Delicious Instant Pot Healthy Chicken Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is instant chicken soup healthy? ›

Processed ingredients: Instant soup packets often contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and high amounts of sodium to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in large quantities over time.

Chicken broth, a clear liquid, counts towards your hydration goals. Nutritionally, it's rich in essential fatty acids and protein. Essential fatty acids, which the body cannot make on its own and which must come from the foods we eat, are a source of energy and major components of cell membrane structure.

Add fresh herbs

Adding fresh herbs after you've heated up your soup is a great way to bring out existing flavors, or add new ones. Chop up a little cilantro with tortilla soup, throw in some basil for a bland tomato soup, or add some chopped thyme to chicken noodle soup.

Known to all, chicken is considered to be a great source of protein and amino acids that are really good for the growth of muscles and other tissues. Hence, a bowl of chicken soup can be a great addition in your daily diet.

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

Herbs and spices add aroma, flavor, and intensity to soup broth. "Use fresh or dried basil in tomato-based recipes or fresh parsley to add freshness to clear broth soups," says Sofia Norton, RD. You can also go with more heat and spices.

And both Celis and Freidank agree that a whole chicken is the best choice for the best chicken soup. "I suggest a whole chicken and bones to create a more robust soup," Celis says. Although Freidank is team whole chicken, if a whole bird isn't the right choice for you he suggests using thigh quarters or just thighs.

Do doctors recommend chicken soup? ›

Chicken soup has long been used as a home remedy for cold and flu. Some scientific evidence indicates that the soup could be anti-inflammatory. Though research is scant, experts say chicken soup is worth a try when you're sick.

01/6Chicken is a good source of protein

Soups are the saviours for those who try to lose weight. These smooth and liquid delights are extremely easy on the stomach and are loaded with nutrients.

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

Originally Answered: Does simmering soup longer make it taste better? If you're simmering a thing for hours, you will intensify the flavor by cooking off some of the liquid. This might make it taste better, but if cooked too long, it may end up too salty or otherwise be over-seasoned.

Store-bought chicken noodle soup isn't always the healthiest options, which is why some experts recommend making a homemade version so you can control overall nutrition content.

Many instant soups are made as health foods and are made to become a healthy part of your diet. That said, there are many instant soups that are not healthy. Some brands contain a high amount of sodium. While a pack or two of these noodles won't harm you, having them on a regular basis can have negative effects.

Choose low-sodium versions: Instant ramen noodles are available in low-sodium options, which can cut the salt content of the dish drastically. Ditch the flavor packet: Create your own broth by mixing low-sodium chicken stock with fresh herbs and spices for a healthier, lower-sodium version of ramen noodles.

Tinned soup is a cupboard essential, but many are packed with additives and salt. Here, dietitian Nigel Denby, from harleystathome.com, suggests five of the healthiest choices... Almost 50 per cent of this is tomatoes, and 35 per cent lentils and beans, so half a can counts as one of your five a day.