Introduction
Chicken and Stars Soup is a comforting classic that’s easy to make at home. This homemade version beats the canned stuff any day. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and fun star-shaped pasta, it’s a soup the whole family will enjoy.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup star-shaped pasta
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
– Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
– In the same pot, add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
– Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
– Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the vegetables.
3. Combine Ingredients:
– Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
– Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer the Soup:
– Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
– Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Cook the Pasta:
– Add the star-shaped pasta to the pot.
– Continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Season and Serve:
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
– Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Stars Soup!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
– Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
– In the same pot, add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
– Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
– Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the vegetables.
Combine Ingredients:
– Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
– Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
Simmer the Soup:
– Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
– Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Pasta:
– Add the star-shaped pasta to the pot.
– Continue to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Season and Serve:
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
– Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
Storage:
– Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
– To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Pasta Tips:
– If you plan to freeze the soup, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating. This prevents the pasta from becoming too mushy.
Vegetable Variations:
– Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and color.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Chicken
Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper enhances its flavor. Cooking it in olive oil over medium heat browns the chicken, adding a delicious depth to the soup.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Sautéing the diced onion with a pinch of salt brings out its natural sweetness. Adding garlic, carrots, and celery afterward softens the vegetables, creating a flavorful base.
Combining Ingredients
Returning the cooked chicken to the pot and adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes infuses the soup with savory flavors.
Simmering the Soup
Allowing the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes melds the flavors together, resulting in a rich and comforting broth.
Cooking the Pasta
Adding star-shaped pasta and simmering it until tender creates a fun and enjoyable texture in the soup.
Seasoning and Serving
Adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper right before serving ensures the soup is perfectly flavored.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but thighs generally provide more flavor and tenderness.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance. However, it’s best to add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of star-shaped pasta.
Conclusion
Homemade Chicken and Stars Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings warmth to the table. Its combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and whimsical star-shaped pasta makes it a favorite among both kids and adults. Easy to prepare, this soup stands out for its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, proving to be a delicious alternative to store-bought versions. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to be a family staple for years to come.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A hearty blend of chicken, seasonal vegetables, and herbs, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Substitute the star-shaped pasta with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Chicken Noodle Soup
A classic favorite, this recipe incorporates egg noodles and an aromatic broth, adding a comforting touch. Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley.
Mexican Chicken Soup
Infuse your chicken soup with south-of-the-border flavors by adding black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Top with avocado and fresh cilantro for an extra kick.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Replace the pasta with rice for a filling variation. The addition of herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the taste, creating a nourishing meal.
Asian-inspired Chicken Soup
Introduce ginger, soy sauce, and green onions for a delightful twist. Use rice noodles instead of star pasta for an authentic Asian flair.
Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
Let your slow cooker do the work by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This method deepens the flavors and makes it even easier to prepare a comforting meal.
