Chicken and Veggie Soup Recipe for Healthy Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something wholesome and comforting, nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken and veggie soup. This classic dish is a perfect harmony of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered together to create a flavorful, nourishing meal.

Whether you’re recovering from a cold, meal prepping for the week, or simply want a delicious way to enjoy your veggies, this soup recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to suit your taste or pantry staples.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple yet satisfying chicken and veggie soup recipe that anyone can master. From ingredient lists to handy tips and serving ideas, you’ll learn how to make this soup your new go-to comfort food.

Plus, I’ll share some tasty variations to keep things exciting whenever you want to switch it up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and veggie soup is a versatile dish that’s both hearty and healthy. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and essential vitamins from a rainbow of vegetables.

This recipe is designed to be straightforward, using common ingredients, and it comes together in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

The broth is rich and flavorful without being greasy or heavy, making it ideal for those looking to eat clean or lose weight. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it over time.

If you love soups that soothe the soul and nourish the body, this recipe is definitely for you.

Also, if you’re interested in exploring more wholesome meals, check out these great recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try something with grains in Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, then add dried thyme, oregano, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to tenderize.
6. Add the zucchini, green beans, and cooked chicken to the pot. Continue simmering for another 10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker soup, you can add a peeled, diced potato or some cooked barley during step 4.

Swap the chicken for turkey or tofu if you prefer a different protein source.

Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas depending on what you have on hand.

To deepen the flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables in a bit of butter along with olive oil, or adding a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes or try using a homemade Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and veggie soup is fantastic on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.

A light green salad or steamed rice also complements the soup well.

For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted root vegetables or a simple quinoa salad. If you want to keep things light, pair the soup with a fresh fruit platter or a crisp cucumber salad.

This soup reheats beautifully, making it a perfect lunch option for busy days.

Conclusion

Chicken and veggie soup is a timeless, nourishing dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking to boost your veggie intake, enjoy a lean protein meal, or simply crave a bowl of soothing goodness, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

By using fresh vegetables and herbs, you create a broth that’s flavorful yet light, providing a healthy way to satisfy your hunger. Don’t hesitate to get creative with this base recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices.

And if you’re interested in more wholesome and delicious recipes, be sure to explore the Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for inspiration that keeps your meals exciting and nutritious.

Enjoy your cooking, and here’s to many cozy, delicious bowls of chicken and veggie soup in your future!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chicken and Veggie Soup”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and healthy chicken and vegetable soup perfect for any season. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “3 carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, sliced”, “1 medium zucchini, diced”, “1 cup green beans, chopped”, “6 cups chicken broth”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon dried parsley”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic, saut\u00e9 until fragrant and translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in chicken broth and add thyme and parsley.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}