Dr. Ziment'S Garlic Chicken Soup
A flavorful garlic chicken soup featuring fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, perfect for soothing and nourishing, suitable for those who enjoy aromatic, healthful broths.
Ingredients
- 2 qt. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 garlic heads (about 30 cloves, peeled) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced cilantro ⓘ
- 2 tsp. lemon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. minced fresh mint leaves ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil, crushed or 2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- dried hot red pepper flakes to taste ⓘ
- 2 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a stockpot; bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a sieve, discard bay leaf, and puree solids in a blender or food processor.
- Return broth and puree to the pot, stir well, and reheat if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand. If you're short on garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly. Fresh herbs are preferred, but dried ones work in a pinch; just use less as they are more concentrated. Additionally, feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference, especially with the red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a light meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken, Shrimp Or Sausage Sauce Piquant, which complements the garlic notes beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium heat to preserve the flavors and avoid boiling, which can change the texture of the soup. If the soup thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dr. Ziment'S Garlic Chicken Soup contains roughly 1940 calories, with 83g protein, 322g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (917% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (166% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian. The other ingredients will still provide a rich flavor, and you can add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added depth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add more dried hot red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh chopped chilies. You can also add a dash of hot sauce while serving for an extra kick. Adjust according to your preference.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).