There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken and vegetable soup. It’s like a warm hug for your insides. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, looking for something light yet satisfying, or simply craving a meal that fills you with nostalgia, this soup delivers every time. The beauty of homemade soup lies in how you can tweak it to your liking, using fresh, wholesome ingredients, and preparing it with love.
This recipe is all about nourishing your body with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that work together harmoniously, creating a meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a crusty piece of bread. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry!
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, ingredient details, and a few expert tips to ensure that your soup turns out perfect every time. So, let’s get started on this delightful journey into the world of homemade chicken and vegetable soup!
Homemade Chicken And Vegetable Soup Recipe
This recipe makes a generous pot of soup, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for the week. It’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor that only gets better as it simmers.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this soup. If you prefer a richer flavor, thighs are your go-to option.
- Carrots: These add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Celery: A classic addition for depth of flavor and a nice crunch.
- Onions: Yellow onions add a savory base flavor to the broth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and adds a warm, savory bite.
- Potatoes: Any type of waxy potato works well, adding heartiness without disintegrating in the soup.
- Herbs and Spices: Thyme, bay leaves, parsley, salt, and black pepper are your go-to seasonings. You can adjust these to your taste, of course.
- Chicken Broth: Store-bought or homemade, it’s essential for a flavorful base. If you want a lighter soup, you can substitute with water.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken before simmering.
- Lemon Juice: A little fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor and balances out the richness of the broth.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Chicken
- Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes or strips, whichever you prefer.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the pot and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown on the outside (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until the garlic is aromatic but not burnt.
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Build The Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This will add extra flavor to the soup.
- Add the diced potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
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Combine Chicken And Soup
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional thyme, if necessary.
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Final Touches
- Before serving, stir in the fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. This will add a fresh, zesty kick to your soup.
- Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
The ingredients in this soup aren’t just random choices; each one plays a key role in bringing the dish together. Let’s break them down:
- Chicken: Chicken provides the heartiness and protein needed to make this soup a meal. It’s a lean source of protein and pairs well with the vegetables, absorbing the savory flavors from the broth.
- Carrots and Celery: These two vegetables create the classic “mirepoix” base for soups. Carrots bring natural sweetness, while celery offers an earthy, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the carrots. Together, they form the backbone of many soup recipes.
- Potatoes: They serve as a filler, making the soup feel more substantial. They also help thicken the broth as they break down slightly while cooking. Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds for the best texture in soups.
- Herbs: Thyme and bay leaves lend a fragrant aroma to the broth, while parsley adds brightness. You can’t go wrong with classic soup herbs-each one has a specific role in enhancing the overall flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice at the end helps cut through the richness of the soup, bringing a pop of acidity and freshness that rounds out the flavors.
Expert Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, consider using bone-in chicken pieces. The bones add more depth to the broth as it simmers. After cooking, just remove the bones before serving.
- Add Greens: For some extra nutrition and color, consider adding some spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking process. These greens wilt beautifully into the soup and complement the flavors well.
- Simmer for Longer: The longer you let your soup simmer (within reason), the more flavor it will develop. Aim for a good 30 minutes to an hour of simmering. If you have the time, let it simmer even longer. The ingredients will continue to meld, and the broth will get richer.
- Make it a Meal: If you want a heartier meal, you can add some pasta or rice to the soup. Just be sure to cook it separately and add it at the end so it doesn’t absorb too much broth.
Recipe Variations
This soup is incredibly versatile, and there are endless ways to put your own spin on it:
- Use Different Vegetables: You don’t have to stick to carrots, celery, and potatoes. Add parsnips, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or peas for different textures and flavors.
- Add Beans: To make the soup even heartier, add a can of white beans, like cannellini or great northern beans, for extra protein and fiber.
- Spicy Twist: If you like a bit of heat, throw in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some spice.
- Herb Variations: You can also try different herbs, like rosemary, oregano, or sage, for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add Cream: For a creamier version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This adds richness and transforms the soup into something more decadent.
Final Words
Homemade chicken and vegetable soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. From the moment you chop your vegetables and hear the sizzle of chicken browning in the pot, you know something comforting is in the works. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, yet the depth of flavor you get from simmering everything together is undeniable. Plus, the fact that you can make it your own with variations means you’ll never get bored of it.
Whether you’re using up leftover chicken or cooking from scratch, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser. The fresh ingredients, combined with a little patience and care, result in a delicious, soul-soothing bowl of goodness.