February 18, 2025 In Recipes

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Most Sundays after church I make a big pot of chicken soup to start off the week. All the chopping of celery, onions, carrots, leeks and fresh herbs is a labor of love that means a lot to my family. My oldest son Charlie will ask me to make my chicken soup for his first night home from college. Rose says my soup makes her feel cozy. There is just something about a homemade chicken soup that makes you feel loved and like everything is going to be all right. This is one of my most popular recipes in my new book SOULFULL!

 

What makes this recipe extra delicious and super nourishing is the rind of the Parmesan and the fresh herbs and spinach stirred in right before serving. In a world where hope seems in short supply, I recommend making a big pot for your family, and then finding someone who you suspect could use a little extra TLC. Make a love drop of the soup with some of my love muffins (recipe in SOULFULL!)

Print

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Course Main Course
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 head celery, diced
  • 2 leeks, cleaned and diced
  • 2 cups carrots, diced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp herbes de Provence
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 rind Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 whole organic chicken
  • olive oil
  • 1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Italian parsley, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup basil, roughly chopped
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 avocado, optional garnish
  • 1 cup Parmigiana Reggiano, grated for garnish
  • 2 cups brown rice, prepared

Instructions

  1. Combine onion, celery, leeks, and carrots with bay leaf, herbes de Provence, oregano, salt and pepper in your soup pot. Add rind of Parmigiano.

  2. Saute in olive oil for 3-5 minutes, or until softened.

  3. Place your washed chicken in your soup pot and fill with water until chicken is covered.

  4. Allow to cook for an hour and a half. Once chicken is cooked through, turn off the heat, remove meat from the bones, and return to the pot.

  5. Add cilantro, parsley, basil, spinach and juice from one lime.

  6. In a separate pot, prepare 2 cups of brown rice and place at the bottom of each bowl, and then ladle in soup. Garnish with avocado and Parmesan Reggiano.

Bread and Honey's Blessing of the Week

May our lives reflect the Truth:

Hope is real

Healing is possible

Life is a privilege

We exist for a purpose

Grace is available

Love prevails

God has us.

Amen.

weekly_tip_for_souljoy

With apron tied on, and wooden spoon in hand, enjoy Lovely Day by Bill Withers. 

2 Comments

  • Diane Tucker

    February 24, 2025 at 8:41 am

    Especially in the winter, we make a pot of chicken vegetable soup using a Costco roasted chicken, and whatever veggies are in the fridge. It’s always a healthy and healing way to start the week! Love your recipe!
    hugs,

  • Carolyn Thomas

    February 26, 2025 at 11:19 am

    This recipe is soooooo good!!!