favorites like spinach, kale, or bell peppers if you like.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth keeps it healthier. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, vegetable broth can be a perfect alternative.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this super quick! Alternatively, you can use leftover grilled chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Vegetables for Soup?
Cooking the vegetables correctly ensures they are tender but still full of flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions first; cook until they’re soft.
- Add garlic next and stir for just a minute so it doesn’t burn.
- Introduce hearty veggies like carrots and celery before the softer one like broccoli to give them enough time to cook properly.
- Keep the heat moderate to let the flavors meld without burning.
Following these steps will give you a deliciously flavored soup full of vibrant veggies!
Detox Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Detox Chicken Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 45 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a delicious, warming soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. This brings out the sweetness of the onion!
2. Add Garlic:
Once the onion is ready, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about one minute until it becomes fragrant—just be careful not to let it burn, as burned garlic can taste bitter.
3. Mix in More Veggies:
Stir in the sliced celery and carrots next. Cook them together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften a little. These veggies will add great flavor and texture!
4. Pour in Chicken Broth:
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth! Bring the mixture to a boil, which will combine all those wonderful flavors. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer gently.
5. Add Broccoli:
After boiling, add the broccoli florets to the pot and let everything simmer for about 8-10 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender but still bright and colorful!
6. Combine Chicken and Herbs:
Next, add the shredded cooked chicken along with the dried thyme, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well, letting the chicken heat through, which should take about 5 minutes.
7. Final Touch:
Once everything is heated, take the pot off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. This gives the soup a refreshing zing that brightens all the flavors!
8. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls. If you’d like, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your nourishing, detoxifying chicken soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen chicken completely before shredding it. You can defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the soup!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add some chickpeas or tofu for a protein boost instead!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just toss them in with the broccoli and adjust cooking time as needed until they’re tender but still vibrant!
