Best Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe

Chicken cabbage soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines chicken with cabbage, vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s typically made with simple ingredients like carrots, onions, garlic, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary. This soup is known for its light yet satisfying texture, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthy, comforting meal.

The preparation time for chicken cabbage soup is about 15 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 30 minutes. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to make the soup from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy dish that can fit into any busy schedule while still providing a satisfying, homemade meal.

This chicken cabbage soup is a go-to recipe when looking for something light but filling. The balance of flavors between the tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to customize, whether you prefer a more intense garlic flavor or extra lemon zest for freshness.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cabbage Soup

• Healthy and Nourishing: Chicken cabbage soup is packed with nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and protein. It’s a low-calorie, high-protein dish, making it a great option for those watching their weight or looking for a healthy meal.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate how quick and easy it is to make, even on a busy weeknight.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of tender chicken and hearty cabbage creates a comforting, delicious dish. With the right spices and seasonings, every spoonful is filled with rich flavors, leaving you feeling full and satisfied.

Ingredient Notes for Chicken Cabbage Soup

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used to sauté vegetables and add flavor. It helps cook the ingredients without adding too much grease.
• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for a leaner soup or chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Both are great options for this soup.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup. Always chop it finely to blend well with the other ingredients.
• Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and a bit of color. Slice them thinly for even cooking.
• Cabbage: A key ingredient that adds texture and a mild, slightly earthy flavor. You can use green or purple cabbage for variation.
• Garlic: Offers a strong, savory aroma and flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used as a backup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the base for your soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content and ensure the soup isn’t too salty.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in the soup. Add salt to taste as you cook.
• Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and sharpness. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal for a stronger flavor.
• Garlic Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder is a great alternative. It adds a subtle garlic flavor to the soup.
• Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, slightly minty notes that enhance the flavor of the chicken and vegetables.
• Dried Rosemary: A robust herb that adds depth and a woodsy flavor. Use sparingly, as rosemary can be overpowering.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the soup with a touch of acidity. It balances out the richness of the chicken and broth.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb used as a garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery taste to the soup.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Chicken cabbage soup is a simple yet flavorful dish. To make it even better, use fresh ingredients. Fresh cabbage and tender chicken will elevate the taste. Don’t forget to season it well with garlic, salt, and pepper. Adding a pinch of herbs like thyme or oregano can make a huge difference.

Feel free to experiment with the soup. You can add other vegetables like carrots or onions to enhance the flavor. A little ginger will add warmth, while a splash of lemon juice can give it a refreshing zing. These small tweaks will give your chicken cabbage soup a unique touch.

To make your chicken cabbage soup heartier, consider adding some beans or potatoes. These ingredients will add texture and make the soup more filling. You can also adjust the broth to your liking, using chicken stock for a richer flavor or water for a lighter taste.

Chicken Cabbage Soup Variations

You can easily customize chicken cabbage soup to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:

• Spicy Chicken Cabbage Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup to give it a bit of heat.
• Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, add a can of white beans or kidney beans. This will make the soup heartier and more filling.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the carrots and replace them with extra cabbage or zucchini to reduce the carb count.
• Herb Infused: Try adding other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves for a more robust flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Cabbage Soup

Chicken cabbage soup can be enjoyed in several ways. Here are some ideas for serving it:

• With Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of whole-grain bread, a crusty baguette, or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a light, balanced meal.
• Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy finish.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Chicken cabbage soup makes an excellent meal prep dish. Portion it into individual containers and refrigerate for easy lunches throughout the week.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers or want to make the soup ahead of time, here are the best storage options:

• Refrigeration: Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store the soup for longer, you can freeze it. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date. Chicken cabbage soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat until it’s hot. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs About Chicken Cabbage Soup

Can I make chicken cabbage soup in advance?
Yes, chicken cabbage soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often improve as it sits, making it a perfect meal prep option.

Is chicken cabbage soup good for weight loss?
Yes, this soup is low in calories but high in protein and fiber, making it a great choice for weight loss. Its nutrient-rich ingredients help keep you full longer without adding excess calories.

Can I use other vegetables in chicken cabbage soup?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Customize the soup with your favorite veggies for a more hearty meal.

Is chicken cabbage soup gluten-free?
Chicken cabbage soup is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Always check your broth or seasoning to ensure they are gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

Best Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe

Chicken cabbage soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish thatcombines chicken with cabbage, vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s typicallymade with simple ingredients like carrots, onions, garlic, and herbs such asthyme and rosemary. This soup is known for its light yet satisfying texture,making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthy, comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs boneless and skinless, cut into small pieces or shredded
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
• 1 small head of cabbage shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 6 cups chicken broth low-sodium, if preferred
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme optional
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary optional
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for added freshness
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Soup Ladle
• Measuring Spoons & Cups
• Stirring Spoon
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
4. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Scrape up any brown bits at the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon, which adds extra flavor.
5. Add the Cabbage and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
6. Return the Chicken to the Pot: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add any additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you want a bit of brightness, add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Notes

Chicken Cabbage Soup is a flexible recipe that can be easily adjusted to suit your tastes. You can add other vegetables like celery or zucchini, or even toss in some beans for extra protein. For a richer flavor, you can also use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth. If you like your soup thicker, you can blend some of the cabbage and broth together, or simply cook it longer to reduce the liquid.