🔥 Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe | Easy & Healthy

Imagine coming home to the smell of warm, welcoming soup. This Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup is ideal comfort food. It’s simple to make and full of the goodness of homemade chicken broth. With 33g of protein per serving and seven vegetables, it’s good for you and tasty.

You can make this soup with your crockpot, Instant Pot, or on the stove. The preparation is easy and quick.

The best thing about this soup is how easy it is. In less than an hour, you can make a meal with 17 ingredients. They all help make a rich and tasty soup. Basic ingredients like olive oil, garlic, onions, and celery are used. Spices and vegetables, either fresh or frozen, add flavor and nutrients. It’s good for your wallet and your health.

This soup keeps well. You can refrigerate it for up to four days or freeze it for later. This makes it a great choice for preparing your meals ahead of time.

Key Takeaways

• This easy chicken soup recipe boasts 33g of protein per serving.
• The soup includes a medley of seven different vegetables.
• Prepared with 17 ingredients, it’s a nutrient-rich option.
• Cooking time is just under an hour on the stove or 30 minutes with an Instant Pot.
• Perfect for meal prep, it can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for months.

Introduction to Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup is a go-to meal for many occasions. It’s easy to make and full of nutrition. Because it uses simple, fresh ingredients, it suits different tastes and diets well.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Every Occasion

This quick chicken soup fits all kinds of gatherings, big or small. It combines chicken and veggies in a way that everyone likes. You can cook it on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or an instant pot, making it great for wherever you’re eating.

A Fusion of Nutrition and Flavor

This soup is both fast and full of good stuff. It uses boneless chicken thighs and lots of veggies for great taste. Seasonings like paprika and cumin add depth.

The mix of fresh and frozen veggies, such as peas and green beans, makes it hearty. It’s a tasty, nutritious meal for any time.

Making this soup is a breeze. You start by cooking the chicken with the veggies. Then, shred the chicken and add more ingredients. You can top it with lemon juice and parsley. Or, enjoy it with bread and a side salad. This makes every meal special and fitting for all diets.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Chicken Soup

Making your own chicken soup is not only tasty but also good for you. It’s all about the veggies, chicken, and flavorful broth. Now, we’ll show you what you need to cook up a delightful and healthful bowl of chicken soup.

Essential Vegetables

A great homemade chicken soup starts with key veggies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 celery stalks
• 2 carrots
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 onion

These veggies add taste and pack your soup with vitamins and minerals. They’re important for soup’s benefits.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Getting good chicken is key for a yummy and right-textured soup. You can go with boneless chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs, or try pre-cooked shredded:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: They’re lean and can be shredded easily.
• Chicken Thighs: A bit more fat means richer taste.
• Pre-Cooked Shredded Chicken: A hint of ease without losing flavor.

Whatever you pick, make sure it’s fully cooked to 165ºF for safety.

Broth and Spices

A tasty broth is vital for your chicken soup. Use 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Flavor the broth with a mix of:

• 3 tablespoons of minced flat-leaf parsley
• Bay leaves
• Basil
• Oregano

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking a hearty chicken soup can bring a lot of joy. Just follow these steps for stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot cooking. You can choose what fits best with your time and what’s convenient for you.

Stovetop Method

First, sauté your veggies in butter and olive oil on the stovetop. Do this for about 6-8 minutes. Then, pour in the chicken broth and add your chicken pieces. Let it all simmer for roughly 20 minutes.

Next, add frozen peas and corn, cooking for another 5-10 minutes. When it’s almost done, add herbs like rosemary and thyme. Don’t forget some lemon juice or cider vinegar for extra zing. This method promises a tasty soup in just 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Crockpot Method

The crockpot lets your soup’s flavors join together all day. First, put the sautéed veggies at the bottom. Then, pour in the chicken broth and add chicken. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

For the last 30 minutes, add frozen veggies and the recommended spices. This long, slow cook makes a flavorful soup by the end of the day.

Instant Pot Option

Want your chicken soup faster? Use the Instant Pot. Start by sautéing the vegetables with butter and olive oil for 6-8 minutes. Then, add chicken broth and chicken. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

After releasing pressure naturally, stir in frozen vegetables and seasonings. Finally, cook on sauté for 5-10 minutes. This quick method gets you a tasty soup in less than an hour.

Special Tips for Making the Best Vegetable Soup Recipe

To make a top-notch vegetable soup, pick the best veggies and keep their goodness firmly. There’s more than just tossing things in a pot. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Enhance the Flavor

Add tomatoes, garlic, and onion powders for a tasty kick in your soup. Toss in a parmesan cheese rind while cooking for extra flavor. And don’t forget to sear your chicken before it goes in, just 3 minutes on each side.

Start with 7 or 8 cups of chicken broth to build a solid flavor foundation. A bit of lemon juice or cider vinegar brightens things up. For spice lovers, a dash of Worcestershire or hot sauce works wonders.

Maintaining the Texture of Vegetables

When it comes to veggie texture, timing is key. Soften onions, carrots, and celery first. If using frozen veggies, toss them in later to keep them from getting mushy.

If a crockpot’s your choice, it’s 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 on low. A stovetop works too, just cook for 20 minutes. This keeps the veggies firm but tender.

Take care with how you store it, too. Keep your soup in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This way, your top vegetable soup recipe is ready whenever you are.

Substitutions and Variations

Customizing your easy chicken soup recipe is easy. You can do it to suit different tastes and diets. I’ll show you how to make your soup yummy and healthy even if you change some ingredients.

Alternative Ingredients

Sometimes, you might want to change the soup’s taste or fit certain diets:

• Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a richer taste.
• For a low FODMAP diet, you might skip onions and use the green leek parts.
• If you’re not eating meat, swap chicken with tofu or other plant-based proteins.
• Instead of potatoes, you can use grains like rice, quinoa, or barley.

How to Adjust for Dietary Needs

For specific diets, adjusting the soup recipe is simple. Here’s how to do it for some common dietary needs:

• To make it Whole30 or Paleo friendly, don’t use corn. Use veggies that are compliant instead.
• To avoid dairy, just leave it out or use plant-based milk or cream.
• For a gluten-free option, use pasta or grains that are gluten-free, like brown rice pasta.

Changing the garnishes can also make your soup stand out. Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or dill. They make the soup taste and look better.

With these simple changes, you can make chicken soup into a delicious vegetable soup. It fits everyone’s diet and taste preferences easily.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup

Want to make a soup that’s creamy and full of flavor? This recipe gives you two ways to do it. You can go dairy-free or use dairy for richness. It’s up to you. Both will turn out a perfect, tasty soup for all to enjoy.

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free take, mix a cooked russet potato with broth. It makes the soup smooth without dairy. This trick adds a comforting richness to your soup. Plus, the potato boosts the soup’s nutrition, making it healthier.

Using Dairy for Creaminess

Prefer creamy soups with dairy? Add some room temperature heavy cream or milk at the end. Stir it in slowly to keep it smooth. This way, you get a soup that feels and tastes luxurious, thanks to the cream.

Both ways, you’ll end up with a creamy chicken and veggie soup that’s delicious. With this recipe, you can choose the way you like it, dairy-free or creamy. It’s a hearty and healthy soup journey for all.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storing homemade soup well keeps it fresh. Use an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Freezing soup can be handy too. Put cooled chicken vegetable soup in food containers and freeze it. It will last for up to 3 months. This makes it an easy, ready-to-eat meal.

Some kitchen tools make storing and freezing easier. Items like a 4.5 Quart Dutch Oven, a Silicone Spatula, and 16 oz. containers are useful. They make everything from cooking to storing a breeze.

Freezing tips: To freeze soup better, put it in single portions. This makes it easy to thaw and heat up. Defrost it overnight in the fridge or warm it up on the stove when you’re ready to eat.

• Refrigeration: Keep the soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: It’s safe to freeze soup for up to 3 months in containers.

Remember these tips for next time. They will keep your homemade or frozen soup tasty and fresh.

Reheating Instructions for Chicken Vegetable Soup

Have some leftover chicken vegetable soup you want to enjoy again? Reheating it is easy and doesn’t take long. You can heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. This works whether it’s straight from the freezer or thawed.

Reheating homemade soup in the microwave is simple. Put some soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. If you want it really even, try heating up in 1-minute steps after stirring.

If you’d rather use the stovetop, that’s just as easy. Put your soup in a pot and warm it on medium-low. Don’t forget to stir now and then. Your soup should be ready in 5-10 minutes, depending on how much you’re reheating.

Be careful not to overheat your soup. You don’t want the veggies to get too soft. Just use gentle heat and you’ll have a tasty meal in no time. Reheating soup is simple and quick!

The recipe was last updated on March 27, 2024. It’s still a top choice for many because it’s so easy to make. Enjoy making it again and again. And have fun warming up your reheating homemade soup!

The Benefits of Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

This homemade soup is full of nutrition, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. It combines various vegetables with quality chicken, giving a good mix of taste and health bonuses.

High-Protein Content

This nutritious chicken soup stands out for its protein-rich nature. In every serving, you get 8 grams of protein. This makes it great for boosting your daily protein. Protein helps your muscles, body growth, and function.

Loaded with Vegetables

This soup is a veggie powerhouse, filled with essential nutrients. It contains:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Parsnips
• Turnips
• Mushrooms
• Kale

These veggies are rich in vitamins A and C, magnesium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. This combo boosts your immune system and health.

The soup also has 90 calories, 4g of fat, and 8g of protein per serving. It’s nutritious, offering plenty of health benefits in a bowl.

Homemade chicken vegetable soup is not just for filling your stomach. It’s a key part of a healthy diet, loaded with nutrients. For those looking for a high-protein soup, it’s an awesome pick.

Serving Suggestions

The hearty chicken vegetable soup stands strong by itself. Yet, you can make it even better. With the right extras and by paying attention to how you serve it, you can turn a simple soup dish into a feast. Here’s how to level up your homemade chicken soup meal prep.

Pairs Well With

This soup can be a full meal. But, combining it with other dishes can elevate your dining experience.

• Crusty Bread: Pair it with a slice of soft, warm No Knead Bread. This mixes soft and crunchy textures.
• Simple Salad: A light, fresh garden salad with a bit of dressing brings a crisp touch that matches the warm soup.
• Rice or Pasta: Adding rice or small pasta makes the soup heartier and even more satisfying.

Ideal for Meal Prep

This chicken and vegetable soup is perfect for meal prepping. It’s easy to store and reheat. Make a big batch and enjoy it over many days, cutting down on constant cooking. Here’s how to make your meal prep work smoothly:

1. Make a Large Batch: Use a 4.5 Quart Dutch Oven to cook enough for several future meals.
2. Store Properly: Let the soup cool to room temperature then put it in airtight containers. It’s good in the fridge for 3-4 days or the freezer for 3 months.
3. Easy Reheating: Reheat the soup from frozen or after letting it thaw in the fridge overnight. Do this on the stove or in the microwave.

With these steps, your homemade chicken soup can be a go-to meal that’s always ready to please. It’s both healthy and tasty, making perfect eating for any time.

Health Benefits of Various Ingredients

Chicken vegetable soup comes packed with health perks. Thanks to various ingredients, it boosts overall wellness. Each part adds special nutrients for better health.

Benefits of Bone Broth

Homemade bone broth is a nutrient powerhouse. It comes from grass-fed sources, so it’s full of good stuff. It includes calcium, magnesium, and collagen. These help your bones, joints, and skin.

The broth also has things like gelatin that are good for you. They help your body make energy and keep your cells strong.

Vegetables That Boost Immunity

Onions, garlic, and spinach are key to this soup’s immune-boosting power. Onions and garlic bring essential vitamins and minerals. These help kick your immune system into high gear.

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It’s great for your blood and bones. Carrots and onions add more vitamin C. It’s needed for making blood vessels, cartilage, and muscle. It also boosts collagen.

Protein from Chicken

Chicken offers lean protein for building muscles and keeping your bones strong. A serving of this soup has 8g of protein. That’s a good amount for your body.

The chicken in the soup also contains tryptophan. This helps your body make serotonin. It’s a chemical that keeps your mood bright.

Plus, there’s selenium in chicken. It plays a big role in making proteins and enzymes. This protects your cells from damage and keeps you safe from infections.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chicken soup, avoid simple errors. These can ruin its taste. Know how to sidestep these, and you’ll have a great soup.

Overcooking Vegetables: To keep the crunch and taste, add veggies slowly. Sturdy ones go in first, like carrots. Softer ones, like peas, join later.

Incorrect Seasoning: Right timing for seasonings is key. Early salt can make it too salty. Add it bit by bit and check near the end.

Improper Cooking Technique: Start with cold water to draw out the chicken’s taste. Simmer gently, an hour or overnight, for the best flavor.

Not Using Real Ingredients: Skip soup mixes. Use real veggies and spices. This gives your soup a true and deep taste.

Skimming the Foam: Take off the foam to keep your soup clear. This foam is protein that can cloud your soup.

Consulting the Experts: Speak with those who know, like family or friends with old recipes. They can share tips that are golden.

Enhancing Flavor: Fry your veggies first and add umami with things like tomato paste. This gives your soup a savory kick.

Correcting Oversalting: If it’s too salty, add water or broth to tone it down. This keeps the good flavor of your soup.

Final Touches: Top your soup with fresh herbs or cheese. Or, sprinkle on some croutons or have it with bread. It makes it yummy and pretty.

1. Start with cold water.
2. Cook on a simmer for several hours.
3. Skim off grayish foam.
4. Use fresh ingredients.
5. Consult with experienced cooks.
6. Season towards the end.
7. Add ingredients in stages.
8. Enhance with aromatics and umami.
9. Correct oversalting with additional broth or water.
10. Finish with garnishes and fresh herbs.

Steer clear of these pitfalls and you’re on your way to making great chicken soup. This brings you a bowl of soup full of flavor, every time.

FAQs about Chicken Vegetable Soup

Planning to make chicken vegetable soup at home? Here’s help to get your recipe just right! You may wonder about storing leftovers or trying new ingredients. These tips are a must-read.

1. How can I store leftover chicken vegetable soup?
   Put the soup in a sealed container. It’s good for 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Remember to cool it down first.
2. What are some ingredient variations I can try?
   Swap out noodles for chickpeas or white beans. These changes add more nutrients and flavors to the soup.
3. What are the recommended cooking times?
   For the stove, let it simmer for 15 minutes after adding chicken. Then an extra 10-15 minutes with frozen veggies. If you’re using a crockpot, cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
4. Can I make this in a crockpot?
   Yes, the recipe works well in a crockpot. It can be cooked for 3-4 hours on high or for 7-8 hours on low. This slow method blends the flavors perfectly.
5. How do I enhance the flavor of my soup?
   Add herbs and spices like parsley, basil, and oregano. Mustard powder and pepper are great additions. A little Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce can also make the taste pop.

For more advice on making chicken vegetable soup, stick to these tips. Modify the recipe to meet your likes and dietary needs for a delicious, healthy meal!

User Reviews and Testimonials

This Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is loved by many. It has a high rating of 4.75 out of 5 from 395 votes. People enjoy this meal a lot because it’s full of flavor and satisfaction.

Many users point out the healthy benefits in this soup. Ingredients like garlic, zucchini, and broccoli are praised for their taste and nutrition. The Golden Gut Blend in the recipe is mentioned for its health-boosting powers.

People talk about how adjustable this soup is to different diets. It can fit in Whole 30, Paleo, and Keto eating plans. Users like being able to add their favorite veggies or herbs to make it perfect for them.

This recipe is also quick and easy, taking only 10 minutes to prepare. It cooks in 2 hours, making it a time-saver for busy cooks. It provides a warm, filling meal that many families love.

Overall, the Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is a big hit. Users love its nutritional value, easiness to tweak, and great taste. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to make a healthy, veggie-rich soup that people adore.