Best Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Chicken Vegetable Soup is a hearty dish made with a variety of vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful broth. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted based on what vegetables you have on hand. The dish is commonly made with carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, and it’s often flavored with herbs like thyme and bay leaves.

Making Chicken Vegetable Soup takes about 40-50 minutes from start to finish. Preparation time includes chopping the vegetables and cooking the soup. The total time may vary depending on your stove and the size of your pot. It’s an easy recipe to follow, and the simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Chicken Vegetable Soup is a go-to comfort meal, especially on chilly days. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and broth creates a deliciously satisfying bowl of soup. It’s also easy to customize—whether you prefer more vegetables or a stronger herb flavor, you can make it your own. One of the best parts is how filling it is without feeling heavy, making it a great option for any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love It Chicken Vegetable Soup

• Healthy and Nutritious: Chicken vegetable soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect way to get essential nutrients while enjoying a delicious meal. The chicken provides lean protein, making it a filling option that supports muscle health.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty soup that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in the kitchen, this chicken vegetable soup is easy to make and hard to mess up.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Chicken vegetable soup offers a warm, comforting experience, especially on cold days. The mix of vegetables and tender chicken creates a balanced, satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. You’ll love the cozy feeling it brings to your day.

Ingredient Notes for Chicken Vegetable Soup

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, olive oil adds richness and healthy fats to the soup.
• Onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the base of the soup. It’s often sautéed until soft and translucent.
• Carrots: Provide sweetness and color. They should be chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
• Celery Stalks: Bring a mild, earthy flavor to the soup and help balance the sweetness of the carrots.
• Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the soup. It’s often minced or crushed before adding to the pot.
• Chicken Broth: The base of the soup. Chicken broth is flavorful and gives the soup a savory taste.
• Water: Balances the chicken broth and adjusts the soup’s consistency.
• Potatoes: Adds heartiness to the soup. They should be diced into small cubes for even cooking.
• Cooked Chicken: Adds protein and richness. It can be shredded or chopped into pieces.
• Frozen Peas: A quick and easy way to add green color and a subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Green Beans: Adds a crunchy texture and a fresh, earthy taste.
• Dried Thyme: Brings a subtle herbal flavor. Dried thyme works well because it’s flavorful and easy to store.
• Bay Leaves: Adds depth to the soup’s flavor, but should be removed before serving.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright flavor to garnish the soup and bring a burst of color.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Chicken vegetable soup is a warm, comforting dish that can be easily customized. Start by using fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. These vegetables add flavor and nutrition. Remember to chop them into small, even pieces for a well-balanced texture throughout the soup.

To make your chicken vegetable soup unique, consider adding herbs and spices. A dash of thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor. Fresh or dried herbs will enhance the taste without overwhelming it. Add them while the soup simmers to let the flavors meld.

Use a variety of vegetables for added nutrition. Green beans, spinach, or peas are great choices. These vegetables offer different textures and nutrients, making your soup both hearty and healthy. Try adding a vegetable you haven’t used before for a twist.

Chicken Vegetable Soup Variation

If you’re looking to add variety or personalize your Chicken Vegetable Soup, there are several variations you can try:

• Add More Greens: Add spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for extra nutrients and color. These leafy greens blend well with the broth and add a fresh flavor.
• Spicy Twist: For those who love a bit of heat, you can add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the soup.
• Swap Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or peas. These can easily replace or complement the existing ingredients.
• Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking.
• Add Grains or Pasta: You can add cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes to make the soup heartier and more filling.

How to Serve Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Vegetable Soup is versatile and can be served in several ways:

• With Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying meal. The bread can be used to dip into the soup and enjoy the flavorful broth.
• With a Salad: For a lighter meal, pair your soup with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Topped with Herbs: Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme to add a burst of freshness and color.
• As a Main or Side Dish: You can enjoy Chicken Vegetable Soup as the main dish or serve it as a side to another meal, like grilled chicken or a sandwich.

Storage Options

Chicken Vegetable Soup can be stored and enjoyed for several days. Here are some tips on how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm.
• Freezing: If you want to keep the soup for a longer time, you can freeze it. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftover soup can be kept in the fridge for several days. Make sure to store the soup separately from any bread or crackers to keep them from getting soggy.

FAQs About Chicken Vegetable Soup

How long should I cook chicken vegetable soup?
Simmer chicken vegetable soup for about 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the vegetables to become tender. Be sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I freeze chicken vegetable soup?
Yes, chicken vegetable soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.

Is chicken vegetable soup healthy?
Yes, chicken vegetable soup is generally a healthy option as it is rich in protein from chicken and packed with nutrients from the vegetables. It’s low in fat and can be a good choice for a light meal.

Can I use different vegetables in chicken vegetable soup?
Absolutely! You can customize your chicken vegetable soup by adding vegetables like corn, zucchini, or green beans. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

Best Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Chicken Vegetable Soup is a hearty dish made with a varietyof vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful broth. It’s a versatile recipethat can be adjusted based on what vegetables you have on hand. The dish iscommonly made with carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, and it's oftenflavored with herbs like thyme and bay leaves.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or any vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas or fresh
• 1 cup green beans chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle
• Strainer
• Soup Ladle
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Stove

Method

 

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken: Start by chopping your vegetables and preparing the chicken. If you're using raw chicken, cook it in a skillet first, then shred it or chop into small pieces.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in the potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add Chicken and Peas: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the peas to cook.
6. Season the Soup: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves and discard.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your homemade chicken vegetable soup!

Notes

Make sure you taste the soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning if needed, as some broths can be saltier than others. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few potatoes in the pot with a spoon to create a creamier texture.