Spring Garden Chicken Soup (Print Version)

Light brothy soup with tender chicken, fresh spring vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Easy to prepare and naturally gluten-free.

# Ingredient List:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz)

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
04 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Broth & Aromatics

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
13 - Juice of ½ lemon, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour chicken broth into the pot, add bay leaf and thyme, and bring to a gentle boil.
04 - Add chicken breasts to the broth, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through.
05 - Remove chicken to a plate and shred using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
06 - Add zucchini and peas to the soup and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables reach tender texture.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice if using. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
08 - Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • The broth stays light and clean, perfect for when you want comfort without the heaviness
  • You can swap vegetables based on whatever needs using up from your crisper drawer
02 -
  • Overcooking the zucchini will turn it mushy, so keep an eye on it and test it frequently
  • The broth needs proper seasoning at the end since the vegetables dilute the saltiness as they cook
  • Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding makes it easier to pull apart cleanly
03 -
  • Cooking the chicken directly in the broth means you skip an extra step and end up with more flavorful meat
  • The lemon juice is not optional, it is what transforms a good soup into something great
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