Chicken Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), corn, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
- Stir in the shredded chicken and continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the soup is hot.
- If using spinach or kale, add it in the last few minutes of cooking to wilt it into the soup.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
- Serve with warm bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken makes this soup a quick and easy meal.
- Adjust Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or peas.
- Broth Flavor: Taste the broth as it simmers and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
Variations
- Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup: For a creamy version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for some heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or dill for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Comforting and Nutritious: Packed with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
- Customizable: You can use any vegetables you like and adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder: A quick, simple, and satisfying meal made all in one pot with minimal cleanup.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken vegetable soup! 🍲
