CHICKEN MEATBALL SOUP

Chicken Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken meatballs with a savory broth and a variety of vegetables. The chicken meatballs are seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, making them juicy and delicious, while the broth brings a warm, soothing base to the soup. With added vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is both nutritious and filling. It’s a perfect meal for cozy nights or when you need something light but satisfying. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you have a complete and wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

For the chicken meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup small pasta (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
2. Cook the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, and add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer. Carefully add the chicken meatballs to the pot, one at a time, and let them cook in the simmering broth. Allow the meatballs to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and float to the top.
4. Add Greens and Pasta: If using, add the chopped spinach or kale to the soup and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until wilted. If adding pasta, stir it in now and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
5. Finish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

This Chicken Meatball Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food—light yet filling, with perfectly seasoned chicken meatballs and a flavorful broth. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that will warm you up from the inside out.