Chicken Vegetable Soup: 7 Reasons it’s Your Best Comfort Food Secret

What is chicken vegetable soup? Is it the kind that warms you from the inside out, reminds me of cozy Sunday afternoons, and is delicious? Is it easy to throw together? Seriously, forget canned soup – once you taste this, you’ll never go back. What’s better than a boxed mac and cheese? Cheese (though not quite as cheesy, obviously! )… What are some good recipes for chicken vegetable soup?

What is chicken vegetable soup?

Think of chicken vegetable soup as the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge meal, but elevated. What is essentially a flavorful broth, packed with tender chicken and veggies? What makes this chicken soup different from other soups is the focus on vegetables. We’re not just talking carrots and celery here. We load it up with everything good, from potatoes and peas to Green Beans and corn. Is it a complete meal in one bowl, and it’s endlessly customizable based on what you have on hand? Is it a classic?

How can I make chicken soup?

Quick Overview

What is the easiest way to make chicken soup? You’ll start by sautéing some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to build a flavorful base. If you’re going to cook chicken, add broth and other vegetables, and let it simmer until everything is cooked through. Then, you add your chicken and broth. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed. What is a dump-and-stir recipe?

Ingredients

For the Soup:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
* 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1 cup chopped Green Beans (fresh or frozen)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the onion, carrots, celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building a deep, savory flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add the Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, potatoes, peas, corn, green beans, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with about a teaspoon of salt and then adjust to my taste. I like to use tamari, but I can’t eat it.

Step 3: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Sometimes I let it go for up to an hour if I have the time.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

What is the best way to serve soup with fresh parsley? I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice sometimes for extra brightness. What are some good ways to serve this with a piece of bread?

5. What to Serve It With

What should I serve it with?

What is the beauty of chicken vegetable soup? What are some good ideas to round it out:

For a light lunch:What is a salad with vinaigrette? The acidity of the dressing will complement the richness of soup.

What is a hearty dinner? Crusty bread for dipping, grilled cheese sandwiches, or even a side of roasted vegetables. My family loves having a big loaf of sourdough with this soup.

For a Crowd:Serve it with a variety of toppings, like shredded cheese, Sour Cream, hot sauce, and crackers. How do I customize my own bowl?

For a Cozy Night In:What’s a good fire? What is the ultimate comfort food?

My grandma always served this with homemade biscuits, and honestly, it’s still my favorite way to enjoy it. What are some of the best biscuits to soak up the broth?

How do I make chicken soup?

How do I make chicken soup?

What are some tricks to make this soup even better? What are some of my top tips?

How do I make homemade broth?If you have the time, homemade chicken broth will take this soup to the next level. What is the best bone broth recipe? How do you use bouillon cubes?

Don’t overcook vegetables. Don’tWhy do people like mushy vegetables? Add the vegetables that take longer to cook (like potatoes and carrots) first, and then add the potatoes. What are the quick-cooking ones (like peas and corn) towards the end?

Add a splash of acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar will brighten up the flavors and add a little zing.

Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add so much more flavor than dried herbs. If you have them, use them! Parsley, thyme, rosemary, and oregano all work well.

Don’t be afraid to experiment: This soup is very forgiving, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings. Sometimes I add mushrooms, spinach, or even a little bit of pesto. The possibilities are endless!

Season throughout the cooking process: Don’t just season at the end. Season the vegetables as they sauté, and then season the broth before you add the chicken. This will help build layers of flavor.

One time, I accidentally added too much salt to the soup. To fix it, I added a peeled potato to the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The potato absorbed the excess salt, and the soup was saved!

7. Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing and Reheating Tips

This chicken vegetable soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Here’s How to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this soup at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When freezing in bags, lay them flat to save space.

Reheating: You can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Add a little bit of water or broth if the soup is too thick.

I often make a big batch of this soup on the weekend and freeze individual portions for quick and easy lunches during the week. It’s so much healthier and more satisfying than takeout!

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

9. Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my go-to chicken vegetable Soup Recipe! It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable. I truly believe that everyone should have a good chicken soup recipe in their repertoire, and this one is a winner. It really does warm the soul.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Tomato soup or my hearty beef stew. Both are equally delicious and perfect for cozy nights in.

I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!

Chicken Vegetable Soup

A comforting and nutritious Chicken Vegetable Soup, perfect for a chilly day.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Breast boneless, skinless
• 8 cups Chicken Broth low sodium
• 1 cup Carrots diced
• 1 cup Celery diced
• 1 cup Onion diced
• 1 cup Potatoes diced
• 0.5 cup Frozen Peas
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
• 1 tsp Salt to taste
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• In a large pot, combine chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
• Add chicken breast, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot.
• Simmer for another 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
• Stir in frozen peas and heat through. Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

This soup is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.