Is it okay to put Raw chicken into soup broth?

No, It's not okay to put raw chicken directly into soup broth. When adding chicken to soup, it's important to ensure it is cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness. Here's the proper way to add chicken to soup broth:

1. Raw Chicken Preparation:

- Properly thaw frozen chicken breasts if using.

- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Browning:

- Heat some oil in a soup pot over medium heat.

- Add the chicken breasts and let them brown on all sides. This step is called "searing" and adds flavor to the chicken.

3. Simmering:

- Once the chicken is browned, pour in the soup broth.

- Bring the broth to a simmer. Do not boil to avoid boiling the chicken and potentially drying it out.

4. Cooking Time:

- Continue simmering the soup with the chicken for at least 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

- This internal temperature ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and safe to consume.

5. Slicing or Shredding:

- After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

- Once cooled slightly, slice or shred the chicken into small pieces.

6. Adding Back to the Soup:

- Add the sliced or shredded chicken back to the soup broth.

- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.

By following these steps, you can safely and thoroughly cook chicken for your soup broth, ensuring a delicious and safe dish.