Imagine a steaming bowl of Chicken Spinach Soup, its comforting aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers.
This easy-to-make dish wraps you in warmth, perfect for a cozy evening.
Watch as fresh spinach wilts into the savory broth and tender chicken enriches the flavors.
It’s a simple yet delightful transformation of ingredients into a nourishing meal.
Join me in bringing this hearty soup to life—ready to savor each spoonful?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 ladle
- 1 stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cook & Prep Time
To create a timeline for efficiently preparing and cooking Chicken Spinach Soup, we need to allocate time for reading, prep work, cooking, and resting. Here’s a suggested timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Start by quickly reading through the entire recipe to understand the process and gather all equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- 0:00 – 5:00: Chop the medium onion and mince the garlic.
- 5:00 – 10:00: Dice the chicken breasts and wash and chop the spinach.
- 10:00 – 15:00: Slice the carrots and gather all spices (salt, black pepper, dried thyme, red pepper flakes) and lemon juice.
- Cooking (25 minutes)
- 15:00 – 18:00: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- 18:00 – 19:00: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- 19:00 – 20:00: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- 20:00 – 30:00: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until no longer pink (about 10 minutes).
- 30:00 – 40:00: Stir in the chopped spinach, sliced carrots, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Finishing Touches (2 minutes)
- 40:00 – 42:00: Stir in the lemon juice and remove the pot from heat.
- Resting & Serving (5 minutes)
- 42:00 – 47:00: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional Steps
- If desired, during the resting time, you can prepare garnishes such as freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add a splash of white wine while cooking the chicken for extra flavor.
This timeline allows you to smoothly shift from preparation to cooking while ensuring all steps are completed efficiently.
Adjust the timeline as needed based on your pace and familiarity with the recipe.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Add diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
Stir in chopped spinach, sliced carrots, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Stir in lemon juice and remove the pot from heat.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the soup with its crisp lettuce and tangy dressing.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A gooey grilled cheese sandwich adds a comforting, cheesy contrast to the lightness of the soup.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Serve with garlic breadsticks for a savory, aromatic addition to your meal.
- Avocado Toast: Top whole grain toast with avocado slices for a nutritious, creamy side dish.
Storage
To store Chicken Spinach Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Spinach Soup, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Spinach Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve texture.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals.
Stir in between.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Spinach Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is a great choice for a quick and nutritious meal.
The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and flavorful spices creates a deliciously satisfying soup that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether you’re serving it as a starter or enjoying it as a main course, Chicken Spinach Soup is a versatile and healthy option.
Don’t forget to garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of this tasty soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Spinach With Another Leafy Green?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Make certain you adjust cooking times as kale requires more time to tenderize. Remember to remove any tough stems for ideal texture and flavor integration.
Is This Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes, it’s gluten-free if you don’t add any gluten-containing ingredients. Check labels on chicken broth and spices, as they might contain gluten. Use fresh ingredients and verify everything to guarantee a completely gluten-free dish.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace diced chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Ascertain proper seasoning adjustment. Sauté tofu for texture or add chickpeas directly for protein enrichment. Adjust spices accordingly.
What Wine Pairs Well With Chicken Spinach Soup?
You should pair a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with the soup. Its citrus notes enhance the lemon juice’s acidity, while its herbaceous profile complements the spinach. This wine’s crispness balances the creamy texture, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Can I Add Pasta or Rice to This Soup?
Certainly, you can incorporate pasta or rice. Cook separately until al dente, then integrate during the final simmer. This technique guarantees ideal texture, preventing starch absorption from thickening the broth. Adjust seasoning post-addition for balance.
Chicken Spinach Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach washed and chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in chopped spinach, sliced carrots, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in lemon juice and remove the pot from heat.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
