Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal perfect for any season. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients. The tender chicken breast, paired with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and onions, creates a delicious and filling dish. A flavorful broth made with chicken stock and seasoned with dried thyme adds depth to the soup. The combination of the savory broth and the bright, fresh vegetables makes this soup both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch, this chicken and vegetable soup is sure to warm you up and keep you feeling full and content.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a great option for those looking to enjoy a nourishing, low-maintenance meal. The soup is loaded with lean protein from the chicken and a variety of vegetables that provide essential vitamins and fiber. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a balanced, wholesome dish. The flavors blend together perfectly, making each spoonful satisfying. The soup is quick and easy to make, with minimal prep time, and it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. It’s also a great meal prep option that stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers for days. Whether you need a warming meal on a chilly day or a light and healthy dinner, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

Chicken breast (diced)
Onion (chopped)
Carrots (sliced)
Celery stalks (chopped)
Zucchini (diced)
Diced tomatoes (canned)
Chicken broth
Dried thyme
Salt and pepper

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to spice up the soup.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even more convenience, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw diced chicken for a quicker prep time.
Use Bone Broth: For a richer flavor and more nutrients, you can substitute chicken broth with bone broth.
Add Pasta or Rice: For a heartier soup, add some small pasta (like orzo) or cooked rice in the last few minutes of cooking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the diced chicken breast until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add Zucchini and Tomatoes

Stir in the diced zucchini and canned diced tomatoes, followed by the chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup with a side of crusty bread for the perfect meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, try to use fresh vegetables whenever possible.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: The vegetables should remain tender but still hold their shape, so be careful not to overcook them.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add extra thyme or garlic powder for more flavor.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: To control the sodium levels, use a low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth at home.
Let the Soup Rest: Let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve

Serve this Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup with warm, crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad. It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This soup makes a wonderful meal on its own but can also be served as part of a larger spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the soup over medium heat on the stovetop until it’s heated through. If the soup has thickened after storage, you can add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and dice the thighs before cooking.

2. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add potatoes, corn, green beans, or peas to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

5. How can I make this soup spicy?

To add heat, stir in some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the vegetables.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be sure to add them toward the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.

7. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

8. How do I thicken the soup?

If you’d like a thicker soup, you can purée a portion of the soup in a blender and then return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it.

9. Can I add noodles or pasta to this soup?

Yes, you can add small pasta like elbow macaroni, orzo, or egg noodles. Just add the pasta in the last 10-12 minutes of cooking.

10. Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and a flavorful broth for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it hot with your favorite sides and share it with friends and family for a meal that brings everyone together.