Description
Chicken Vegetable Soup is a warm, comforting, and wholesome meal combining tender chicken with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make soup delivers hearty, nourishing flavors perfect for any season and is ideal for meal prep with its versatility and ability to freeze well.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes or parsnips, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans or peas
Liquid
- 6 cups chicken broth
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne for spice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop carrots, celery, onions, potatoes or parsnips, and any other chosen vegetables to uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Cook until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides to lock in juices and deepen the broth flavor.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth, then add carrots, potatoes or parsnips, and any other vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season and Finish: Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove chicken pieces, shred them using two forks, then return shredded chicken to the pot. Add green beans or peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep their color and crunch.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for a richer, more flavorful broth; remove bones before serving.
- Add delicate vegetables like peas or green beans toward the end of cooking to maintain brightness and texture.
- Skim foam and fat from the broth surface for a clearer and cleaner taste.
- Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth for a thinner soup or extra potatoes to thicken naturally.
- Add fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme right before serving to keep flavors vibrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg