Chicken with Escarole Soup 🍲🍗
Chicken with escarole soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with the crisp bitterness of escarole, a leafy green. It’s the perfect soup for a chilly day or when you need something nutritious and filling! 🥄
This soup is not only tasty but also offers many health benefits. It’s loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals that keep your body strong. Whether you’re a teenager looking for a healthy meal or someone trying to eat cleaner, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Why Chicken with Escarole Soup? 🤔
Escarole is a type of leafy green that is often used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking. It’s packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. Paired with the high-protein chicken and the delicious broth, this soup is a perfect meal that can fuel your body with the energy it needs. 💪
It’s also a very versatile dish. You can make it with or without pasta, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and even add beans for extra protein! Plus, the flavors of the soup are better the next day, so you can store leftovers in the fridge for later. 🥣
Recipe for Chicken with Escarole Soup 🍲
Here’s how you can make your own Chicken with Escarole Soup at home:
Ingredients 📝:
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless) 🍗
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 medium onion, diced 🧅
- 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 4 cups chicken broth 🍲
- 1 bunch escarole, chopped 🥬
- 1 carrot, sliced 🥕
- 1 celery stalk, sliced 🌿
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme 🌿
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1/2 cup small pasta (optional, such as orzo or ditalini) 🍝
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
Instructions 🔪:
- Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
🔥🍗 - Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. This will give your soup a delicious, savory base! 🧅🧄🥕🌿 - Make the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This will make your soup aromatic and flavorful! 🍲🌿🧂 - Shred the Chicken:
While the soup base is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using a fork. Once shredded, add it back into the pot with the broth.
🍗💥 - Add Escarole and Pasta:
Add the chopped escarole to the soup and, if you’re using pasta, add it too! Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the escarole wilts and the pasta cooks. 🥬🍝 - Taste and Adjust:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your taste.
😋👌 - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy the warm and nutritious meal you’ve prepared! 🌿🍲
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken with Escarole Soup 🥦🍗
Chicken with escarole soup is a nutrient-packed dish. It provides a balance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Let’s take a look at its nutritional value:
Table: Nutritional Value per Serving (1 cup) 🍽️
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value (DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal | 10% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 45% DV | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV | 25% |
| Calcium | 4% DV | 4% |
| Iron | 10% DV | 10% |
| Sodium | 600mg | 25% |
Health Benefits 💪:
- High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that helps in muscle building and repair. It also keeps you feeling full for longer! 🏋️♂️🍗
- Packed with Vitamins: Escarole is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, all of which are great for skin, immune function, and bone health. 🥬💚
- Low in Calories: If you’re watching your calorie intake, this soup is a great option, as it’s low in calories but high in nutrients. 🍲
- Rich in Fiber: The addition of escarole and vegetables makes this soup high in fiber, which is important for good digestion and overall health. 🌱
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
1. Can I use other greens instead of escarole? 🥬
Yes, you can! If you don’t have escarole, you can use other leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. However, escarole has a slightly bitter flavor that adds a unique taste to the soup. 🌿
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian? 🌱
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or beans to make the soup vegetarian. For the broth, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. 🍲
3. Can I add beans to the soup?
Yes, adding beans like cannellini or chickpeas will provide extra protein and fiber. It also makes the soup more filling! 🥣
4. How can I store leftovers?
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 3 months). 🍲❄️
5. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup is great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch, store it in individual servings, and reheat it throughout the week. 🥣👍
6. Can I use rotisserie chicken? 🍗
Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred it and add it to the soup after cooking the vegetables and broth. It will save time while still making the soup delicious! 😋
Tips for Making the Best Chicken with Escarole Soup 👨🍳
- Use Bone-in Chicken: If you want to make the soup even more flavorful, you can use bone-in chicken. The bones release collagen and flavor into the broth, making it richer and more satisfying. 🍗🦴
- Add Parmesan Cheese: If you love cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of your soup for added richness and flavor! 🧀
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup before adding the escarole. This gives a creamy base while keeping the vegetables intact. 🥄
Conclusion 🎉
Chicken with escarole soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any time of the year. It’s easy to make, full of vitamins and minerals, and great for meal prep! Whether you’re feeding your family, looking for a healthy lunch, or just craving something comforting, this soup is a must-try.
So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of this tasty, wholesome soup! 🥣🍲