My Homade Chicken SoupTodays menu for healthy eating is Chicken Soup. I am no doctor or specialist but I do know how good chicken soup makes you feel when you are sick. I have been reading over lots of research on this subject. I will list my basic findings according to my recipe. My recipe varies from time to time because it is based on the size of my pot. It is hard for me to give a recipe out to someone because I mainly judge the ingredients as I go. But here goes, according to a 16 quart pot;

My Chicken Soup Recipe:

  • 8 split Chicken Breasts
  • 2 to 4 Chicken backs (Grandma said this makes the best soup)
  • Celery, 8 stalks
  • Carrots, 2lbs.
  • Onion, 1 small onion
  • tomatoes, 2 quartered
  • Bay leaves, 3 or 4
  • Parsley, lots of parsley
  • Black Pepper, to taste
  • Chicken bullion cubes (sometimes, when I think it needs a little more flavor)

I combine all ingredients except pepper and parsley, fill pot with water, and then let it come to a boil. I then turn it down and as it cooks I skim the top, to remove the brown stuff (blood from chicken). When this is removed I add my parsley and pepper and let cook for a good hour. It already smells delicious!

Health benefits of the ingredients: (You can click on the ingredient for more detailed information.)

Chicken contains protein, niacin, selenium, tryptophan, vitamin B6, and phosphorus. These offer help with bone loss, cancer, cardiovascular health and energy.

Celery contains many thing mainly Vitamin C. vitamin helps the immune system. Vitamin C has been proven to be a cold-fighter.

Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants, and the richest vegetable source of the pro-vitamin A carotenes. They protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and also promote good vision, especially night vision.

Onions contain many nutrients such as chromium, vitamin C, Dietary fiber, and vitamin B6 to name a few. Onions help with lowering blood sugar, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

Tomatoes contain many different vitamins such as C, A, K, B3, and more. It also contains Lycopene, which is known for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties.

Bay Leaves are a good source of Vitamins A and C and also contain iron and manganese, as well as calcium, potassium and magnesium. In ancient times they were used for many illnesses.

Parsley contains Vitamins K, C, and A, along with folate and iron. It also contains two unusual components that provide unique health benefits, a volitale oil and flavonoids.

Black Pepper contains manganese, vitamin K, iron, and dietary fiber. This spice helps with digestion.

My kids love my chicken soup. I do believe this is a healthy dish to serve them, as long as we skim the fat from the top before serving. They don't care how good this is for them, they just love it. I hope you enjoy it also.