This “Sick Day Chicken Soup” is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic chicken noodle soup. Enhanced with jalapeños, ginger, and plenty of garlic, it’s designed to be a cozy remedy for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather. The sinus-clearing aromatics make it a standout dish for anyone needing a little extra warmth and comfort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 large onion, diced
2 jalapeños, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
½ cup white cooking wine (optional)
5 cups vegetable stock
2 large poached chicken breasts, shredded
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh sage
2 bay leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
6 ounces egg noodles
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Thinly slice the carrots and celery. Finely chop the onion, jalapeños, and garlic, and grate the ginger.
In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, add olive oil and the prepared vegetables. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and aromatic.
Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the vegetable stock, shredded chicken, thyme, sage, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and bring to a simmer.
- If using raw chicken, simmer until fully cooked (10-15 minutes), then remove and shred.
Add the noodles and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasonings as desired.
Serve immediately. For leftovers, store the broth and noodles separately to prevent sogginess.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 265 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Protein: 21 g
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Sodium: 1122 mg
Potassium: 624 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Vitamin A: 8636 IU
Vitamin C: 13 mg
Calcium: 53 mg
Iron: 1 mg

This nutrient breakdown is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.

Origins of Chicken Soup as a Remedy

The association between chicken soup and healing dates back centuries and transcends cultures. From Jewish penicillin (matzo ball soup) to variations in Chinese and Middle Eastern cuisines, chicken soup has long been touted as a restorative dish. Sick Day Chicken Soup takes these traditional roots and amplifies them with modern, health-conscious additions like fresh ginger and jalapeños, making it an even more potent remedy.

The Power of Sinus-Clearing Aromatics

What sets Sick Day Chicken Soup apart is its use of sinus-clearing aromatics. The jalapeños introduce a gentle heat that can help open up nasal passages, while ginger provides an anti-inflammatory punch. Garlic, known for its antimicrobial properties, rounds out the trio by boosting immunity. Together, these ingredients make the soup not only comforting but also functional in alleviating cold and flu symptoms.

Nutritional Benefits

Protein-Packed Chicken

Shredded chicken breast serves as the cornerstone of this soup, offering a lean source of high-quality protein to support muscle repair and energy restoration.

Vitamin-Rich Vegetables

Carrots, celery, and onions contribute a medley of vitamins and minerals. Carrots are particularly rich in beta-carotene, which supports immune function, while celery and onions provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Healing Broth

The vegetable stock forms the base of the soup, delivering hydration and essential nutrients. It’s light yet nourishing, making it ideal for those with sensitive appetites.

Immune-Boosting Herbs

Fresh thyme and sage not only enhance the flavor profile but also bring medicinal properties. Thyme is known for its antimicrobial effects, while sage may help ease throat discomfort.

Why This Recipe Works for Sick Days

Easy to Digest

The soup’s light broth, tender chicken, and soft noodles make it gentle on the stomach, perfect for those with reduced appetites.

Warm and Hydrating

Warm liquids help soothe a sore throat and provide hydration, which is essential during illness. The broth-based soup ensures that every spoonful delivers both comfort and fluids.

Customizable Heat

The jalapeños can be adjusted to suit individual tolerance levels, allowing for just the right amount of heat to clear sinuses without overwhelming sensitive palates.

Serving Suggestions

Sick Day Chicken Soup is delicious on its own but can be paired with complementary sides for a more robust meal. Some suggestions include:

Crusty Bread: Use it to soak up the flavorful broth.
Saltine Crackers: A classic accompaniment that adds a light crunch.
Side Salad: A simple greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the soup’s warmth.

For beverages, herbal teas or a glass of warm lemon water make excellent accompaniments, enhancing the soup’s soothing effects.

Adapting the Recipe for Various Diets

Gluten-Free Option

Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free alternatives such as rice noodles or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version.

Vegetarian Alternative

Replace the shredded chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas, and use a rich vegetable broth to maintain the soup’s depth of flavor.

Low-Sodium Version

Use low-sodium vegetable stock and season lightly with salt. Add extra herbs and spices to compensate for reduced salt content.

Tips for Perfecting Sick Day Chicken Soup

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs significantly enhance the soup’s flavor and nutritional value.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add the noodles in the final stage of cooking to ensure they remain tender but not mushy.
Store Components Separately: If making the soup ahead of time, store the broth, chicken, and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from soaking up excess liquid and becoming soggy.
Adjust Spice Levels: If serving children or those sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the jalapeños and crushed red pepper.

A Comforting Bowl for Any Occasion

Although its name suggests its purpose as a remedy, Sick Day Chicken Soup is much more than that. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a go-to choice for chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or even meal prep for busy weeks. The combination of aromatics and wholesome ingredients creates a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort and Healing

Sick Day Chicken Soup is the epitome of comfort food with a functional twist. Its sinus-clearing properties, nutrient-dense ingredients, and soul-soothing flavors make it an invaluable addition to anyone’s recipe repertoire. Whether you’re under the weather or simply craving a warm and satisfying meal, this soup delivers both comfort and care.

By keeping a batch of this hearty soup on hand, you’re preparing more than just a meal—you’re creating a remedy for life’s chillier, more challenging days.

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