This Ground Chicken Soup Saved My Soul (and My Sick Days)
When I'm feeling rough or it's freezing outside, this is my go-to comfort food. It's like chicken noodle soup's cooler cousin - heartier, more flavorful, and uses ground chicken which cooks way faster than dealing with whole pieces.
The flavor base is everything: Start by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add tomato paste and let it cook for 30 seconds. This creates this incredible umami foundation that makes the whole soup taste rich and complex.
Ground chicken technique: Add the ground chicken to that tomato paste mixture and stir for 3 minutes until it's completely coated. Then hit it with flour, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika. The mustard might sound weird but it adds this subtle tang that elevates everything.
Vegetable powerhouse: Sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, and carrots go in next, then chicken broth. Let it simmer for 20 minutes and your house will smell incredible. I add kidney beans at the end for extra protein and fiber.
The bread situation: While it's simmering, I make thyme butter and spread it on sliced baguette, then air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes. Crispy, herby bread for dipping is non-negotiable.
Fresh herb finish: Parsley and cilantro stirred in right before serving brighten the whole thing up. Don't skip this step - it transforms the soup from heavy to fresh and vibrant.
Check full recipe here.
453 calories, serves 4, total comfort food that happens to be healthy
Posted Jul 9, 2025, 11:24 PM UTC