Chicken soup is delicious and nutritious, and is known as an effective treatment for colds and other ailments. If we look at its origins, it can be traced back to the domestication of fowl and the combining of noodles and broth which goes back as far as the 1200’s.
In the 1700’s, it became a popular dish to serve to sick people because it was easy to digest.
By the 1900’s, it had become a staple of convenience food all over the United States. Campbell’s came out with its Noodle with Chicken Soup in 1934, but when a radio host accidentally called it Chicken Noodle Soup, people went crazy and its fame grew.
Although chicken soup is commonly given to the sick, it seems there is a bit more to it than it just being easily digestible when it comes to improving health. It turns out that it has some components that inhibit neutrophil migration, which give it an anti-inflammatory effect that can help it ease symptoms of a cold and other illnesses.
However, once research was further examined, it was found to be inconclusive for the most part as it is unknown whether these components can really have enough of an effect to make a difference.
But whether there is truth behind the healing benefits chicken soup can provide or not, one thing is for sure: it is definitely nutritious and delicious. Chicken is a great source of protein and other vitamins while carrots and other vegetables that may be added are also extremely healthy. Chicken soup is also generally a low fat, low calorie soup.
When we think of ways to prepare chicken soup, the crock pot may be one of the best. All you have to do is add the ingredients in the morning and then look forward to the delicious aroma of soup wafting through the house and a nice, home cooked meal.
Chicken soup is good for the soul, and this crock pot chicken noodle soup recipe is soul-satisfyingly delicious!
Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe
Ingredients:
3 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 large onion, quartered
3 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 to 3 soup cans of water
2 cans chicken broth
2 Tablespoons dried dill
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounce package egg noodles
Directions:
1. Put carrots, onion, and celery into crock pot.
2. Add the chicken, then pour in the broth and water. Sprinkle parsley, dill, and garlic on top.
3. Cover and cook on low 6 – 8 hours.
3. Remove chicken and vegetables from crock pot, add noodles and turn to high.
4. Dice the chicken and vegetables.
5. Return vegetables and chicken to the crock pot for an additional 20 minutes.
Food to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup
If you're looking for a more comprehensive meal than just soup, check out these ideas for sides:
- Bread. There's no going wrong with a slice or chunk of bread. You can dunk it in the soup if you want, or just have it as-is. Buy a nice loaf of Italian or French bread from your local bakery.
- Salad. Soup and salad is often served at restaurants; who's to say you can't have it at home? Throw together a simple house salad, or try a Caesar to make it fancy.
- Sandwich. Make yourself a nice sandwich to have along with your soup. Sandwiches are hearty, and there are so many ways to make them. Make whatever sandwich is your “comfort sandwich” to boost the coziness of this meal.
- Saltines. Crackers are often added directly into soup, but you can eat them separate or dunk them into your soup instead if you like. If you want to add something to your soup that's light, this is a great choice.
- A glass of water. This might sound odd, but a glass of water is the perfect thing to have if you're feeling unwell. Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially when you're ill. Sometimes, keeping it as simple as possible truly is the best thing you can do.