If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that warms your soul and nourishes your body, this Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth that comes together quickly, proving that homemade soup doesn’t have to be complicated. Each spoonful offers a cozy, hearty experience filled with vibrant colors and satisfying flavors that make it perfect for any day of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each contributing to the rich texture, depth of flavor, and vibrant color that make this soup so irresistible. From the aromatic trio of onion, carrot, and celery to the bright pops of green beans and peas, every element works in harmony.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and savory base to the soup.
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & sliced): Bring natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue.
- 3 sticks celery (chopped): Provides a fresh, crunchy texture that softens as it simmers.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables while adding a rich, smooth flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with a fragrant depth and warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a gentle herby kick that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce: Contributes acidity and a hearty body to the broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth/stock: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together.
- 1 large potato (peeled & diced): Adds comforting creaminess and soft texture.
- 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh): Sweet bursts that complement the savory base.
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh): Provide a pop of color and tender bite.
- 1 cup green beans (frozen or fresh): Adds vibrant green color and mild flavor.
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken (shredded): The hearty protein that makes this soup satisfying.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing flavors.
How to Make Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by chopping your onion, carrots, and celery, then heat the olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This initial step builds the flavor foundation every great soup needs, releasing natural sweetness and creating a warm aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook them just for about 30 seconds to release their flavors without letting the garlic burn. This quick step layers the soup with those classic Italian herb notes and bright garlic essence, making every mouthful that much more inviting.
Step 3: Combine Tomato Sauce, Broth, and Potato
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes. Turn the heat to high to bring everything to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently with the lid slightly ajar for about 15 minutes. This simmering allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Corn, Peas, Green Beans, and Chicken
Now it’s time to stir in the corn, peas, green beans, and shredded chicken. Continue cooking the soup for 5 to 10 more minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their bite. The chicken heats through and absorbs all the rich flavors from the broth, making this the heart of the Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here—seasoning is key to bringing all the ingredients together perfectly. Once seasoned, your soup is ready to enjoy straight away, warm and comforting in every spoonful.
How to Serve Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves brightens the soup visually and adds a fresh herby note. For some extra richness, swirl in a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. These little touches make each bowl feel extra special and personalized.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping and soaking up every last bit. A fresh side salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the soup by adding crisp texture and tangy contrast, perfect for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic mugs or shallow bowls for a cozy, inviting vibe. For gatherings, offer toppings like chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of chili oil on the side so guests can customize their bowls. Presentation is all about making your Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe feel like a centerpiece of warmth and comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more, than freshly made.
Freezing
This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for batch cooking. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and reheated for a quick nourishing meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. To brighten up the flavors after freezing or refrigeration, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can easily substitute with leftover cooked chicken or even poach chicken breasts or thighs specifically for this recipe. Just shred the meat before adding it to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version of this Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra beans or lentils for protein if you like.
Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to get creative! Vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can add extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind the cooking times so everything ends up tender but not mushy.
How thick or thin should the soup be?
This soup is nicely brothy but hearty from the potatoes and chicken. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth. For a thicker texture, let it simmer a little longer to reduce or add a handful of cooked rice or small pasta.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?
The easiest way is to use two forks to pull the chicken apart into bite-sized shreds. If your chicken is very warm, it will shred more easily. Cold chicken is firmer and a bit harder to shred quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, easy to make yet full of nurturing flavor and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking to cozy up on a chilly day or simply nourish yourself with a homemade meal, I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that becomes an instant favorite, bringing comforting joy with every spoonful.
Print
Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Simple Chicken Vegetable Soup is a wholesome, hearty recipe featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth enhanced with garlic and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting meal, it combines easy-to-find ingredients to create a nutritious, warm soup that is quick to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 1 large Russet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup green beans (frozen or fresh)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Chop the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Add all these to a soup pot along with the olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Cook the vegetables in the pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
- Prepare remaining ingredients: While sautéing, peel and dice the potato and gather other vegetables and chicken.
- Add seasoning and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the pot and cook for about 30 seconds to release the aromas.
- Add liquids and potatoes: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then add the diced potato. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add remaining vegetables and chicken: Stir in the corn, peas, green beans, and shredded chicken. Continue cooking for 5-10 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Season and serve: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your comforting chicken vegetable soup.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred your own chicken breast or thighs.
- Adjust the types and quantities of vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
- For thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer longer to concentrate flavors.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with Italian seasoning.
