Are you looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that will warm you up from the inside out? Look no further than this simple chicken and vegetable soup recipe. Made with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful broth, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
This soup is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and lean protein from the chicken. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have lying around. And the best part? It’s so versatile that you can customize it to your liking, making it a family favorite.
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make this delicious soup. So gather your resources, and let’s begin!
How To Make Simple Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Making our simple chicken and vegetable soup involves a few easy steps that will have you savoring its warmth in no time. First, gather your ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups frozen or fresh peas
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s talk about the equipment:
- Stockpot or large Dutch oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Colander
With your ingredients and equipment ready, here’s the step-by-step process to make this delightful soup:
- Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add enough water to cover the chicken by about 2 inches.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it. (Discard the bones.)
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, peas, corn, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Tips or Possible Variation of the Simple Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Now that you have mastered the basic recipe, here are a few tips and possible variations to help you customize your simple chicken and vegetable soup:
- If you don’t have a whole chicken, you can use 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or zucchini.
- For a creamier soup, puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your perfect bowl of chicken and vegetable soup. And there you have it – a simple, flavorful, and customizable recipe that will warm you up from the inside out.
So next time you’re craving comfort food, give this simple chicken and vegetable soup a try. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and sure to please the whole family. Happy cooking!
