Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Chicken Soup with Farro and Leeks is not just another recipe—it's a warm, hearty embrace in a bowl that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with irresistible aromas. Packed with tender chicken, nutty farro, and delicate leeks, this soup is the perfect blend of nutrition and comfort that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup farro
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: slice leeks into thin half-moons, dice carrots into small cubes, and mince garlic cloves.
- Rinse farro thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris and set aside.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Add diced chicken breast to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Remove browned chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add sliced leeks and diced carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until leeks become soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add rinsed farro to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until farro is tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the farro thoroughly to remove any excess starch and ensure a perfect texture.
- Brown the chicken first to develop deep, rich flavors before adding vegetables.
- Sauté leeks and carrots until they're soft and translucent to release their natural sweetness.
- Use fresh thyme if possible for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Don't rush the simmering process—low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- For extra depth, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg