Stir with Catherine

A light, comforting bowl with a bright, lemony side.
This Chicken & Herb Soup is a comforting meal. It feels like a soft blanket—simple ingredients and gentle flavors. The broth doesn’t feel heavy. Enjoy it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. This pairing makes a beautiful lunch for any day of the week. It’s perfect for dinner too.

Ingredients
For the chicken & herb soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• bay leaves
• chives
• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded (or use leftover rotisserie)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water (optional, to thin if needed)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt + black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup small pasta, rice, or potatoes, for a heartier bowl

For the simple green salad

• 2–3 cups mixed greens (spring mix, romaine, or any tender lettuce)
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt + black pepper, to taste
• Optional: sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced red onion

Step‑by‑step: Chicken & herb soup

1. Prepare your base
   Heat the olive oil or butter in a medium pot over medium heat.
   Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
   Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Add garlic and herbs
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
   Add the thyme and parsley, gently toasting them in the heat to release their flavor.
3. Add broth and chicken
   Pour in the chicken broth (and water, if using).
   Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot.
   Stir, then bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer until flavors come together
   Let the soup simmer on low for 15–20 minutes.
   If you’re adding pasta, rice, or potatoes, stir them in now and cook until tender.
   Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
5. Adjust the texture
   If you prefer a lighter broth, leave it as is.
   If you want it heartier, let it simmer a little longer to reduce slightly.
   You can also add a splash more water if it becomes too thick.
6. Finish with fresh herbs
   Right before serving, stir in a little extra fresh parsley or thyme if you have it.
   This brightens the flavor and keeps the soup feeling fresh and light.

Step‑by‑step: Simple green salad with lemon + olive oil

1. Prepare the greens
   Place the mixed greens in a large bowl.
   If using, add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced red onion.
2. Make the dressing.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
   Taste and adjust—more lemon for brightness, more olive oil for richness.
3. Toss gently
   Pour the dressing over the greens just before serving.
   Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs until everything is lightly coated, not drenched.
4. Serve alongside the soup
   Ladle the warm Chicken & Herb Soup into bowls.
   Serve with the bright green salad on the side for balance—warm, comforting, and fresh all at once.

A gentle, everyday meal
This pairing is simple enough for a weekday, yet grounding enough to feel like care.
A light broth, tender chicken, soft herbs, and a crisp salad—nothing complicated, just quiet nourishment.