Description
Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and filling meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s a wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a cozy family meal, this soup is full of flavor and goodness!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Add the chicken broth to the pot along with the diced potato, zucchini, frozen peas, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the chicken back: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow the flavors to combine.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes in the soup or blend a small portion of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts to save time.
- Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as green beans, corn, or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Soup, Vegetable Soup, Hearty Soup, Healthy Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Chicken and Vegetable Soup, Easy Soup Recipe