Cozy Up with Coach Jen's Immune-Boosting Chicken Soup

Why Chicken Soup?

You might ask why chicken soup is such a staple during cold months. This comforting dish has been cherished for generations, and for good reasons. Rich in nutrients, chicken soup helps support your immune system and can ease symptoms like sore throats and nasal congestion. A study found that chicken soup could actually help reduce inflammation and promote better respiratory health.

Preparing it at home allows you full control over the ingredients, ensuring organic and quality products. This way, you take charge of your health during the fall season when the risk of colds and flu rises.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious chicken soup:

• 3 lbs of organic chicken thighs

• 4-6 carrots, chopped

• 4-6 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 gold or russett potatoes, chopped

• 1 whole head of garlic, peeled and diced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 4 cups of chicken bone broth

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt, pepper, and paprika

  
  

This mix creates a hearty soup full of flavors and nutrients, ideal for chilly evenings.

Preparing Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, let’s prep our ingredients.

1. Wash and Chop: Clean and chop your vegetables. Cut the carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion into small chunks and peel and dice the garlic cloves.

   
   

2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Trim excess fat and cut into bite-sized pieces. Generously mix the salt, pepper, and paprika into the chicken. This seasoning not only enhances the chicken’s taste but also adds a rich color to your soup.

   
   

Cooking in the Ninja Pressure Cooker

With everything prepped, it's time to cook! The Ninja pressure cooker speeds up the process while enhancing the flavors.

1. Add the Vegetables to the Pot: Start with the diced onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery.

   
   

2. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pot.

   
   

3. Add Broth: Next, pour in the chicken bone broth. A high-quality broth will make all the difference in flavor. Don’t forget the bay leaves.

   
   

4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for 2 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.

   
   

Storing Leftovers

One of the great things about this chicken soup is that it produces plenty for future meals. After your first serving, let the soup cool down before transferring it into airtight containers. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to leave some space in the containers for expansion as it freezes.

When you're ready to savor your leftovers, simply heat them on the stove or in the microwave until warm.

Savoring Your Soup

As the weather cools down, consider making this chicken soup a fixture of your fall menu. Not just a meal, it’s a nourishing embrace for body and soul during this shifting season.

The Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is more than just comfort food. It’s packed with nutrients that can help you feel better during cold and flu season. The chicken provides protein, which is essential for healing. Vegetables like carrots and celery add vitamins and minerals that support your immune system. Garlic, known for its health benefits, can boost your defenses against illness.

Making this soup at home means you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs. Want more greens? Toss in some spinach or kale. Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Coach Jen's immune-boosting chicken soup recipe for fall! This dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with nutrients to fortify your health as the seasons change. With the Ninja pressure cooker, you can whip up a big pot quickly, ensuring you have delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

As you cozy up with your bowl of soup, remember that caring for your health is essential, especially as cold weather approaches. Grab your ingredients, fire up the pressure cooker, and relish the comfort of homemade chicken soup. Happy cooking!