Name: Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 large potato, peeled and diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty chicken and vegetable soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. This wholesome soup combines tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and savory broth to create a nourishing, filling meal that warms you from the inside out. Packed with nutrients, it’s a great way to incorporate plenty of vegetables into your diet while enjoying a flavorful, satisfying dish. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply craving something comforting, this soup is the perfect remedy.

What makes this soup so special is its simplicity and versatility. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, and a rich broth, this dish is both healthy and delicious. The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a hearty and satisfying bowl of comfort. This recipe can be easily adapted based on what vegetables you have on hand or your personal preferences, making it a perfect go-to dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a classic, feel-good meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines all the flavors you love in a simple, easy-to-make dish. The juicy, tender chicken adds protein, while the vegetables provide a range of textures and flavors that complement the rich, savory broth. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility—feel free to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to make it your own. It’s a meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts)
Carrots
Celery
Potatoes
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Bay leaves
Thyme
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

For Optional Add-ins:

Corn
Green beans
Peas
Spinach or kale
Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

Spicy Chicken Soup: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking to make it creamy.
Noodle Soup: Add egg noodles, rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme, feel free to use rosemary, oregano, or sage for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option, adding more veggies like mushrooms or butternut squash.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside to rest. After a few minutes, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add more olive oil if necessary and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth, and add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Simmer

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If you’re adding other vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or peas, stir them in at this point and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Add to the Soup

While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken. Once the potatoes and other vegetables are tender, add the shredded chicken back into the soup. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the soup from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with some crusty bread or crackers.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Shredding the Chicken: If you want to save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken or cook the chicken ahead of time and shred it when ready to add to the soup.
Use Homemade Broth: For the best flavor, use homemade chicken broth. However, store-bought broth will work just fine, too.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: While simmering the soup, keep an eye on the vegetables to ensure they don’t get overcooked and mushy. Tender but firm vegetables will provide the best texture.
Make it Spicy: Add a touch of hot sauce or chili flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat in your soup.
Bulk it Up: For a heartier soup, add pasta, rice, or quinoa towards the end of the cooking process.

How to Serve

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is filling enough to be served on its own, but you can also pair it with a slice of warm, crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple baked potato. A glass of crisp white wine or iced tea will complement the flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh, allow the soup to cool completely before storing it.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot and bubbly. You may need to add a bit more broth or water to thin it out, as it can thicken after sitting in the refrigerator or freezer.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?

Yes, frozen chicken can be used. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking or adjust the cooking time if using frozen chicken directly in the pot.

2. Can I use different vegetables in this soup?

Yes! Feel free to substitute vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked and serve.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors may intensify after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat before serving.

5. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken can be used, but it will require longer cooking time. You may also need to remove the bones after cooking.

6. Can I add beans to the soup?

Yes! Adding beans like cannellini, kidney beans, or chickpeas can be a great way to bulk up the soup and add more fiber.

7. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add some chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the soup for an extra kick.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, if you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

9. Can I make this soup creamy?

Yes, you can add a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy version of this soup.

10. How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?

Be cautious when adding salt, especially if you’re using store-bought broth, which can be high in sodium. Taste the soup before adding more salt to ensure it’s not too salty.

Conclusion

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that creates a wholesome meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or prepare it ahead for easy leftovers, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.