After indulging in rich meals, nothing beats a warm, soothing bowl of Detox Chicken Soup to help reset your body. This recipe is packed with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and hearty ingredients like kale and cannellini beans, all simmered in a flavorful broth. Light yet satisfying, this soup is ideal for boosting your energy and providing the nourishment you need. Whether you’re recovering from a cold or just want a wholesome meal, this detox chicken soup is the perfect choice for a healthy reset.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 bunch of kale, with stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions:
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken chunks with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until it’s evenly browned and cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, heat up the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Stock: Stir in the dried thyme and oregano, and season the mixture with additional salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the chicken stock, then add the bay leaves and fresh rosemary sprig.
- Cook the Orzo: Once the broth is simmering, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Allow the soup to simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
- Add the Chicken and Kale: Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the chopped kale. Stir in the drained cannellini beans. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until the kale has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley. Remove the bay leaves and rosemary sprig from the soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the detox chicken soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley or a wedge of lemon if desired. Enjoy this hearty, wholesome soup hot, as a refreshing and nourishing meal.
Conclusion:
This Detox Chicken Soup is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it ideal for when you want to feel light yet fully nourished. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, leafy kale, and creamy cannellini beans, this soup is both flavorful and detoxifying. The addition of lemon and fresh herbs adds brightness, making it a perfect go-to for a healthy lunch or dinner. Prepare a big batch, and you’ll have an easy, healthy meal ready to go throughout the week!