Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

The Cozy Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe You’ll Love

Warming chicken vegetable soup has been my go-to comfort meal during chilly evenings.

Memories of mom’s kitchen drift through my mind whenever I chop fresh ingredients.

Hearty vegetables and tender chicken chunks promise a nutritious meal that hugs you from the inside.

Each spoonful promises rich, layered flavors that dance across your palate.

Seasonal produce adds vibrant colors and essential nutrients to this classic dish.

Simple ingredients blend together creating a bowl of pure goodness.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Grab a ladle and let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What Makes Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe A Classic Bowl Of Comfort

  • Quick Weeknight Warrior: This chicken vegetable soup delivers a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families rushing between work and evening activities.
  • Veggie Packed Nutrition Boost: Loaded with colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans, this soup offers a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals in every spoonful.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With simple sauteing techniques and straightforward cooking steps, home cooks of all skill levels can create a delicious, comforting soup without complicated techniques.
  • Budget-Friendly Family Meal: Using accessible ingredients and creating a large batch, this recipe provides an economical way to feed multiple people while ensuring everyone gets a healthy, satisfying dinner.

What To Include In Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Soup Base:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and adding depth of flavor. Choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic combination that builds a robust soup foundation. Fresh garlic cloves offer more intense flavor than pre-minced.
Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that makes the soup hearty and nutritious. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for easy shredding.
Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Bell Pepper, Zucchini, Green Beans: Colorful mix of vegetables that adds nutrition, texture, and visual appeal. Select fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and crunch. Choose seasonal produce when possible for best quality.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides the soup's liquid base and enhances overall chicken flavor. Low-sodium versions allow better control of salt content.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's taste. Freshly ground black pepper offers more vibrant flavor.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the soup. Chopped just before serving maintains its vibrant color and flavor.

Instructions For Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Pour olive oil into a spacious pot or Dutch oven. Set the heat to medium and let the oil shimmer and dance, preparing for the culinary journey ahead.

Step 2: Awaken the Flavor Builders

Toss in the aromatic ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced carrots
  • Chopped celery

Stir and swirl these ingredients, allowing them to soften and release their beautiful fragrances for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Vibrant Vegetable Friends

Add the colorful vegetables to the pot:
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Sliced zucchini
  • Trimmed green beans

Gently mix and cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the vegetables mingle and develop a tender crispness.

Step 4: Welcome the Protein Hero

Drop chunks of chicken into the vegetable landscape. Let the meat sizzle and start to turn white around the edges, promising delicious flavor to come.

Step 5: Pour in Liquid Magic

Stream chicken broth into the pot, covering the chicken and vegetables completely. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to create a harmonious seasoning blend.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Depth

Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Allow the soup to gently bubble and meld flavors for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings. If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice or sprinkle chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a complete, comforting meal that warms both body and soul.

Tips To Boost Flavor In Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté aromatics until they're lightly caramelized to enhance the soup's overall taste profile and create a rich, complex foundation.
  • Veggie Texture Trick: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and maintain a consistent, pleasant mouthfeel throughout the soup.
  • Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with tofu, turkey, or white fish to accommodate different dietary preferences while keeping the soup's core essence.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently to preserve vegetable texture and nutritional value.
  • Broth Brilliance: Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and amplify the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients.

How To Store Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe Correctly

  • Chill the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer leftovers into airtight containers with tight-fitting lids for maximum freshness.
  • Refrigerate the soup for up to 4 days, ensuring it stays deliciously safe to eat.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for convenient future meals, maintaining quality for up to 3 months.
  • When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore the soup's original texture and flavor.

What Goes Well With Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

  • Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Grab a warm, tangy slice of sourdough to dip into the rich, flavorful broth, soaking up every last drop of the hearty chicken vegetable soup.
  • Complement with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a chilled, light-bodied white wine that cuts through the soup's warmth, offering a refreshing citrus note that brightens the vegetable medley.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a light green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, clean contrast to the soup's robust flavors.
  • Serve with Garlic Parmesan Crostini: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic and sprinkled with grated parmesan cheese make a crunchy, savory accompaniment that enhances the soup's rustic charm.

Variations To Try With Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

  • Mediterranean Herb Boost: Infuse the soup with fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile that transforms the traditional recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and a dash of chili powder to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired chicken vegetable soup with a warming kick.
  • Creamy Comfort Version: Blend in heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking to create a rich, velvety texture that adds luxurious depth to the classic soup.
  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate ginger, lemongrass, and a splash of soy sauce, then top with chopped green onions for an exciting pan-Asian interpretation of the soup.

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe Q&A

  • What makes this chicken vegetable soup healthy?

This soup is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans, providing a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The lean chicken adds protein, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in this recipe. Just add them directly to the pot and adjust cooking time slightly. They’re just as nutritious and can be a convenient time-saver.

  • How can I make the soup more flavorful?

Enhance the soup’s taste by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking. A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can also brighten the flavors and add a fresh dimension to the soup.

  • Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This chicken vegetable soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and actually develops more flavor as it sits. It’s perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week for quick, healthy meals.

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Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “chicken vegetable soup” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken and garden-fresh vegetables. Warm spices and rich broth create a nourishing meal that welcomes you home with each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel, creating a fragrant base for the soup’s foundation.
  2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to release their aromatic essence while gently sweating in the heated oil.
  3. Incorporate sliced carrots and crisp celery, stirring continuously to ensure even caramelization and develop deep, rich flavor profiles.
  4. Fold in vibrant bell peppers, tender zucchini, and fresh green beans, letting the vegetables mingle and soften slightly.
  5. Pour in flavorful chicken broth, creating a liquid canvas that will transform the ingredients into a harmonious soup.
  6. Nestle diced chicken pieces into the simmering liquid, ensuring they are completely submerged and will cook evenly.
  7. Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme and rosemary across the surface, allowing them to infuse the soup with earthy, comforting notes.
  8. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and letting the ingredients meld together for approximately 20-25 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  10. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a bright, final touch.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in chicken for extra richness and deeper flavor profile in your soup.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley during the last few minutes of cooking to boost aromatic intensity and brightness.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure all broth and ingredients are certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based thickeners.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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