5-Ingredient Clean Eating Chicken Soup
Description: This 5-Ingredient Clean Eating Chicken Soup is a simple, healthy, and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. Made with just five wholesome ingredients—boneless, skinless chicken breasts, low-sodium chicken broth, carrots, celery, and onions—this soup is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s a nourishing choice for busy days or when you need something quick and easy that’s also good for you. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Enjoy this clean and delicious soup as a hearty lunch, dinner, or even a recovery meal after a workout!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the Broth: In a large pot, bring the low-sodium chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Chicken and Veggies: Add the chicken breasts, diced carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks.
- Combine: Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine everything.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
- Stovetop: For reheating on the stovetop, place the soup in a pot over medium heat and warm it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken; just make sure to remove the bones after cooking.
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Frozen chicken breasts can be used, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
- Can I add other vegetables to this soup? Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients and flavor.
- How can I make this soup spicier? You can add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to spice things up.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked and tender. Shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day or two ahead for an easy, ready-to-serve meal.
- How do I make this soup creamy? To make it creamy, add a splash of milk, cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt after cooking.
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, vegetable broth will work well if you prefer a vegetarian option.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts? Yes! Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup towards the end of cooking.
- What can I serve with this soup? This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of whole-grain crackers, a salad, or a slice of whole-wheat bread.
- Can I add noodles or rice? Yes, you can add cooked noodles or rice to the soup for a heartier meal.
- Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot? Yes, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then shred the chicken after releasing the pressure.
- Can I use other meats instead of chicken? Yes, turkey or lean beef would also work in this recipe.
- How do I make this soup more flavorful? Add garlic, herbs (like thyme or rosemary), or a splash of lemon juice for an added depth of flavor.
- Can I add beans to this soup? Yes, adding white beans or chickpeas will make it even more filling.
- Is this soup good for weight loss? Yes, this soup is low in calories and packed with protein and vegetables, making it a great choice for weight loss.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this soup freezes very well for up to 3 months.
- How long does it take to cook? The soup takes around 25 minutes of cooking time.
- Can I make this soup without onion or celery? Yes, feel free to omit or substitute them with other vegetables if you prefer.
- Can I use store-bought broth? Yes, store-bought low-sodium chicken broth is perfectly fine for this recipe.
20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect 5-Ingredient Clean Eating Chicken Soup:
- Use fresh chicken: Fresh chicken breasts provide the best texture and flavor compared to frozen ones.
- Sear the chicken first: If you want deeper flavor, sear the chicken breasts for a couple of minutes in the pot before adding the broth.
- Use homemade broth: For an even cleaner option, make your own low-sodium chicken broth at home for richer flavor.
- Cut vegetables evenly: Dice the carrots, celery, and onions into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Use a high-quality broth: A good-quality broth will enhance the overall taste of the soup, so choose one with minimal additives.
- Add garlic for flavor: A couple of cloves of garlic can add an extra layer of flavor to your soup.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Remove the chicken once it’s cooked through to avoid dry, tough chicken.
- Season gradually: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste toward the end to avoid over-salting.
- Add a splash of lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking will brighten up the flavor.
- Let it rest: Let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make it a meal: Add a grain like quinoa, farro, or brown rice to make it even more filling.
- Use a pressure cooker: If you’re in a hurry, an Instant Pot can cook the chicken in a fraction of the time.
- Experiment with herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary for added aroma.
- Don’t skip the broth: The broth is what gives the soup its flavor, so don’t skimp on it.
- Control the salt: Always use low-sodium broth and add your own salt as needed to control the sodium levels.
- Chill leftovers: Cool down leftovers completely before storing them to avoid any bacterial growth.
- Make it veggie-packed: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to boost the nutritional value.
- Use a big pot: A large pot will help the ingredients cook evenly and allow you to make enough soup for the whole family.
- Shred the chicken finely: Fine shreds of chicken will help it mix better into the soup and distribute throughout each serving.
- Serve with fresh herbs: Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your 5-Ingredient Clean Eating Chicken Soup! It’s healthy, simple, and perfect for nourishing your body.
