This chicken and vegetable soup is hearty, healthy, and deeply comforting. A homemade chicken vegetable soup recipe packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for dinner, meal prep, or cold days.
Chicken & Vegetable Soup Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes40
minutes220
kcalIngredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
1 pound chicken breast or thighs
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant.
- Place the chicken directly into the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in the lemon juice if using, then let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Chicken thighs add more richness, breasts keep it lean
- Don’t overcook the vegetables or they’ll lose texture
- A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything
- This soup tastes even better the next day
Why Chicken and Vegetable Soup Always Feels Like Home
There’s a reason chicken and vegetable soup never goes out of style. It’s one of those meals that feels right no matter the season, but especially when the weather turns cold or you just need something steady and nourishing. This isn’t the kind of soup that tries to impress. It shows up quietly, does its job, and somehow makes everything feel a little better.
I’ve made some version of chicken vegetable soup more times than I can count. Sometimes it’s because someone in the house isn’t feeling well. Other times it’s because the fridge is full of vegetables that need using and I want dinner to be simple. A hearty chicken vegetable soup has a way of adapting to whatever you need it to be.
This homemade chicken vegetable soup is filling without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and healthy in a way that feels natural, not forced.
What Makes This a Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup
A healthy chicken vegetable soup starts with real ingredients. Nothing fancy, nothing processed beyond basic pantry staples. Lean chicken, fresh vegetables, a good broth, and time to let everything come together.
This soup doesn’t rely on cream or flour to feel satisfying. Instead, the richness comes from slow simmering and layering flavors. The vegetables soften just enough, the chicken stays tender, and the broth tastes like something you actually want to sip.
That’s why this works so well as a chicken vegetable soup for weight loss. It’s low calorie, high in protein, and full of fiber-rich vegetables that keep you full long after the bowl is empty.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Build the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and smell fragrant.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Stir in garlic, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until everything starts to come together.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the chicken, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Let the soup simmer another 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon juice if using. Serve hot with fresh parsley on top.
This method creates the best chicken and vegetable soup without overthinking it.
Why This Soup Works for Dinner and Meal Prep
Chicken and vegetable soup for dinner is one of those meals that doesn’t require sides unless you want them. It stands on its own, especially when you’re craving something warm and grounding.
It’s also perfect as chicken vegetable soup for meal prep. The flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully. I often make a big pot and portion it out for lunches during the week.
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For cold days, this chicken vegetable soup feels especially comforting. It warms you from the inside out without leaving you feeling sluggish.
Variations You Can Make Your Own
One of the best things about a chicken and vegetable soup recipe is how forgiving it is.
- Add potatoes or sweet potatoes if you want it heartier
- Swap zucchini for squash or spinach
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Make it low calorie by sticking to broth and vegetables
No matter how you adjust it, this soup stays reliable.
If you’re craving another cozy soup with bold flavor, my chicken tortilla soup is a great one to try next. It has that familiar, comforting taste everyone loves, with tender chicken and warm spices, but it’s lighter and easy enough for a weeknight. It’s a nice option when you want something a little different from classic chicken and vegetable soup, while still keeping dinner simple and satisfying.
FAQs About Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Is this healthy chicken and vegetable soup good for weight loss?
Yes. It’s low calorie, high in protein, and very filling.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, though fresh vegetables give the best texture.
Is this soup gluten free?
Yes, as written.
What makes this the best chicken and vegetable soup?
Simple ingredients, balanced seasoning, and enough simmer time to develop flavor.
Why This Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Belongs in Your Rotation
This is the kind of recipe that quietly earns its place in your kitchen. You make it once, then find yourself coming back to it whenever you want something dependable. A hearty chicken vegetable soup doesn’t need trends or shortcuts. It just needs good ingredients and a little care.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just trying to eat well without overcomplicating things, this chicken and vegetable soup fits. It’s warm, nourishing, and exactly what you want waiting on the stove at the end of the day.
