Name: Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 medium potato, diced (optional); 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 cup frozen peas; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup water (or more broth if desired); 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or thyme (optional for garnish)

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Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nourishing dish that’s packed with tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s the perfect meal to warm me up on a chilly day or when I need something light yet filling. This soup is packed with nutrients, and it’s incredibly satisfying, thanks to the combination of vegetables, lean chicken, and aromatic herbs. It’s a wholesome, hearty option that’s easy to prepare and great for feeding the family or meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup because it’s both wholesome and satisfying. The chicken adds protein, the vegetables provide fiber and nutrients, and the savory broth ties it all together for a delicious, well-balanced meal. It’s easy to customize based on what I have on hand, and I can add my favorite vegetables or herbs to make it my own. Whether I’m feeling under the weather or just craving something warm and hearty, this soup is always my go-to for comfort.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium potato, diced (optional for extra heartiness)
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup frozen peas
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water (or more broth if desired)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or thyme (optional for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add the Broth and Potatoes:

Add the diced potato (if using) to the pot along with the chicken broth and water. Stir in the dried thyme and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add the Chicken and Other Vegetables:

Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the zucchini, corn, and peas. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until all the vegetables are cooked through and the soup is heated.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If the soup is too thick, I can add more water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people. It takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 45 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but hearty enough for a comforting dinner.

Variations

Add More Vegetables: I can add other vegetables like green beans, parsnips, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Kale or spinach is a great leafy green addition that will wilt nicely into the soup.
Use Different Meat: If I prefer, I can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even turkey in place of the raw chicken for a faster option.
Spicy Kick: If I like a bit of heat, I can add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup while sautéing the vegetables.
Add Pasta or Rice: To make the soup even heartier, I can stir in some cooked pasta or rice in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid to accommodate the added ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I can simply heat it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. If the soup has thickened, I can add a little more broth or water to get it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. I can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to allow the soup to cool before refrigerating.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, I can use frozen chicken! If using frozen chicken, just make sure to thaw it first. Alternatively, I can add the frozen chicken directly to the pot and cook it through. The cook time will be slightly longer, but it will work just as well.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make it in a slow cooker, I can follow the same instructions but place everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I add beans to this soup?

Yes, I can add beans such as white beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber. If I add beans, I may want to reduce the amount of liquid slightly to account for the added texture.

How can I make this soup creamier?

For a creamier version, I can stir in a 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking, or use a hand blender to blend a portion of the soup to give it a thicker, creamier texture.

Conclusion

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup is the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s a nourishing meal that’s simple to make, and it’s full of protein, vegetables, and flavorful broth. Whether I’m cooking for my family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is always a winner. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients