If you are searching for a recipe that balances nourishment, flavor, and comfort, look no further than this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe. Brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a wholesome meal that feels as good as it tastes. It’s a cozy bowl of wellness perfect for any day when you want something hearty yet light, packed with nutrients and easy enough to whip up after a busy day. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that feeds both your body and soul!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in your soup. Each component adds its own magic, making this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe truly special and satisfying.
- Olive or avocado oil (1½ tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness while keeping the soup heart-healthy and flavorful.
- White or yellow onion (½, diced): Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances the soup’s depth.
- Celery ribs (3, diced – about 1 cup): Brings a mild crunch and fresh, earthy notes.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Infuses the soup with warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (10 ounces): A convenient blend of carrot, green bean, and corn for color and natural sweetness.
- Medium cabbage (½, chopped – about 4 cups): Adds a tender, slightly crisp texture and boosts the fiber content.
- Canned diced tomatoes (15 ounces, fire roasted preferred): Lends a smoky depth and balances acidity with sweetness.
- Italian seasoning blend (2 teaspoons): Creates a wonderful herbaceous backbone for the soup’s flavor.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Chicken stock or broth (8 cups): The flavorful liquid base that pulls all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1½ pounds): Provides lean, tender protein that makes the soup hearty and filling.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Begin by heating your olive or avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Now, toss in the frozen mixed vegetables, chopped cabbage, and canned diced tomatoes. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything well to combine, allowing the tomatoes and spices to mingle with the softened veggies for a few minutes.
Step 3: Pour in the Stock and Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock or broth, bringing the entire pot to a gentle boil. This will be the flavor-packed liquid that ties all the ingredients together. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, setting the stage for the chicken to cook perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Submerge your chicken breasts or thighs into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks for tender, bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and give the soup a good stir. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes. Your Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is now ready for the final touches before serving!
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra flair just before serving can take this comforting soup to the next level. Fresh chopped parsley or basil will bring a bright pop of color, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory, creamy touch. A squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors with a lively hint of acidity.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even a simple side of roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced and wholesome. Each side complements the soup without overwhelming its gentle flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. Alternatively, ladle it into colorful bowls topped with a swirl of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil. Small ramekins of various garnishes on the side invite guests to customize their bowls, making the experience interactive and engaging.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
Freezing
This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It stays at its best quality for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Microwave reheating also works well, just stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, add it during the last few minutes of simmering just to warm it through. This can save time while still delivering delicious flavor.
Is this soup suitable for freezing, or will the vegetables get mushy?
Freezing works well, but some vegetables like cabbage may become softer after thawing. The overall taste and comfort of the soup remain intact, making it a great option for meal prep.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You might want to add extra beans or lentils for protein to keep the soup satisfying.
What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary makes an excellent substitute. These herbs create that classic Italian flavor profile essential to this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?
Start with less salt than the recipe calls for and taste as you go. Remember that broth and canned tomatoes often contain some sodium, so adjusting seasoning carefully helps balance the flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is one of those comforting creations you’ll want to return to over and over. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to make, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. I encourage you to try this recipe soon, savor each spoonful, and maybe even share it with loved ones for a cozy, wholesome meal that warms both heart and home.
Print
Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and flavorful meal, brimming with fresh vegetables and tender chicken simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for a quick, wholesome dinner, it combines the goodness of mixed vegetables, cabbage, and seasoned chicken to create a comforting and satisfying dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1½ tablespoons olive or avocado oil (extra virgin)
- ½ white or yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery ribs, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 10 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (carrot, green bean, and corn mix)
- ½ medium cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (preferably fire roasted)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth
Protein
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Warm 1½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive or avocado oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, chopped cabbage, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Pour in Broth: Carefully add 8 cups of chicken stock or broth to the pot. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the simmering soup. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to distribute evenly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot for a comforting and healthy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or spinach based on preference.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your broth and seasonings contain no gluten additives.
