Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a hearty chicken and vegetable soup, perfect for a chilly day or to soothe a cold. This classic recipe is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and revitalized. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our step-by-step guide will make the process a breeze.
The key to a flavorful chicken and vegetable soup lies in the quality of the broth. Using homemade chicken stock adds a depth of flavor that store-bought broth simply can’t match. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions provide a crunchy texture and a burst of vitamins, while herbs like thyme and rosemary enhance the aroma and taste.
To make a delicious chicken and vegetable soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment. Gather your ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, carrots, celery, onions, chicken stock, herbs, and seasonings. For equipment, you’ll need a large stockpot, a cutting board and a knife, a measuring cup and spoons, and a ladle.
How To Make
Begin by preparing the vegetables. Peel and chop the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion into small pieces. In a large stockpot over medium heat, add the vegetables and cook until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Add the herbs and seasonings of your choice. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the soup has reached your desired flavor.
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad.
Tips or Possible Variation
For a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, or peas.
If you don’t have homemade chicken stock, you can use store-bought broth. However, for the best flavor, we highly recommend making your own.
Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor of your soup. Some popular additions include bay leaves, parsley, dill, or oregano.
This soup is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup.
For a richer flavor, brown the chicken in the stockpot before adding the vegetables. This will add a depth of flavor and color to the soup.
If you’re short on time, you can use frozen vegetables in this soup. Just be sure to add them to the pot frozen, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
