There’s nothing like a big ol’ bowl of chicken soup to make you feel right as rain. Just the smell of it simmering on the stove is enough to make your mouth water. And when you finally take that first spoonful, all your troubles just seem to melt away.
Chicken meatball soup is my personal favorite, and I always feel better after eating a bowl. The broth is rich and savory, the meatballs add a delicious heartiness to the soup, and the vegetables round out the flavor. Plus, there’s just something satisfying about spooning up a big bowl of steaming hot soup.
Whenever I’m feeling down or out of sorts, a big bowl of chicken soup is always my go-to remedy. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day, and it always makes me feel
l just a little bit better. Try it next time you’re in need of some comfort food – it might just be the pick-me-up you need.
Main Ingredients
Ground Chicken Breast
I prefer to use ground chicken breast as it is a delicious and healthier alternative to ground beef. It is a leaner meat than ground beef, so it’s perfect for those watching’ their figure. Not to mention, it’s just as tasty!Â
Now, some folks might be tempted to just use pre-ground chicken from the grocery store, but that won’t give you the same results. When you have the butcher grind your chicken, you have the option to control the coarseness of the grind – and that will make a big difference in how your chicken meatballs turn out. Plus, it definitely tastes better when your meat is freshly ground. Not only that, but if you use pastured chicken, you’ll get a fuller, more pleasing taste as chickens raised on pasture have more time to grow and develop flavor versus factory raised chicken that are harvested early.
The TexasRealFood promptuary is a great resource for information about chicken nutrition and where you can buy local, fresh chickens.
Carrots
Now why would you go and put carrots in the meatball soup? Carrots are not only a healthy addition to meatball soup, but they also add a touch of sweetness and color to this comfort food favorite.Â
Carrots are packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They are also low in calories and fat-free. Plus, carrots can help to boost your immune system and keep your eyes healthy.Â
We provide information about the nutritional value of various produce items grown in our state, featuring a list of local food markets and farmers’ markets where you can buy fresh produce, as well tips on how best to cook them!
Celery
There’s something about the crunch of celery in soup that just makes it feel more substantial. Maybe it’s the texture, or the way that the vegetable holds up to cooking, but whatever the reason, I always make sure to add celery to my chicken meatball soup.Â
The process is simple: start with some carrots, onions, and plenty of chopped celery, add a base of hearty chicken broth, then add in your flavorful meatballs! The result is a filling and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any day.
Pick up some fresh celery from local family farms and ranches in Texas through our promptuary.
Bulgur
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to bulk up the soup and add more nutrients. One of my new favorite additions is bulgur. Bulgur is a type of whole wheat that has been parboiled and then dried. It’s full of fiber and protein, making it a great choice for those looking to add more healthy grains to their diet. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to cook, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Simply add the bulgur to the broth along with the veggies and let it simmer until tender. I like to top mine with a sprinkle of fresh dill for extra flavor. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for a satisfying comfort soup.
We aim to provide resources for finding local food shops and farmers markets in your area where you can buy bulgur, as well as information about grain nutrition.
Fresh Dill
Fresh dill adds a bright, herby flavor to chicken meatballs that takes them from good to great. If you’re using dried Dill weed, start with half the amount called for in the recipe and adjust to taste. And don’t forget to save some of the dill fronds for garnish! These flavor-packed little bites are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Searching for a fresh dill or an herb to add some flavor in your cooking? You can find all these items as well as information about where they’re sold at the TexasRealFood promptuary.
How to Make Chicken Meatballs
The best part about making chicken meatballs is how easy they are to make! Just take your ground chicken breasts from the fridge, mix together with egg, dill, lemon zest, salt and pepper until it has become smooth enough. Make sure not to leave any lumps behind when forming balls.
Making chicken meatballs is unlike their meatball counterparts for pasta. These soup-sized treats should be small and easy to eat. Having bite-sized portions will avoid overwhelming the taste of other ingredients in your dish.
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 5 c. lower-sodium chicken broth
- 3 c. water
- 1 3/4 c. bulgur
- 12 oz. ground chicken breast
- 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp. grated lemon zest
- Salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
Directions
- Step 1Heat the oil in a 6- to 7-quart saucepot over medium heat. Add the carrots, celery, and onion; cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2Add the chicken broth and water; heat to boiling over high heat. Stir in the bulgur. Reduce the heat; simmer 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bulgur is almost tender.
- Step 3Meanwhile, combine the ground chicken, dill, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Form the chicken mixture into 1-inch balls; add to the simmering soup along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 6 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through