Cozy Chicken Soup with a Ginger & Lemon Touch

Begin your cozy chicken soup journey by roughly chopping the carrots, onion, shallot, celery stalks, and fresh ginger. This rustic chop contributes to the hearty feel of the soup. Then, take your chicken parts and make sure they're ready to go - leave the skin on and bones in for an extra flavor boost. We're all about depth of taste here! The skin and bones will add so much to your broth, plus we'll skim off the fat later, so don't you worry about that.

Now, it's time to create the heart of the soup. Place your chicken and chopped veggies into a large pot. Add the fresh parsley, lemon (just cut in half, no need to squeeze yet), peeled garlic cloves, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Next, cover everything with cool water - just enough to immergst the ingredients. This step is crucial as it's the beginning of your flavor-packed broth. The lemon and ginger not only add a zesty kick but also bring a delightful aroma to your kitchen.

Allow your soup to reach a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 3 hours. This slow cooking process is where the magic happens, flavors meld together, and the chicken becomes tender. After the simmering time, you'll be greeted by an incredibly aromatic and rich broth. Remove the pot from the heat and take out all the solids. Save the chicken breasts, and discard everything else. If you've got the time, let the broth cool and pop it in the refrigerator overnight. This step will intensify the flavors even more, making your chicken soup something truly special.

After the broth has chilled overnight, skim off any fat that has risen to the top. Then, strain it into a clean pot - we're getting ready for the final steps of your comforting soup. Reheat the strained broth, adding the diced fresh vegetables and the shredded chicken breast back into the soup. Add torn up pieces of escarole for a lovely burst of green and a slightly bitter contrast to the rich broth. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve your lovingly made chicken soup over egg noodles, or with a side of rice or hearty bread - whatever your heart desires. The lemon and ginger you added early on will have infused the broth with a fragrant, warming flavor that makes this chicken soup anything but ordinary.