Easy Healthy Chicken & Vegetable Soup (Clean-Eating Comfort)

For a digital entrepreneur in the health and wellness niche, a restorative, clear-broth soup is a professional-grade necessity for any immunity-focused content series. This recipe avoids processed thickeners and high sodium, focusing instead on a nutrient-dense medley of antioxidant-rich vegetables. From an expertise (E-E-A-T) perspective, the secret to a professional chicken soup is the “Gentle Poach Technique.” By simmering the chicken breast whole directly in the vegetable-infused broth, you ensure it remains “Gold Standard” tender while the broth absorbs the savory essence of the poultry, resulting in a cleaner, more refined flavor profile.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 Min
• Cook Time: 25 Min
• Total Time: 35 Min
• Yield: 4 Servings
• Calories: 240 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

The Foundation

• 1 lb Chicken Breast (Left whole for poaching)
• 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (The Gold Standard for clean flavor)
• 1 tbsp Avocado Oil

The “Gold Standard” Veggie Medley

• 2 large Carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 stalks Celery, sliced
• 1 medium Zucchini, diced
• 1 cup Green Beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small Yellow Onion, diced

The Aromatics & Spices

• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme & 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt & 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 Bay Leaf (The professional secret for depth)

The Finishing Touch

• 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (The “Brightness Bridge”)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Preparation Steps:

1. The Aromatic Foundation

1. Heat avocado oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes. This professional-grade base builds the “Gold Standard” flavor profile required for a restorative soup.

2. The Poaching Liquid

3. Add garlic, thyme, and oregano; stir for 60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Carefully lower the whole chicken breasts into the liquid.

3. The Gentle Simmer

6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
7. Technique: After the first 5 minutes of simmering, add the zucchini and green beans. This staggered entry is a professional necessity; it ensures hardier vegetables soften while the delicate ones maintain a “Gold Standard” tender-crisp texture.

4. The Shred & Finish

8. Once chicken reaches 165°F, remove to a clean board and shred with two forks.
9. Return the meat to the pot. Stir in fresh lemon juice and parsley. The acidity acts as a flavor bridge, highlighting the savory herbs.

Expert Tips:

• The “Gold Standard” Clarity: To achieve an ultra-clear, professional-grade broth, never let the soup reach a rolling boil once the chicken is added. A gentle simmer prevents proteins from clouding the liquid.
• Avoid the “Mush” Trap: If you are meal-prepping this for your websites, keep the zucchini slightly undercooked. It will finish softening when the user reheats the soup, maintaining a professional-grade bite.