BEST & EASIEST Chicken Soup Recipe for Immuno-Compromised Friend

When a friend or loved one is under the weather, a warm bowl of chicken soup can provide more than just physical nourishment—it can be a comforting gesture that warms the soul. While there are countless variations of chicken soup recipes out there, this one, with its bright flavors of lemon and dill, has been a favorite among many. Here's how you can make this soothing soup for your sick friend and their family, and perhaps even print out the recipe so they can see the natural ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Whole Cooked Rotisserie Chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into small pieces
  • 2 one-quart cartons of low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or substitute both for a tablespoon of Italian Seasoning)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon of dill
  • 4 tablespoons to ¼ cup of lemon juice, depending on taste, OR 2 lemons cut into slices
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 2 cups of egg noodles
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cut the chicken into small pieces, aiming for sizes no larger than a quarter to make eating easier.
  2. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces.
  3. In a large pot, sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic with the olive oil and spices (excluding the bay leaf) until softened.
  4. Cook the egg noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
  5. Add the chicken, softened vegetables, and two quarts of broth to the pot with the noodles. Add the bay leaf.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool.

To prepare this soup as a thoughtful gift, allow it to cool completely before packaging. Place the soup in a sealable baggie and lay it on a new, bright dish towel (perhaps with a lemon or other bright design). Include separate baggies with salt and lemon slices for the recipient to adjust seasoning to their taste. You can also print out the ingredient list in case they need it. If you live nearby or visit often, consider delivering the soup in a glass bowl; otherwise, a baggie is convenient for the recipient. Thank you for being a caring friend!

A bowl of this comforting lemon and dill chicken soup is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your sick friend, and your thoughtful gesture will surely lift their spirits during a difficult time.