Modern Chicken Soup

Name: Modern Chicken Soup
Ingredients: 6 cups Chicken Stock (Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken stock.); 2 tablespoons Lean Ham (Finely chopped); 2 medium Carrots (Peeled and diced); 2 stalks Celery Stalks (Diced); 0.5 leaf Bay Leaf; 0.25 teaspoon Peppercorns (Whole); 1 medium Onion (Sliced); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste); 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Ground, or to taste); 2 cups Cooked Chicken (Shredded or diced (optional, can use leftover chicken)); 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

A comforting and flavorful chicken soup made with homemade chicken stock, vegetables, and a hint of ham.

Ingredients

6 cups Chicken Stock (Use homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken stock.)
2 tablespoons Lean Ham (Finely chopped)
2 medium Carrots (Peeled and diced)
2 stalks Celery Stalks (Diced)
0.5 leaf Bay Leaf
0.25 teaspoon Peppercorns (Whole)
1 medium Onion (Sliced)
0.5 teaspoon Salt (Or to taste)
0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Ground, or to taste)
2 cups Cooked Chicken (Shredded or diced (optional, can use leftover chicken))
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken stock, chopped ham, diced carrots, diced celery, sliced onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.
3Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the cooked chicken during the last 15 minutes of simmering to heat through.
4Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.