Chicken Vegetable Soup
Discover the comforting and nourishing Chicken Vegetable Soup, a classic homemade dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich broth. This hearty soup warms your soul and satisfies your appetite, perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a wholesome, flavorful meal. Versatile and easy to make, it’s a timeless favorite in any kitchen.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1–1.5 lbs chicken (bone-in or boneless, cooked and shredded or diced)
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes or other root vegetables, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans or peas (fresh or frozen)
Broth & Seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (e.g., olive oil or vegetable oil)
Optional Variations
- Beans or tofu (for vegetarian twist)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spice)
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or barley (for added grains)
- Kale or spinach (for leafy greens)
- Coconut milk or cream (for creamy texture)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop all vegetables evenly and shred or dice the cooked chicken. Gather fresh herbs and seasonings. This preparation ensures smooth, even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until tender and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your soup.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and add potatoes and any firm vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer until the vegetables are softened and flavors meld.
- Incorporate Chicken and Herbs: Stir in the cooked chicken and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer just until heated through and fully flavored.
- Final Touches: Add any quick-cooking vegetables like green beans or peas. Cook a few minutes more to retain their color and bite. Adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade chicken broth when possible for the best flavor.
- Add delicate vegetables toward the end of cooking to preserve their texture and color.
- Shred the chicken for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Season gradually, tasting throughout to avoid over-salting.
- Simmer gently to keep a clear, rich broth without cloudiness.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently, adding broth or water if needed to maintain consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken soup, vegetable soup, comfort food, healthy soup, homemade soup, easy dinner, gluten free soup