Comfort in a Bowl: The Healing Power of Chicken Soup

A simple recipe for when you're not feeling well

This week, I was struck down by some kind of ass-kicking respiratory virus (non-COVID). So naturally, the first thing I did was think of all the foods that would be the most nutritious, that could lead to a quick recovery, and then only stick to a diet of such foods.

That would have been a great idea, and yes, there has been some of that in there. But when we humans are sick, we are generally not the most logical creatures, and most of the time, we just want something to comfort our minds and bodies.

One of the foods that is actually good for you, that tastes great as well as being very comforting, is the classic chicken soup (add noodles if you want). I don't, but that's up to you. I tend to make this soup several times a year whether I'm sick or not.

For this version of chicken soup I use several convenience products and pre-prepped ingredients to make this one-pot meal come together as quickly and easily as possible, and this time I didn’t even have to leave the house to do it.

Here is my chicken soup for when you’re sick!

Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

Chicken Soup for When You’re Sick:

1 Whole Chicken (Pre-Cooked)

2 Quarts Chicken Stock (In a box)

1/2 Cup of each - Carrot, Celery, Onion

1 Small Bunch of Fresh Thyme

1 Bay Leaf

1 Lemon

1 teaspoon fresh garlic

1 teaspoon fresh ginger

Salt and pepper to taste

Get yourself a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store ( the pre-cooked one in a bag) as well as 2 quarts of chicken stock. These chickens are full of flavor and way easier to deal with when you’re not at your best.

You can usually find pre-diced carrots, celery, and onion in the deli section, get some of that. If you find pre-diced mirepoix (carrot/celery/onion mixed together) even better. If you can’t find anything fresh you can usually find frozen carrots at least.

Pick up some garlic and ginger paste in the little squeeze tube in the produce section. These are a great option for fresh flavor without the labor. While you’re in the produce section grab yourself a lemon and a small bunch of thyme. If they have fresh bay leaves, get them, you’re going to need all of the flavor you can get.

Find a big soup pot and put it on medium heat. Start breaking up that chicken into the pot, and make sure to get all of that gelatinous goodness from the bag in there as well, it’s pure flavor.

Now add the carrot, celery, and onion. Add the bay leaf and a good pinch of time along with 1 teaspoon of the garlic and ginger paste. Add 2 quarts of chicken stock. Simmer until the vegetables are cooked through. Slice your lemon in half, throw it into the pot, and stir around a bit. Feel free to add salt and pepper if you like. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

I know that throwing all of your ingredients into a pot and boiling is not “proper” soup-making procedure but you are operating under emergency protocols here.

If you can’t make it to the store or just don’t want to go when you are ill, get your groceries delivered, that’s what I did.

Will this soup cure all that ails you, no, but it will make your day better and it’s pretty tasty. Enjoy!