Sicilian Chicken Soup
Perfect hearty, low-carb comfort food, this Sicilian Chicken Soup is perfect for cozy evenings, offering a balanced mix of protein and veggies in a flavorful, low-carb broth!
Ingredients:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
* 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium, if preferred)
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 zucchini, sliced
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for added flavor)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
* Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken breast (whole or cut into chunks for quicker cooking).
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned.
4. Remove from the pot and set aside to cool.
5. In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
6. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), and add the zucchini slices.
8. Stir in the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
9. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
10. While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken using two forks or chop it into small pieces.
11. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
12. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
14. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Additional Tips:
1. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a zesty twist.
2. You can stir in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
3. This soup is already low-carb, but if you want it to be even lower, skip the carrots or reduce their quantity.
Enjoy!