Enhanced Garlic Chicken Soup with Extra Seasonings

For this updated version, we'll incorporate more layers of flavors while keeping your original blueprint intact!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tablespoons garlic powder)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 teaspoons black pepper (adjust according to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 cup baby carrots, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
• Zest and juice of 1 lime (for brightness)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the flour, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves, then return the seared chicken to the pot.
5. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the sliced baby carrots, broccoli florets, and button mushrooms.
6. Simmer the soup for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Finish with lime zest and juice, stirring to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if you’d like!

Flavor Profile

This enhanced soup brings out all flavors to the forefront! The additional black pepper adds warmth, while onion and garlic powders intensify the savory notes. The Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely umami depth, making the soup complex and comforting. Brightened by the lime, this cozy bowl is rich in flavor yet light on the palate.

Enjoy crafting your flavorful soup! If you have any more questions or ideas, don’t hesitate to ask!