Chicken vegetable soup is a classic comfort food that’s nourishing, easy to make, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a healthy, hearty dish to enjoy with family, this soup checks all the boxes. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken vegetable soup from scratch, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through a straightforward recipe that anyone can follow, plus some tips to make it your own.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken Vegetable Soup
Here’s a list of basic ingredients you’ll want to gather. Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what you have in your fridge!
– Chicken: About 1 to 1¼ pounds of chicken breast or thighs (boneless or bone-in)
– Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and your choice of additional veggies like potatoes, green beans, peas, or zucchini
– Broth: 7 cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
– Seasonings: Salt, pepper, dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, and a bay leaf if you like
– Oil and Butter: Olive oil and butter for sautéing
– Optional: Hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a subtle flavor boost, canned diced tomatoes for extra richness, and fresh herbs for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Chicken Vegetable Soup
1. Sear the Chicken for Flavor
Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until it develops a nice golden crust. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point because it will finish cooking in the soup later. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken—this adds great flavor to your soup. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 to 8 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings and Broth
Sprinkle in your dried herbs like parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, and a pinch of pepper. For a little extra zing, you can add a teaspoon of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Soup with Chicken
Return the chicken to the pot along with any juices from the resting plate. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to let the chicken finish cooking and the flavors meld. Then remove the chicken again, shred or dice it, and return it to the soup.
5. Add Additional Vegetables and Finish Cooking
Add in your frozen or fresh vegetables like green beans, peas, or diced potatoes. Cover partially and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes until all the veggies are tender but not mushy. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. This soup also stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.
Tips for the Best Chicken Vegetable Soup
– Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: Cooking chicken with bones adds richness to your broth.
– Prep Veggies First: Chop all your vegetables before you start cooking to make the process smoother.
– Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your vegetables so they stay tender but retain some texture.
– Customize Your Veggies: Use whatever you have on hand — zucchini, corn, peas, or even canned tomatoes work well.
– Add Fresh Herbs at the End: They keep their bright flavor and add a fresh touch.
– Make it a One-Pot Meal: Add potatoes or pasta to make the soup more filling.
Chicken vegetable soup is a versatile and forgiving recipe that you can tweak to your taste or whatever ingredients you have available. The key is to build layers of flavor by searing the chicken, sautéing the veggies, and simmering everything gently in broth.
Try this recipe next time you want a warm, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Enjoy your homemade chicken vegetable soup — it’s comfort in a bowl!