The Ultimate Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a soul-warming chicken and vegetable soup brings comfort straight to your kitchen.

Seasonal produce transforms this classic dish into a nourishing masterpiece.

Fragrant herbs and tender chicken chunks create layers of delightful flavor.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies and heals.

Winter evenings call for something deeply comforting and rich with goodness.

Simple preparation means you can whip up this soup without complicated techniques.

Warm bowls of happiness await you – grab a spoon and savor every spoonful!

Why Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup Is Nourishing

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and a rainbow of vegetables, this soup delivers essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy meal.
• Simplify Cooking: Requires minimal kitchen skills and uses basic ingredients, making it perfect for novice cooks or busy weeknight dinners.
• Warm Comfort: Creates a soul-satisfying meal that hugs you from the inside, ideal for chilly days or when you need a mood-lifting dish.
• Customize Easily: Adaptable recipe allows swapping vegetables or adding extra ingredients to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients For Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides heartiness and substance to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup aromatics that create a rich and flavorful base.
• Zucchini: A tender vegetable that adds extra nutrition and mild sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bring acidity and bright flavor to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the foundational liquid and enhances the overall soup flavor.
• Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds depth and earthy undertones to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's natural flavors.

How To Prepare Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces into the pot and cook until they develop a golden-brown color on all sides. This step helps seal in the flavors and creates a delicious foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Stir and cook the vegetables until they become soft and start to release their fragrant aroma. The vegetables will begin to caramelize, adding depth to the soup’s overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

• Zucchini
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir all ingredients together, ensuring they are well combined and distributed evenly throughout the pot.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently. Allow the soup to cook for approximately 20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will finish cooking completely, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. The soup is now ready to be enjoyed as a comforting and nutritious meal. Serve immediately while it’s steaming and packed with flavor.

Pro Tips For Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup

• Trim chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize flavor intensity.
• Swap zucchini with other seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes or spinach for variety.
• Boost protein by adding quinoa or white beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Enhance nutrition by including a handful of chopped kale or fresh parsley before serving for extra vitamins and color.

Variations To Try With Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace thyme with oregano and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate diced bell peppers and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in jalapeños, corn kernels, and black beans. Season with cumin and chili powder for a zesty, southwestern style soup.
• Creamy Comfort Version: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking. Blend some of the soup to create a thicker, richer texture with added smoothness.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Add ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Include bok choy and garnish with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for an eastern touch.

Perfect Pairings For Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup

• Elevate Soup's Flavor Profile: Pair this hearty chicken and vegetable soup with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, its bright acidity cutting through the rich broth and complementing the vegetables' freshness.
• Crunch and Comfort Combo: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough bread or rustic garlic crostini to add textural contrast and soak up the delicious soup liquid.
• Wine Alternative Delight: If not a wine fan, try a light, hoppy craft beer like a wheat ale or pilsner, which offers a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's warm, comforting flavors.
• Salad Sidekick: Add a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to bring brightness and additional nutrients to the meal, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Storage Tips For Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup

• Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQs About Hearty Chicken And Vegetable Soup

• Can I use different vegetables in this soup?

Yes, you can swap in seasonal vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or spinach to match your preferences or what’s available.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The recipe is packed with lean protein from chicken and numerous vitamins and nutrients from the mixed vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely. This soup reheats well and can be prepared in advance, with flavors actually improving after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add cooked rice, small pasta like orzo, or quinoa directly into the soup to increase its heartiness and create a more substantial meal.

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm comfort flows through this chicken and vegetable soup, blending savory herbs with tender meat and garden-fresh produce. Rich broth and carefully selected ingredients invite home cooks to savor a nourishing meal that restores and delights.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, diced

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a large pot over medium-high heat until golden brown and slightly crispy, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
2. Reduce heat to medium and incorporate chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, then add zucchini, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, making sure each portion contains a balanced mix of chicken and vegetables.
6. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and faster preparation.
• Use bone-in chicken for richer, more flavorful broth if time allows.
• Swap zucchini with seasonal vegetables like green beans or spinach for variety.
• Make it gluten-free by ensuring chicken broth is certified gluten-free and skip any potential wheat-based additives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg