Soups From Around The World: Global Comforts: Chicken Recipes For Every Occasion: From Weeknight To Feast

 


Soups From Around The World: Global Comforts: Chicken Recipes For Every Occasion: From Weeknight To Feast


There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of soup. Whether it’s a chilly day, a moment of comfort after a long week, or simply the joy of indulging in a satisfying dish, soups are an easy way to nourish both the body and the soul. In this chapter, we’ll explore soups from across the globe, each featuring tender chicken and a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices. These soups blend comforting ingredients with international flair, offering a delicious taste of culture and tradition.

1. Chicken Pho (Vietnamese-Inspired)

A fragrant, aromatic soup, Chicken Pho is a classic Vietnamese dish that offers a balance of fresh herbs, tender chicken, and flavorful broth. It’s a refreshing yet deeply comforting soup perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 pound rice noodles
  • Fresh cilantro, basil, and mint leaves for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
  • Bean sprouts for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, onion, ginger, garlic, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the broth.
  3. Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and divide them between serving bowls.
  5. Pour the hot broth and chicken over the noodles. Garnish with cilantro, basil, mint, lime wedges, sliced jalapeño, and bean sprouts.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this classic Vietnamese soup.

2. Chicken and Lemon Rice Soup (Greek-Inspired Avgolemono)

Avgolemono is a rich, tangy Greek soup made with chicken, rice, and a creamy lemon-egg sauce. It’s perfect for a light yet comforting meal that feels both homey and elegant.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken and cooked rice, then heat through.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until smooth.
  3. Slowly add about 1 cup of the hot broth to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  4. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the soup, stirring constantly. Allow the soup to thicken slightly but avoid bringing it to a boil.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve hot. The tangy, creamy broth will provide the perfect comfort for any meal.

3. Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup (Caribbean-Inspired)

This hearty and slightly sweet soup features tender chicken and nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. The combination of savory spices and the natural sweetness of the potatoes creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the sweet potato cubes, chicken broth, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk and heat through.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This soup offers a creamy, savory-sweet flavor that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.

4. Chicken and Barley Soup (European-Inspired)

Chicken and barley soup is a comforting, hearty dish popular in many European countries. The barley adds a chewy texture to the soup, while the chicken and vegetables create a rich and wholesome broth.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the barley, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Add the chicken back to the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the barley is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Shred the chicken and return it to the soup. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

5. Chicken and Corn Chowder (American-Inspired)

A creamy and hearty soup with tender chicken and sweet corn, this chowder brings the classic comfort of a warm bowl of goodness. It’s perfect for cozy nights in and makes a filling meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, corn, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.

Conclusion

These global soups offer a delicious variety of flavors and textures, showcasing how chicken can be paired with different cultures’ most comforting ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, tangy, or hearty, these soups bring the warmth and satisfaction of home-cooked meals from around the world into your kitchen. They’re not just meals—they’re experiences, full of history, flavor, and love.

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