Imagine a steaming bowl of chicken cabbage soup, where the inviting aroma of garlic and thyme fills the room.
This simple yet hearty dish brings warmth and comfort, perfect for any day when you crave something nourishing.
As the chicken, vegetables, and spices simmer together, they transform into a rich, flavorful soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Let’s bring this cozy recipe to life and savor its delightful simplicity.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Cabbage Soup, follow this timeline:
- Preparation and Reading (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Chop the onion and garlic.
- Slice the carrots and celery.
- Cube the chicken breast.
- Shred the cabbage.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- Start Cooking (0 minutes)
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté Aromatics (3 minutes)
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables (5 minutes)
- Stir in sliced carrots and celery; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken (5 minutes)
- Add cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Simmer Soup (30 minutes)
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded cabbage, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
- Final Adjustments (2 minutes)
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Let the soup rest before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the shredded cabbage, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasonings to taste.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair with a warm, crusty loaf to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced and invigorating meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: Add a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa to the bowl for a heartier serving.
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory touch.
- Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over the soup for added brightness.
Storage
To store Chicken Cabbage Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze chicken cabbage soup, cool it completely.
Then portion into airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date and store for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat Chicken Cabbage Soup, heat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.
Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally. This will help maintain even heating and prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cabbage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the warmth of chicken broth with the freshness of vegetables.
It’s an ideal meal for any season, offering both nutrition and flavor.
Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, and feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs.
Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this classic American soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cabbage?
You can use a different type of cabbage like Savoy or Napa. They’ll bring unique textures and flavors to your dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as these varieties might cook faster than regular cabbage.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
Add heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions. You can also include a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the soup’s spiciness effectively.
Is This Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes, you’re in luck! The soup is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your chicken broth doesn’t contain any hidden gluten sources. Always double-check labels for ingredients like wheat or barley if you’re concerned. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute Chicken With Another Protein?
You can substitute chicken with tofu or turkey for a different protein. Opt for firm tofu, cubed, or ground turkey. Both adapt well to the flavor profile, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious alternative without compromising taste.
What Can I Add for Extra Nutrition?
You can enhance nutrition by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, which boost vitamins and minerals. Consider quinoa for added protein and fiber. Toss in beans for added protein, iron, and a heartier texture.

Chicken Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 stalk celery sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast cubed
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 head cabbage shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the shredded cabbage, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.