Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

There’s something universally soothing about a bowl of Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe, but in the United States 🇺🇸, it holds a special place as a symbol of home, warmth, and care.

Often served during cold winters or when someone’s feeling under the weather, this soup represents the heart of American comfort cooking.

Particularly popular in the Midwest and New England regions—where winters are long and hearty meals are cherished—it reflects the nation’s tradition of wholesome, nourishing, family-style dishes that bring people together around the table.

Ingredients

Here is everything you will need to create this nourishing and delicious soup.

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken, which is key to building a flavorful base.
• 1 ¼ lbs. chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my preference because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts also work well.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and the soup. Always taste and adjust as you go.
• 2 tablespoons butter: This adds a touch of richness and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup’s flavor.
• ¾ cup carrots, diced: For a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 ribs celery, diced: Adds a fresh, aromatic quality to the soup base, a classic for a reason.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Use fresh garlic for the best, most fragrant result.
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce: This is a flavor enhancer, not for spice! It adds a subtle tang that brightens the broth.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Another secret weapon that adds a deep, savory, umami flavor.
• 7 cups chicken broth: Use a good quality broth, as it’s the heart of the soup. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level.
• 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables: A mix of corn and green beans is convenient and adds great texture and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For a touch of herby freshness.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: Complements the other Italian-style herbs.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, robust flavor.
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder: This is another secret ingredient that provides a subtle tang and complexity.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: For a final touch of gentle spice.

Note: serves 9

Variations

This soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own with these simple tweaks.

• Add Grains or Pasta: Make it even heartier by adding cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta like orzo or ditalini. For best results, cook them separately and add to individual bowls before serving to prevent them from soaking up all the broth.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, or add a finely diced jalapeño with the onions and carrots.
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a half-cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the very end of the cooking process. Let it warm through, but don’t let it boil.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: A 4.5-quart pot is perfect for simmering all the ingredients together without crowding.
• Cutting Board: A dedicated space for dicing your vegetables and preparing the chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Makes chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic quick and easy.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for scraping the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot after searing the chicken.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Essential for getting the seasoning and broth ratios just right for a perfectly balanced soup.

How to Make Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe?

Making this soup is a simple and rewarding process. By building layers of flavor right in the pot, you end up with a broth that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. From searing the chicken to simmering the vegetables, each step contributes to the delicious final product.

Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until a nice golden-brown crust forms. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point. Remove it from the pot and set it aside to rest.

Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pot. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up all the browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom—this is where so much flavor is hiding. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften. Add the minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and all the dried seasonings, stirring for about a minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. While the broth is heating, dice or shred the rested chicken. Add the chicken back into the pot, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Add Vegetables and Finish

Finally, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Cover the pot partially and let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Give the soup a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed before serving.

🇺🇸 Exploring the Heart of America Through Chicken Vegetable Soup

When traveling across the United States, one dish that truly captures the nation’s comforting spirit is Chicken Vegetable Soup. This hearty classic is especially beloved in the Midwest and New England regions, where chilly winters call for warm, nourishing meals. Rooted in American home cooking, it reflects a culture built on simplicity, family, and care. Every bowl tells a story of cozy kitchens, local farms, and the timeless joy of sharing food around the table.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve discovered a few extra things that take it to the next level.

• I always add a parmesan cheese rind to the broth while it simmers. It dissolves as it cooks, adding an incredible savory, nutty depth to the soup. Just remember to fish out any remaining bits before serving.
• Using bone-in chicken thighs can make the broth even richer. I just sear them, let them simmer in the soup until cooked, and then remove the meat from the bone before shredding and returning it to the pot.
• For an extra boost of green, I stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They wilt down perfectly and add more nutrients.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in right at the end really brightens up all the flavors. I find it adds a fresh zest that perfectly complements the savory broth.

How to Serve chicken vegetable soup recipe?

If you ever travel through the American countryside especially during the cozy autumn and winter months—you’ll likely find this soup served in small-town diners or family kitchens, often with freshly baked bread on the side.

Locals love to enjoy it by the fireplace, paired with warm cornbread or a simple grilled cheese.

The rustic, homestyle flavor captures the comforting essence of America’s farm-to-table roots, offering a delicious glimpse into its culinary soul.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per cup of soup.

• Calories: 214 kcal
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 14g

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is perfect for making ahead of time, and the flavors only get better the next day.

Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

You can easily reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger batch in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat until it’s heated through.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well. I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store it for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic way to have a healthy, homemade meal ready to go on busy days. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are just a few of the many reasons this chicken vegetable soup will become a staple in your kitchen.

• Healthy and Nourishing: It’s packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables, making it a wholesome meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
• Incredibly Flavorful: Searing the chicken and using a unique blend of seasonings creates a deeply savory broth that tastes like it has been simmering all day long, even though it comes together in under an hour.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch and is ideal for freezing. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks when you need a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
• Completely Customizable: You can easily adapt this soup to what you have on hand. Add different vegetables, toss in some leftover rice or pasta, or make it creamy—it’s a forgiving recipe that’s easy to make your own.