If you’re craving a cozy, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken and an abundance of fresh, colorful vegetables, this soup brings comfort and wholesome flavors together in a way that’s perfect for any season or occasion. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or just enjoy a light yet satisfying dish, this hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup delivers soul-soothing goodness in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Freshly Balanced: Combines lean chicken with a vibrant mix of vegetables for a nutrient-dense and satisfying meal.
Easy to Make: Requires simple pantry staples and quick prep, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
Customizable Flavor: Flexible to adjust according to your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies on hand.
Comfort Food Classic: Reminds you of homemade meals, delivering warmth and nourishment to the soul.
Perfect Anytime: Light yet filling, ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a restorative snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe relies on fresh, wholesome ingredients that provide layers of texture, color, and flavor. Each item plays a vital role in creating that classic comforting taste you’ll keep coming back for.

Chicken breast or thighs: Adds tender protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange color.
Celery stalks: Offer a subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
Onion: Enhances richness and savory undertones when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the broth with fragrant, warm notes.
Potatoes or parsnips: Thickens the broth slightly while adding earthiness.
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme): Lift the entire dish with fresh, bright flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Olive oil: Helps sauté veggies and bring all flavors together smoothly.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing natural tastes.

Variations for Chicken Vegetable Soup

Feel free to put your own spin on this classic recipe. It’s incredibly easy to tailor the Chicken Vegetable Soup to suit different dietary preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free broth and ensure all your seasonings are free of gluten-containing ingredients.
Add grains: Stir in cooked rice, barley, or quinoa for extra heartiness.
Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with added beans for protein.
Spicy kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or swirl in some hot sauce for heat.
Seasonal swap: Substitute veggies based on seasonality like adding sweet corn in summer or kale in fall.

How to Make Comforting Chicken Vegetable Soup

How to Make Chicken Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping all your vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. Peel the garlic and mince it finely to release its aroma when cooked.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Toss in garlic and cook for another minute, making sure not to burn it.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until it’s just white on the outside. This seals in the juices and builds flavor without drying out the meat.

Step 4: Add Broth and Vegetables

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add potatoes or parsnips and any other hard vegetables. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the veggies are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Stir in fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer a few more minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Vegetable Soup

Use fresh herbs: Adding herbs at the end preserves their bright, fresh flavor.
Don’t overcook chicken: For tender bites, remove the soup from heat right after chicken is cooked through.
Layer flavors: Sautéing veggies first unlocks depth in the broth.
Save time: Use pre-chopped frozen veggies to speed up prep.
Clear broth tip: Skim foam or fat from the surface while simmering for a cleaner look and taste.

How to Serve Chicken Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can brighten each serving and add a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

Pair with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a light green salad to round out your meal with complementary textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top or ladle into bread bowls for an inviting, hearty presentation everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chicken Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving the freshness and flavors.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months for easy meal prep on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken in this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and can be added towards the end of cooking to warm through without drying out.

Is this Chicken Vegetable Soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes very well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Sauté the veggies and chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for convenience and depth of flavor.

What vegetables work best in Chicken Vegetable Soup?

Carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions are classic choices, but feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or leafy greens based on your preference.

How can I make the soup thicker?

Add diced potatoes or parsnips which naturally thicken the broth as they cook, or stir in a small amount of blended cooked vegetables or cooked rice.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Vegetable Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting ritual you’ll want to return to time and again. Full of fresh veggies and tender chicken, it’s the kind of dish that soothes your soul and satisfies your hunger with every spoonful. Give it a try and make your kitchen feel like the coziest spot on a chilly day or anytime you crave something wholesome and heartwarming.

Chicken Vegetable Soup

Print Recipe

This Chicken Vegetable Soup is a cozy, nourishing meal filled with tender chicken and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. Perfect for any season, it delivers wholesome, comforting flavors that warm you up on chilly days or satisfy as a light, hearty dish any time.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium potatoes or parsnips, peeled and diced

Herbs and Seasonings

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Oils

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop all vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. Peel and mince the garlic finely to release its aroma.
Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until the exterior is just white, sealing in juices and building flavor without drying out the meat.
Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add potatoes or parsnips along with any other hard vegetables. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Season and Finish: Stir in fresh parsley and thyme. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to meld flavors beautifully before serving.

Notes

Use fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken — remove from heat once it’s cooked through for tender pieces.
Sauté veggies first to unlock deep, layered flavors in the broth.
Use pre-chopped frozen vegetables to speed up prep time.
Skim foam or fat from the surface during simmering for a clearer broth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: chicken soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup