Chicken soup has seemingly mystical properties; moms swear by its ability to cure anything that ails you. While its medicinal attributes are still being tested, the Mayo Clinic does report that chicken soup can reduce inflammation and speed up the loosening of mucus in the nose and sinuses, which makes it a good-for-you remedy when you’re not feeling well. Add in some spice (like ginger or chile), for more relief of that stuffed-up feeling that comes with a cold. Plus, a batch of homemade chicken soup tastes a whole lot better than over-the-counter cold medicines. Try these alternatives to classic chicken-noodle soup next time you’re under the weather—or you just want something to eat that’s warm, comforting and delicious. Chicken Stock Any good homemade chicken soup starts with good stock. For store-bought chicken stock, we recommend Swanson’s low-sodium organic chicken broth. But really, it’s so easy to make your own homemade stock that you should try this recipe—make a big batch and store it (in 3- or 4-cup containers) in the freezer for soup-making. We’ll start with this simple recipe for chicken noodle soup. It has everything you want: chunks of chicken, carrots, celery and slurp-able noodles. Chicken coconut soup is a favorite on Thai restaurant menus, but it can pack more calories and sodium than you might expect. This sweet and spicy soup is super easy to make at home. You’ll love this easy recipe for chicken tortilla soup, with corn and black beans for extra nutrition and protein. Just dump the ingredients into your slow cooker and turn it on; garnish the soup with broken baked tortilla chips. Gingery Chicken Noodle Soup This will be a chicken soup you’ll crave when you’re not feeling your best. Increase the amount of fresh ginger that the recipe calls for if you need an extra kick of spice. Another easy-to-make slow-cooker soup recipe, this creamy chicken soup boasts healthful brown rice, portobello mushrooms and herbs. It takes just 10 minutes to stir together. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Once you’ve mastered homemade chicken soup, try Avgolemono. This traditional Greek soup is infused with lemon and thickened with an egg that’s quickly whisked in. It’s hearty and full of flavor. Italian Country Chicken Soup This vegetable-packed chicken soup calls for a whole garden full of veggies, including zucchini, celery, cauliflower, peas and artichokes. This one-pot soup is hearty and super low-fat. Get dinner on the table quickly with this easy chicken soup recipe. Reduced-sodium canned chicken broth, canned white beans and cooked shredded chicken make this soup perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken & Spinach Soup with Pesto This healthy chicken soup recipe starts with chicken and vegetables sautéed together; then you add chicken broth and simmer. A simple homemade basil pesto adds bright color and flavor to the finished soup. You may also like this slow cooker chicken torilla soup recipe. What is your favorite take on chicken soup? Bryn Mooth is extending her 20-year career in publishing as an independent journalist and copywriter. She shares seasonal recipes, kitchen techniques, healthy eating tips and food wisdom on her blog writes4food.com. |
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