Chicken soup

Here’s a simple and comforting chicken soup recipe:

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 4 chicken thighs/ breasts
• Carrots: 2, sliced
• Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Bay leaves: 2
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon (dried) or a few sprigs (fresh)
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Water or chicken broth: 8 cups
• Fresh parsley: for garnish
• Noodles or rice (optional): for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken, water (or broth), bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

2. Add vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.

3. Cook the chicken: Simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If using a whole chicken, it may take longer (around 1 hour).

4. Remove and shred chicken: Take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool slightly. Remove the skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

5. Strain the broth (optional): If you prefer a clearer broth, strain the soup to remove the solids, then return the broth to the pot.

6. Combine: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. If using, add noodles or rice and cook according to package instructions.

7. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your warm and hearty chicken soup!