The Heartiest Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Crafting a hearty chicken vegetable soup becomes a delightful culinary adventure that warms both body and soul.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen often inspire comforting meals like this classic recipe.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among colorful vegetables create a nutritious meal packed with wholesome goodness.

Seasonal ingredients make this soup adaptable to whatever fresh produce you have on hand.

Home cooks appreciate how simple it is to customize with favorite vegetables or herbs.

A single pot delivers incredible flavor and nourishment without complicated techniques.

Each spoonful promises pure comfort and satisfaction that will make you feel right at home.

Let’s dive into this soul-soothing recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What Makes Chicken Vegetable Soup So Comforting

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This chicken vegetable soup delivers maximum comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a nourishing meal.
• Nutrition-Packed Power Meal: Loaded with protein from chicken and an array of colorful vegetables, the recipe provides a balanced, wholesome dish that supports overall health and wellness.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow simple swaps or additions, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and kitchen inventory without compromising delicious flavor.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: The mild, inviting seasonings and tender chicken pieces appeal to both kids and adults, creating a universally enjoyable dining experience that brings everyone together.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Vegetable Soup

• Boneless Chicken Breast, Whole Chicken: Lean meat that provides protein and creates the fundamental structure of the soup.

• Garlic, Onions: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, rich flavor profile for the soup base.
• Carrots, Celery, Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and natural sweetness to the soup.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Convenient blend that introduces additional variety and color to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, Water: Essential liquids that form the soup's foundation and help cook the ingredients.
• Bay Leaves, Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Herbs that contribute complex, earthy aromatics and depth to the soup's flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and develop initial flavor layers.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh, crisp finish to the completed soup.

Step-by-Step Guide for Chicken Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Chop Chicken

Cut boneless chicken breast and whole chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Brown Chicken Pieces

Introduce chicken pieces to the pot, carefully browning them on all sides. This process helps seal in flavors and creates a beautiful golden color that adds depth to the soup.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Bay leaves
• Dried thyme
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper

These ingredients will develop a rich and complex flavor profile for the soup.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, removing any foam that rises to the surface to keep the soup clear and clean-tasting.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

• Chopped carrots
• Diced celery
• Fresh green beans
• Frozen mixed vegetables

Step 7: Complete Cooking

Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until vegetables become tender and chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures both flavor and food safety.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to balance the flavors.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the dish.

Step 10: Enjoy Warm Soup

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and savor the comforting, nutritious meal you’ve prepared.

Tips for a Flavorful Chicken Vegetable Soup

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality, fresh chicken and crisp vegetables to enhance the soup's overall flavor and nutritional value.
• Dice Uniformly: Cut chicken and vegetables into consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced texture in every spoonful.
• Control Simmering Temperature: Maintain a gentle simmer instead of a rapid boil to keep chicken tender and prevent broth from becoming cloudy or tough.
• Layer Seasoning Gradually: Add herbs and spices in stages during cooking to build depth of flavor and allow each ingredient to release its unique taste profile.
• Store and Reheat Smartly: Cool soup completely before refrigerating, and when reheating, do so slowly over low heat to preserve moisture and prevent chicken from becoming dry.

Ways to Customize Chicken Vegetable Soup

• Southwestern Chicken Soup: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and cilantro. Top with crushed tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Creamy Herb Chicken Soup: Stir in heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Mix in fresh dill and chives for an extra layer of richness and herbal flavor.
• Mediterranean Chicken Soup: Replace dried herbs with oregano and add chopped artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy profile.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Soup: Incorporate ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Finish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of chili oil for an authentic eastern touch.

Satisfying Sides for Chicken Vegetable Soup

• Pair Crusty Rustic Bread: Warm, artisan sourdough or french baguette slices perfectly complement the soup's rich broth, allowing diners to soak up delicious flavors and add delightful textural contrast.
• Recommend Crisp White Wine: A light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the soup's heartiness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser with subtle citrus undertones that enhance the chicken and vegetable medley.
• Select Herbal Green Tea: A steaming cup of green tea with hints of mint or lemongrass offers a clean, soothing accompaniment that mirrors the soup's aromatic herbs and supports its nutritious profile.

Best Ways to Store Chicken Vegetable Soup

• Store leftover chicken vegetable soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to consume.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and flavor preservation.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup appears too thick during reheating.
• Choose glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Allow soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain optimal taste and texture.

Chicken Vegetable Soup Q&A

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes, you can. Simply shred or chop the pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked white beans, quinoa, or lentils during the last 15 minutes of simmering to boost protein content without changing the soup’s fundamental flavor profile.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and avoid adding any wheat-based thickeners.

• Can I freeze this chicken vegetable soup?

Absolutely. Cool the soup completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken vegetable soup brings comfort and nourishment straight from grandma’s kitchen. Wholesome ingredients and simple preparation make this classic dish a perfect meal for chilly evenings you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

Vegetables:

• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless chicken breast and whole chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic and chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add chicken pieces to the pot, browning them lightly on all sides to seal in flavors and develop a rich golden color.
4. Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then introduce bay leaves, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to create a robust, aromatic base.
5. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, skimming off any foam that develops on the surface.
6. Incorporate chopped carrots, diced celery, fresh green beans, and frozen mixed vegetables into the simmering soup.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is completely cooked through, checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Remove bay leaves from the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
10. Ladle hot soup into bowls and enjoy the hearty, nutritious meal.

Notes

• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked pieces.
• Sauté aromatics slowly to develop deep, rich flavor foundations without burning garlic or onions.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt content and allow personal seasoning preferences.
• Swap protein options easily by substituting chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg