Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade soup, and when it comes to comfort food, Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup truly stands out. This delightful recipe is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re in need of a nourishing, satisfying meal. With its blend of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory broth, it’s a wholesome dish that warms not only your stomach but also your soul.
Why We Love This Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or fresh vegetables, this recipe accommodates whatever you have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in those nutritious veggies while still being deliciously satisfying. The combination of herbs and spices brings out the flavors, making this soup irresistible. Plus, it’s simple to make, ensuring that even on busy days, you can whip up a comforting meal in no time. With just a handful of ingredients and some easy steps, you’re on your way to a delightful dinner!
Ingredients about Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to create your bowl of Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup:
List of ingredients with measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Crusty bread (for serving, optional)
How to Make Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup Directions
To make your Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup, follow these straightforward steps:
- Start with the Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8–10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the vegetables are soft and the onion turns a translucent, slightly golden color. This step is essential for developing a rich flavor base, so give it the time it needs!
- Add Flavor: Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, and thyme into the pot. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. The aroma of the herbs and garlic will fill your kitchen!
- Incorporate the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This “fond” adds incredible depth to your soup, making every spoonful packed with flavor.
- Add Potatoes: Toss in the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes. You want the potatoes to be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finalize with Chicken and Peas: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas, letting them heat through for about 5 minutes. The chicken should be warm, and the peas need to be tender yet crisp.
- Season to Taste: Generously season your soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting based on your preferences.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve immediately with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the deliciousness.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup
Serving Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup is a delight in itself. Ladle it into warm bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous mix of chicken and vegetables. If you’ve decided to use crusty bread, slice some and let your guests dip into the soup. The hearty broth is perfect for soaking up the bread, making each bite comforting and delectable. You can also provide additional garnishes like fresh parsley or grated cheese on the side for those who want to enhance their bowl further. Enjoy this soup warm, surrounded by family or friends, and let the flavors join together in a shared experience of comfort.
Expert Tips: Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup
Creating the perfect Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup can be as straightforward as following the recipe, but these expert tips can elevate your dish even further:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use homemade chicken broth if possible, as it dramatically enhances flavor. If not, choose a good-quality store-bought version.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: The initial step of sautéing onions, carrots, and celery is crucial. Take your time to caramelize the onions gently, as this builds a flavor foundation for your soup.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you enjoy. Zucchini, green beans, or spinach can make fantastic additions or replacements.
- Make it Ahead of Time: This soup stores wonderfully and can taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning Early: Taste your soup frequently during cooking. Adjusting the seasoning while cooking is easier than trying to remedy it after!
How to Store Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup
Storing your Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing the soup instead. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. Your soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove or microwave.
Variation of Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup
One of the joys of making Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup is its adaptability. Here are a few variations to keep your meals exciting:
- Herb Variations: Instead of parsley and thyme, try Italian seasoning, rosemary, or even a pinch of curry powder for a different flavor profile.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken for turkey, or you can use chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Add Grains: Incorporate cooked barley, quinoa, or rice for added texture and bulk.
- Spicy Twist: For spice lovers, consider adding a chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Option: If you’re in the mood for something richer, stir in a little heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy texture.
FAQ
What is hearty chicken & veggie soup?
Hearty chicken & veggie soup is a comforting dish loaded with tender chunks of chicken and a variety of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s nutritious, filling, and perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Can I make hearty chicken & veggie soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables in a pan (if desired), then transfer everything to the slow cooker and set it on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
Is hearty chicken & veggie soup healthy?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, making it a nutritious option. You can also customize it to include more or different veggies to suit your dietary needs.
Can I freeze hearty chicken & veggie soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just ensure it cools completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How can I make hearty chicken & veggie soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, just ensure that your chicken broth and any other ingredients (like seasoning) are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Hearty Chicken & Veggie Soup
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds Adds color and sweetness
- 2 stalks celery, diced For flavor and texture
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
- 6 cups chicken broth Homemade is best
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes Adds heartiness
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Use leftover or rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas For color and sweetness
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley Herb for flavor
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme Herb for flavor
- to taste Salt Adjust according to preference
- to taste Black pepper Adjust according to preference
Optional Garnishes
- as desired Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- as desired Crusty bread For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent and slightly golden.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, and thyme. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Cooking the Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the diced potatoes and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas, heating through for about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!