Chicken watercress soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that combines the lean protein of chicken with the peppery taste of fresh watercress. It’s a simple yet satisfying soup that’s perfect for any season, offering a light but hearty option for a meal.
The soup often starts with a base of sautéed onions and garlic to add depth of flavor, followed by the chicken, which is usually simmered until tender. Watercress is added towards the end of cooking to ensure it retains its vibrant color and nutrients.
This soup is often enjoyed for its health benefits, as watercress is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and is believed to have healing properties. It’s a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup with the added benefits of wholesome ingredients.
How To Make Chicken Watercress Soup?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour
Course: Main course
Cuisine: British and Chinese
Yield: 4
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 bunch of watercress, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest
Instructions
Preparing The Base
Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pot, cooking until they are golden brown.
Cooking The Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and lower the heat, allowing the soup to simmer.
After 15 minutes of simmering, add the chopped watercress to the pot. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the watercress is wilted and the chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a refreshing twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Watercress Soup
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh watercress. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a small salad for a complete meal.
Tips And Variations
- To make this soup more filling, add diced potatoes or noodles.
- For a creamy version, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream.
- Vegetarians can substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
Health Benefits Of Chicken Watercress Soup
Watercress is packed with nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, making this soup not only a tasty option but a healthy one too.
Special Note
If you prefer a clearer broth, you can strain the soup before adding the watercress, ensuring a smoother texture.
Conclusion
chicken watercress soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that combines the succulent taste of chicken with the peppery zest of watercress.
This soup is not only satisfying to the palate but also offers numerous health benefits due to the vitamins and minerals present in watercress, as well as the lean protein from chicken. It is an excellent choice for a comforting meal that can contribute to overall well-being.
Whether served as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to please both health-conscious individuals and those simply looking for a deliciously warm dish.
Chicken Watercress Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Â
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups chicken broth
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 bunch of watercress, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest
InstructionsÂ
Preparing The Base
- Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pot, cooking until they are golden brown.
Cooking The Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and lower the heat, allowing the soup to simmer.
- After 15 minutes of simmering, add the chopped watercress to the pot. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the watercress is wilted and the chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a refreshing twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.