Name: Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup diced potatoes; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen); Fresh parsley

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If you’re looking for a soul-soothing bowl that feels like a warm hug in a spoon, this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender chunks of chicken mingling with fresh, colorful vegetables in a savory broth that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something cozy and homemade, this soup brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a timeless classic that feels like a hug from your kitchen. Let me walk you through how to bring this deliciousness to your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven white bowls and one clear bowl on a white marbled surface. The largest clear bowl on the right side holds brown broth with tiny bubbles. To the left of it, there is a clear bowl filled with shredded white chicken. Above that, there is a white bowl with bright orange carrot slices. Below the chicken, there is a white bowl full of yellow cubed potatoes. Next to the potatoes, a smaller white bowl contains chopped green celery. Finally, at the bottom right, two very small white bowls hold white salt crystals and black ground pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in building its rich flavor and comforting texture, yet all are simple staples you probably already have on hand. They come together beautifully to make this soup not just tasty but also visually inviting and wholesome.

Olive oil or butter: Provides a luscious base to sauté your vegetables and infuse the soup with richness.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the broth when softened.
Carrots: Bring a subtle earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery stalks: Offer a fresh, aromatic crunch that balances the other flavors.
Garlic: A small touch of pungent warmth that elevates the whole pot.
Chicken breasts or thighs: The hearty protein that makes this soup satisfying and filling.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Dried thyme and parsley: Classic herb duo that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation, adding richness and moisture.
Diced potatoes: Create a comforting texture and add heartiness.
Green beans: Add a slight snap and fresh green vibrancy.
Corn kernels: Sweet pops of sunshine flavor, especially nice when fresh or frozen.
Peas: Bring natural sweetness and a tender bite to balance the soup.
Fresh parsley (optional garnish): A bright, herbaceous finish that makes the presentation pop.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and release their delicious aroma. This step builds the flavor base and ensures your soup will have that irresistible warmth from the very first bite.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Chicken

Next, stir in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds – you want it fragrant but not burnt. Immediately add the diced chicken along with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and parsley. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to turn white but isn’t fully cooked through yet. This gives the chicken a nice sear and locks in moisture.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Potatoes

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and stir in the diced potatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow cooking helps the potatoes get tender and allows all those flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and homey soup base.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Vegetables

Now stir in the green beans, corn, and peas. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. This final step ensures that the fresh veggies retain their color and subtle crunch, making the soup as vibrant as it is comforting.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This little extra touch makes sure every spoonful is perfectly balanced and deliciously satisfying.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with layered chicken noodle soup. The bottom layer is a clear golden-yellow broth with small bits of green herbs floating throughout. On top of the broth are thin noodles that are pale beige and slightly soft in texture. Scattered across the noodles are shredded chicken pieces that are white with a slight brown tint. There are also small chunks of bright orange carrots and bits of fresh green parsley placed on top. A woman's hand holds a wooden spoon resting inside the bowl, stirring the soup gently. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a dark gray cloth with white dots nearby and sprigs of fresh green spinach and lemon slices in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top instantly brightens the presentation and adds a lovely herbal note. You might also consider a dash of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an unexpected zing that lifts the entire bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup is incredible on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or flaky dinner rolls takes the meal to the next level. A simple green salad with vinaigrette also complements the hearty soup nicely, adding a crisp freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a torn piece of artisan bread on the side, or ladle it over cooked grains like rice or quinoa for a twist. For a fun family meal, let everyone add their own toppings like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It’s a fantastic way to make the soup feel even more special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Keeping it chilled preserves the freshness of the veggies and maintains that satisfying chicken texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat until hot throughout, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage. Avoid reheating in the microwave to better preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and still makes your Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe delicious. Just add the chicken during the last few minutes of simmering to heat through without overcooking.

What can I substitute for potatoes?

If you want to swap out potatoes, sweet potatoes or butternut squash work wonderfully. They add a natural sweetness and similar heartiness while bringing a slightly different flavor profile to the soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! As written, the soup contains no gluten ingredients. Just be sure your chicken broth and any added sides are gluten-free to keep it safe if you’re sensitive or celiac.

Can I add pasta or rice?

Definitely! Adding pasta or rice makes the soup even more filling. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they’re perfectly tender but not mushy.

How can I make this soup more kid-friendly?

Kids usually love this soup with mild seasoning and familiar vegetables. You can finely chop the veggies or puree part of the soup for a smoother texture, and serve it with fun dippers like breadsticks or cheese crackers.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe enough for those days when you want something truly comforting and nourishing without fuss. It’s a classic that never goes out of style and fills your kitchen with comforting aromas while warming your soul. Give it a try soon, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals too!