Poor boyfriend called me up last night to say he still wanted to come over today but he wasn’t feeling well. Although I was sad my man was sick, I was excited to create a nutritious, yummy, comforting chicken soup to make him feel better! This soup only takes a little bit of chopping, and can be modified with whatever you have in your kitchen. Mine features great (and allergy-legal) winter vegetables, fresh herbs, and chicken thighs that remain tender simmered in the tasty broth.
This healthy chicken soup feels and tastes so good, and is perfect for whoever in your life is sick (including yourself)! I present to you: Sick Boyfriend Chicken Soup.
Sick Boyfriend Soup
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 in. chunks
1 c. chopped shiitake mushrooms
2 sweet potatoes, cubed
2 medium sized parsnips, peeled and cubed
1 sprig rosemary
1 sprig oregano
3 sprigs thyme
3 1/2 c. water
1/3 c. cream (optional)
Saute the chicken cubes in a skillet with olive oil until lightly browned on the outside. If necessary, do this in two batches so that the chicken gets browned and not steamed. Move the chicken to a Dutch oven. Saute the mushrooms in the same skillet until lightly browned as well. Add the sauteed mushrooms, other vegetables, and herbs to the Dutch oven.
Pour 1 cup of water into the skillet and deglaze it. This means gently stir the water around the pan, scraping the bottom, to get up all the crispy pieces on the bottom and to mix in with the leftover flavorings. Pour this water, the additional 2 1/2 cups of water, and the (optional) cream into the Dutch oven.
Put a lid on your pot (loosely, so steam can escape) and cook on medium-low heat for 1 1/2 hours.
Spoon into bowls and, if desired, top with Parmesan cheese. Serve with tea to your poor sick loved one.
I accompanied this soup with Homemade Dinner Rolls. I am in love with these soft, tender rolls!
Best wishes for a well and healthy body, and a Happy New Year!