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Herbal Chicken Soup

A restorative Chinese soup featuring tender chicken simmered with traditional herbs including astragalus, jujubes, and goji berries. The clear broth is light, savory, and subtly sweet.

95 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

ChineseSoupStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SugarPork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 3 lbs whole bone-in chicken, cut in pieces
  • 8 cups water
  • 5 dried astragalus root slices, rinsed
  • 6 dried jujubes, pitted
  • 2 tbsp dried goji berries, rinsed
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1.5 tsp fine salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Blanch 3 lbs cut in pieces whole bone-in chicken in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse clean.

  2. 2

    In a clean pot, combine 3 lbs cut in pieces whole bone-in chicken, 8 cups water, 5 rinsed dried astragalus root slices, 6 pitted dried jujubes, and 1 inch sliced fresh ginger.

  3. 3

    Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and simmer on low for 60 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add 2 tbsp rinsed dried goji berries and 1.5 tsp fine salt, continuing to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

  5. 5

    Remove and discard dried astragalus root slices before serving broth and chicken warm.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Herbal Chicken Soup reach?

For Herbal Chicken Soup, the target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why blanch first in Herbal Chicken Soup?

Step 1 reads: "Blanch 3 lbs cut in pieces whole bone-in chicken in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse clean." The quick boil in step 1 sets the color and takes off the raw edge. If the step follows it with cold water, that is to stop the cooking at once so the vegetables stay bright and crisp.

Is Herbal Chicken Soup keto-friendly?

A serving of Herbal Chicken Soup carries 6 g of carbohydrate, 1 g of it fiber. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 30 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 6 percent.

How much protein is in Herbal Chicken Soup?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 30 g of protein in about 280 calories, alongside 6 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 520 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein soup collection.

Can I freeze Herbal Chicken Soup?

Yes. Refrigerate Herbal Chicken Soup for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Serve it with

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