Chicken Vegetable Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of Chicken Vegetable Soup, its inviting aroma filling the air with comfort and warmth.

This delightful dish isn’t only a breeze to prepare but also embodies the essence of cozy home-cooked meals.

As the hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs meld together, they create a symphony of flavors that transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

Let’s bring this dish to life and savor its comforting embrace.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing Chicken Vegetable Soup, it’s important to follow a timeline that incorporates both prep and cook times, along with some extra time for reading the recipe before starting. Here’s a suggested timeline:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

1. 0 – 5 minutes: Read through the recipe and gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.

2. 5 – 10 minutes: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots and celery.

3. 10 – 15 minutes: Cube the chicken breast and prepare the green beans by trimming and halving them.

4. 15 – 20 minutes: Measure out the chicken broth, corn kernels, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Wash and prepare the spinach leaves.

Cook Time: 45 minutes

5. 20 – 25 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until onions are translucent.

6. 25 – 30 minutes: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until slightly softened.

7. 30 – 35 minutes: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

8. 35 – 40 minutes: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

9. 40 – 45 minutes: Reduce heat to a simmer and add green beans, corn, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10. 45 – 65 minutes: Continue simmering the soup, stirring occasionally.

Additional Cooking Steps

11. 65 – 70 minutes: Stir in spinach leaves and lemon juice, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

12. 70 – 75 minutes: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Resting Time: 10 minutes

13. 75 – 85 minutes: Allow the soup to rest, enhancing its flavors before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until onions are translucent.

Stir in sliced carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Add cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer and add green beans, corn, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Let the soup simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in spinach leaves and lemon juice, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: Pair with a light mixed greens salad for a revitalizing contrast.
• Rice or Quinoa: Add a scoop of rice or quinoa to each bowl for a heartier meal.
• Crackers: Offer a side of crackers for a crunchy texture.
• Cheese Toast: Top slices of bread with cheese and broil until bubbly for a comforting accompaniment.

Storage

To store Chicken Vegetable Soup, let it cool completely.

Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Freezing

For freezing Chicken Vegetable Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Label with the date. Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken Vegetable Soup, transfer it to a pot and warm over medium heat until hot.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes.

Stir halfway.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or seeking something light yet satisfying, this soup fits the bill.

Packed with a variety of vegetables and tender chicken, it’s not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more nutrients into your diet.

Consider making a large batch and freezing portions for future meals.

This way, you’ll always have a hearty and healthy option ready to go.

Enjoy experimenting with different herbs and spices to create your own signature version of this classic soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh Ones?

You can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones. Add them directly to the pot without thawing. Adjust cooking time slightly to guarantee they’re heated through. They’ll save prep time and still deliver great flavor and nutrition.

Is This Recipe Suitable for a Slow Cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery first. Then, transfer to the slow cooker, add remaining ingredients except spinach and lemon juice, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and replace chicken breast with chickpeas or tofu. Add robust flavors like smoked paprika or cumin. Make certain the vegetables are evenly sliced for even cooking, and garnish with fresh herbs.

What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It maintains flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian. Enhance it with herbs like rosemary or sage for depth. Make certain your broth is clear to keep presentation appealing and appetizing.

Are There Any Gluten-Free Modifications Needed?

You don’t need many modifications. Make certain the broth is gluten-free, check spices for hidden gluten, and avoid wheat-based thickeners. Focus on fresh ingredients and precise cuts for a professional presentation. Enjoy your gluten-free soup!