When the sniffles strike or you’re feeling like you’ve been run over by a truck, there’s something magical about a bowl of chicken soup—it’s like a cozy hug in liquid form. Maybe it’s the aroma of simmering herbs and spices wafting through the house or the way the broth warms you from the inside out. Anyway, this healing chicken soup is my go-to remedy, inspired by grandma’s recipe, with a twist of modern flair.
Steps
- Boil water and prepare your ingredients: lemon, honey, and a splash of bourbon or whiskey. Combine them in a mug for a soothing hot toddy.
- Peel, core, and chop apples, then place them in a slow cooker. Let them cook until they are soft and mash them into applesauce for a comforting treat.
- Chop a variety of vegetables and cook them in a pot with your choice of broth. Simmer until everything is tender for a nutritious vegetable soup.
- Add beef, vegetables, and seasonings into a slow cooker. Allow it to cook for several hours until the beef is tender, resulting in a hearty beef stew.
- Blend frozen mango until smooth to create a refreshing mango sorbet. No ice cream maker needed; just freeze and enjoy.
- Poach chicken breasts gently in simmering water until fully cooked. Use the tender chicken in various dishes as you recover.
- Cook white rice according to package instructions. It’s a gentle, filling option that pairs well with many dishes.
- Prepare tomato soup from scratch by cooking tomatoes and blending them into a smooth consistency. Serve with parmesan croutons for added flavor.
- Use an air fryer to make a quick grilled cheese by layering your favorite cheese between slices of bread and air frying until golden.
- Cook pasta and brown meat in a single pot to make a homemade version of Hamburger Helper. Mix in seasonings and enjoy a nostalgic meal.
- Blend watermelon chunks with yogurt to make a hydrating and protein-rich smoothie. This drink is easy to sip and soothing.
- Mix ginger and desired spices into broth before adding dumplings to make a quick, sinus-clearing soup. Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Cook potatoes in an instant pot until soft, then mash them with butter and seasonings for creamy mashed potatoes.
- Combine cooked chicken, pasta, cheese, and vegetables in a casserole dish. Bake until bubbly for a comforting chicken spaghetti dish.
- Roast butternut squash until tender, then blend with chicken broth to make a smooth soup. Add bacon for extra flavor, if desired.
- Cook tortellini in broth with chicken and seasonings for a quick chicken tortellini soup. This one-pot meal is ready in 30 minutes.
- Blend apples, beets, and ginger to make a fresh juice. The ginger gives a spicy kick that can help clear your sinuses.
- Layer frozen cheese and spinach ravioli with sauce and cheese in a casserole dish. Bake until hot and bubbly for an easy baked ravioli dish.
- Prepare matzo balls and add them to a pot of simmering chicken soup. Cook until the matzo balls are tender for a classic dish.
Ingredients
- Hot water
- Lemon
- Honey
- Bourbon or whiskey
FAQ
- What makes a hot toddy soothing when you’re feeling under the weather?
- A hot toddy, which combines hot water, lemon, honey, and a touch of bourbon or whiskey, is soothing because it warms you up and the ingredients can help alleviate cold symptoms.
- Why is applesauce a recommended comfort food during flu season?
- Applesauce is easy to swallow and digest, which is ideal for a sore throat. It also provides a comforting taste reminiscent of childhood and is packed with vitamins beneficial for recovery.
- What are the benefits of poached chicken when you’re feeling sick?
- Poached chicken is gentle on an upset stomach while providing essential protein to help regain strength. It can also be incorporated into various meals as your health improves.
- How can a watermelon smoothie be beneficial during illness?
- A watermelon smoothie is easy to consume, hydrating, and contains yogurt for a protein boost, making it a refreshing option when you’re not feeling your best.
- Why choose dumpling soup to help clear sinuses?
- Dumpling soup contains ginger, which can help clear sinuses, and allows for the addition of hot sauce or chili oil for an extra kick. It’s also a quick meal, ready in just 15 minutes.
Tips
- When making vegetable soup, opt for a variety of colorful vegetables to maximize the vitamins and nutrients, which will help restore your strength quickly.
- Poach chicken gently to keep it tender and easy on the stomach, then use it in various dishes as you start to feel better.
- For tomato soup, try making it from scratch instead of using canned versions; it only takes a few minutes to prepare and offers a more satisfying flavor.
- Use the air fryer to make a quick and easy grilled cheese, which pairs perfectly with homemade tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Equipment
- Instant Pot – For making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Slow Cooker – For making Slow Cooker Applesauce and Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
- Air Fryer – For making Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.
- Blender – For making Blender Apple Beet Ginger Juice.
- Casserole Dish – For making Chicken Spaghetti and Baked Ravioli.
