Soups & Stews

Chicken And Vegetable Soup

Name: Chicken And Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (115g) diced tomatoes; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cups (250g) mixed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

By Otto Larkin · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

There's nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade chicken and vegetable soup to soothe the soul. As a home cook, I've always turned to this recipe when I need a pick-me-up or a delicious meal to share with my loved ones. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility - you can use any combination of vegetables you like, and it's ready in under an hour.

I remember making this soup for the first time when I was a college student, feeling under the weather and in need of a comforting meal. My mom had given me a simple recipe to follow, and I was amazed at how easy it was to make and how delicious it turned out. From that day on, I was hooked on cooking and experimenting with different recipes, including this one.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It's a meal that's both nourishing and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner cook.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that's also healthy and easy to make. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves to cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a homemade chicken and vegetable soup.

In this recipe, we'll take you through the steps to make a delicious and comforting chicken and vegetable soup from scratch. We'll cover everything from the ingredients and equipment you'll need to the cooking technique and tips for making the perfect soup. So let's get started and make a pot of homemade chicken and vegetable soup that's sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use any combination of vegetables you like.
The recipe is healthy and nourishing, making it a great option for a family dinner.
The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for a busy schedule.
The recipe is budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients and making a large quantity of soup.
The soup is delicious and flavorful, making it a great option for a special occasion or a dinner party.
The recipe is easy to customize, allowing you to add your own favorite herbs and spices to create a unique flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great chicken and vegetable soup is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the soup slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together. By using a combination of chicken, vegetables, and aromatics, we create a rich and savory broth that's both nourishing and delicious.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By sautéing the vegetables and chicken in a little bit of oil, we create a flavorful base for the soup. Then, by adding in the broth and simmering the soup slowly, we allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

The layering of flavors in this recipe is also important. By adding in the herbs and spices towards the end of cooking, we preserve their flavor and aroma, creating a delicious and aromatic soup. And by serving the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream, we add a pop of color and a touch of creaminess to the dish.

Overall, this recipe works because it's simple, yet flavorful, and it's perfect for any time of the year. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal to warm you up on a cold winter day or a light and refreshing soup to enjoy on a summer evening, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious chicken and vegetable soup, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and aromatics. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to choose a variety of vegetables that you enjoy. You can also customize the recipe to suit your tastes, adding in your favorite herbs and spices to create a unique flavor.

When shopping for ingredients, look for fresh and flavorful produce, and choose a good-quality chicken broth that's low in sodium. You can also use leftover chicken or vegetables to make the soup, making it a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighsYou can use either chicken breast or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. If using thighs, be sure to remove any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
1 onion, choppedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. Be sure to chop the onion finely, so it cooks quickly and evenly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor, and be sure to mince it finely, so it distributes evenly throughout the soup.
2 carrots, choppedUse fresh carrots that are firm and crunchy, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can also use other root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, if you prefer.
2 celery stalks, choppedUse fresh celery that's crisp and fresh, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use other aromatics, such as leeks or fennel, if you prefer.
2 cups (475ml) chicken brothUse a low-sodium chicken broth that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture. You can also use homemade broth or stock, if you prefer.
1 cup (115g) diced tomatoesUse fresh or canned diced tomatoes, depending on your preference. Be sure to choose a variety that's low in sodium and has no added sugars.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeUse fresh or dried thyme, depending on your preference. Be sure to choose a high-quality herb that's rich in flavor and has a fragrant aroma.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse a high-quality salt that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture. You can also use other seasonings, such as pepper or paprika, if you prefer.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, and be sure to use it sparingly, so the soup doesn't become too spicy.
2 cups (250g) mixed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and green beansUse a variety of colorful vegetables to add flavor and nutrients to the soup. Be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces, so they cook quickly and evenly.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor, and be sure to chop it finely, so it distributes evenly throughout the soup.
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Chicken And Vegetable Soup

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch ovenCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoonLadleColander or strainer

How to Make Chicken And Vegetable Soup

1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped carrots and celery and cook until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
8
Add the mixed vegetables to the pot and cook until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes.
9
Stir in the chopped parsley and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
11
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
12
Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.
13
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers, if desired.

Expert Tips

Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add flavor and nutrients to the soup.
Choose a good-quality chicken broth that's low in sodium and has a rich, savory flavor.
Don't overcook the soup, as it can become too thick and mushy.
Add the mixed vegetables towards the end of cooking, so they retain their texture and flavor.
Use fresh herbs, such as parsley and thyme, to add a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.
Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as paprika or cumin, to add a unique flavor to the soup.
Make a big batch of the soup and freeze it for later, so you can enjoy it on a busy day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the chicken and vegetables properly, which can result in a lack of flavor.
Overcooking the soup, which can make it too thick and mushy.
Not using a variety of colorful vegetables, which can result in a lack of nutrients and flavor.
Not seasoning the soup properly, which can result in a bland or unappetizing flavor.
Not using a good-quality chicken broth, which can result in a lack of flavor and nutrients.
Not serving the soup hot, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the soup by adding in some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Use different types of protein, such as turkey or beef, to create a unique flavor.
Add some cream or coconut milk to the soup to give it a rich and creamy texture.
Use different types of vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or parsnips, to add a unique flavor and texture.
Add some beans or lentils to the soup to increase the protein and fiber content.
Use different types of herbs and spices, such as cumin or coriander, to add a unique flavor to the soup.
Make a vegetarian or vegan version of the soup by using plant-based protein sources and omitting the chicken.

What to Serve With Chicken And Vegetable Soup

This chicken and vegetable soup is a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any time of the year. Serve it hot, garnished with some fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers, if desired.

Some other ideas for serving the soup include:

Serving it with a side salad or a green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Serving it with a side of quinoa or brown rice, for a filling and nutritious meal.

Serving it with a side of fruit or a fruit salad, for a light and refreshing dessert.

Crusty breadSaladRoasted vegetablesQuinoa or brown riceFruit or fruit salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This chicken and vegetable soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat the soup, simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.

Some tips for storing and reheating the soup include:

Using a high-quality airtight container to store the soup, to prevent it from becoming contaminated or spoiled.

Labeling and dating the container, so you can keep track of how long it's been stored.

Reheating the soup slowly and gently, to prevent it from becoming too hot or boiling over.

Stirring the soup occasionally, to prevent it from becoming too thick or stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Serving the soup hot, garnished with some fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Experimenting with different spices and seasonings, to add a unique flavor to the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. Simply thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the soup.

Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh. Simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup, such as noodles or rice?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup, such as noodles or rice. Simply cook them according to the package instructions and add them to the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and vegetables in a pan, then add them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I freeze this soup for later?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for later. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the soup without it becoming too thick?

To reheat the soup without it becoming too thick, simply heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to thin it out, if needed.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian or vegan by omitting the chicken and using plant-based protein sources, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?

To prevent the soup from becoming too salty, simply use a low-sodium chicken broth and omit any additional salt. You can also add a little bit of acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to balance out the flavors.

The Full Recipe

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