Hearty Chicken & Vegetable Soup For Cold Winter Nights

I’ll never forget the first time I made Chicken Vegetable Soup. I was excited to try something new and I was eager to make a delicious soup that I could share with my family. After simmering the ingredients together, the smell of the savory broth filled my kitchen and I knew I had created something special. I was so proud to serve up this delicious and nutritious soup to my family and I’m sure you will be too!

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened and golden.
• Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Stir in the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken cubes.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Add the potatoes and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
• Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the Chicken Vegetable Soup warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 170
• Total fat: 5 g
• Saturated fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Total carbohydrates: 19 g
• Dietary fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g

What ingredients are needed to make chicken vegetable soup?

Making chicken vegetable soup is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a warm, hearty meal. To make this comforting dish, you will need a few basic ingredients: chicken, vegetables, broth, and spices.

For the chicken, you can use either cooked or uncooked chicken breast. If using uncooked, you will need to cook it first before adding it to the soup. Chicken thighs work well too, but keep in mind that they will take longer to cook than chicken breasts.

The vegetables you can use are up to you. Common vegetables used in chicken vegetable soup include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. If desired, you can even add in spinach, kale, or other leafy greens.

The broth you choose depends on the flavor you want in your soup. Chicken broth is the most common choice, but vegetable broth is a great option as well. You can also use a combination of the two.

In terms of spices, the options are endless. Garlic, celery seed, paprika, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are all excellent choices. You can also add in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Once you have all these ingredients, you are ready to make your chicken vegetable soup.

What are the health benefits of eating chicken vegetable soup?

Eating chicken vegetable soup can provide numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways it can improve your health:

• Rich in Nutrients: Chicken vegetable soup is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It contains vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes healthy and strengthens your immune system. It also contains vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron and helps build collagen. Other essential nutrients include potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
• Improves Digestive Health: The vegetable ingredients in chicken vegetable soup can help improve your digestive health. The fiber found in the vegetables can help keep your digestive system running smoothly, and reduce symptoms of constipation, bloating, and cramping.
• Low in Calories: Chicken vegetable soup is low in calories, making it a great option for people looking to lose weight. It is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
• Good Source of Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which helps build and repair muscles. Eating chicken vegetable soup can help you reach your daily protein needs without consuming too many calories.
• Improves Immune System: The high levels of vitamins and minerals found in chicken vegetable soup can help improve your immune system. Eating this soup can help your body fight off colds, flu, and other illnesses.

Overall, eating chicken vegetable soup can provide numerous health benefits that can help keep you healthy and strong.

What are some common garnishes to top off chicken vegetable soup?

There are many different garnishes that can be used to top off a bowl of chicken vegetable soup. Some of the most popular garnishes include grated cheese, croutons, diced tomatoes, and freshly chopped herbs. Other garnishes that work well with chicken vegetable soup include chopped scallions, crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Grated cheese is a delicious way to add flavor and texture to chicken vegetable soup. The type of cheese used can vary depending on the flavor and desired result. A mild cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella is a great option, while a more flavorful cheese such as Parmesan or blue cheese can also add an interesting twist to the soup.

Croutons are another great garnish to top off a bowl of chicken vegetable soup. They can be store-bought or homemade and provide a nice crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy soup. For extra flavor, the croutons can be seasoned with garlic, herbs, or spices.

Diced tomatoes are a great way to add a pop of color and flavor to chicken vegetable soup. For a mild flavor, use canned diced tomatoes, or for a more intense flavor, use fresh tomatoes. If using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain off the excess liquid before adding to the soup.

Fresh herbs are a great way to add flavor and aroma to chicken vegetable soup. Popular herbs to use include parsley, thyme, oregano, and basil. Chopped scallions, crispy bacon bits, and sour cream can also be added as garnishes to give the soup a more robust flavor.

These are just a few of the garnishes that can be used to top off a bowl of chicken vegetable soup. With a little creativity, you can create endless combinations of flavors and textures to make your soup unique.

What is the best way to store chicken vegetable soup?

The best way to store chicken vegetable soup is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep it fresh and safe to eat for several days. To maximize the shelf-life of the soup, it should be cooled completely before being refrigerated and consumed within a few days of being stored.

When storing chicken vegetable soup, it is important to use an airtight container. This will help to keep the soup from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator and prevent it from spoiling. Additionally, the container should be large enough to hold the entire amount of soup without having to split it into two or more containers.

To keep the soup fresh for as long as possible, it should be cooled completely before being refrigerated. This can be done by transferring the soup to a shallow container and placing it in the refrigerator. Additionally, if the soup is too hot when placed in the refrigerator it can cause it to spoil more quickly.

For optimal food safety, chicken vegetable soup should be consumed within a few days of being stored. This will help to ensure that the soup is still safe to eat. Additionally, it is important to check the soup for signs of spoilage before consuming it. If it has an unusual smell or color, it should be discarded.

By following these simple tips, chicken vegetable soup can be safely stored and enjoyed for several days. It is important to use an airtight container, cool the soup completely before refrigerating it, and consume it within a few days of being stored. Doing so will help to ensure that the soup is still safe to eat and of the highest quality.

What are some creative recipes to make chicken vegetable soup?

Chicken vegetable soup is one of the most versatile and delicious soups out there. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a variety of flavorful and creative recipes. Here are some ideas for making a hearty and flavorful chicken vegetable soup:

• Roasted tomato and chicken vegetable soup: Start off by roasting a few tomatoes in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Once the tomatoes are roasted, add them to a pot with cooked chicken, diced vegetables, and low-sodium broth. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the soup is full of flavor.
• Curry chicken vegetable soup: Start off by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot before adding chicken, diced vegetables, and low-sodium broth. For an extra flavor kick, add your favorite curry powder. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the soup is full of flavor.
• Thai-style chicken vegetable soup: Start off by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot before adding chicken, diced vegetables, and low-sodium broth. For an extra flavor kick, add your favorite Thai-style seasoning mix. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the soup is full of flavor.
• Hearty lentil chicken vegetable soup: Start off by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot before adding cooked chicken, diced vegetables, and low-sodium broth. Add in lentils, which will add a hearty texture and rich flavor to the soup. Simmer until the vegetables and lentils are tender and the soup is full of flavor.

These are just a few ideas for making a delicious and unique chicken vegetable soup. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a variety of tasty recipes that everyone will love.

How can chicken vegetable soup be a balanced meal?

Chicken vegetable soup can be a balanced meal by incorporating a variety of ingredients that provide a variety of nutrients. Protein-rich chicken and plenty of vegetables offer a range of vitamins and minerals, while hearty grains like barley, quinoa, or wild rice provide complex carbohydrates. Additionally, healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, or nuts can be added to the soup to provide healthy fats, while herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and parsley can be used to further enhance the flavor.

For a balanced meal, it is important to ensure that all essential nutrients are included. Protein-rich chicken is a good source of essential amino acids, and it can be added to the soup in a variety of ways. If a lighter soup is desired, chicken breast can be cooked and diced or shredded into small pieces. Alternatively, for a more substantial soup, chicken thighs or even a whole chicken can be cooked and the meat can be pulled off the bone.

Vegetables are an essential part of any balanced meal, and they can be used to create a flavorful and nutritious soup. Carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and garlic are all common vegetables that can be used in chicken vegetable soup. For added flavor and nutritional value, other vegetables such as mushrooms, kale, spinach, and bell peppers can be incorporated as well.

In addition to vegetables, grains such as barley, quinoa, and wild rice can be added to the soup to provide complex carbohydrates. These grains can be cooked separately and added to the soup, or they can be cooked in the broth to add a nutty flavor.

To add healthy fats to the soup, olive oil, avocado, or nuts can be added. Olive oil can be drizzled into the soup for added flavor, while diced avocado or nuts can be added for a creamy texture.

Finally, herbs and spices such as turmeric, cumin, and parsley can be used to further enhance the flavor of the soup. These herbs and spices can be added to the broth while it is simmering, or they can be stirred in at the end of the cooking process.

By incorporating a variety of ingredients, including protein-rich chicken, plenty of vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and herbs and spices, chicken vegetable soup can be a balanced meal that is both nutritious and delicious.