If you’ve been craving that perfect, cozy meal that warms you from the inside out, this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth into one soul-satisfying bowl that feels like a comforting hug on chilly days or anytime you need a nourishing lift. The balance of fresh aromas and subtle spices makes this soup not just wholesome, but truly unforgettable—a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to bring this soup to life. Each component plays a vital role, from enriching the broth to adding texture and color for that inviting look and feel.
- Olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): Perfect for searing the chicken and infusing a light, fruity aroma.
- Chicken (1 ¼ lbs.): The star protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness, especially when melting down the fond on the pot’s surface.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Builds a sweet and savory base that complements every vegetable.
- Carrots (¾ cup, diced): Bring a natural sweetness and great color contrast.
- Celery (2 ribs, diced): Adds a subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a warm, fragrant kick to the broth.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): A gentle layer of heat enhancing the complexity.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami and a touch of tanginess for balance.
- Chicken broth (7 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 ½ cups; corn and green beans): Provide texture and burst of color, plus a quick seasonal touch.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb that freshens every spoonful.
- Dried basil, oregano, mustard powder (½ teaspoon each): These classic herbs and spice deepen flavor layers for a well-rounded taste.
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just enough bite without overpowering.
How to Make Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices
Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a sturdy soup pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Give it about 3 minutes per side until it develops a golden crust. This step isn’t just about looks—searing locks in juices and layers of flavor that will later infuse the broth beautifully.
Step 2: Rest and Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. This pause lets the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy. Once rested, dice or shred the chicken however you prefer—it’s your soup, after all!
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base with Butter and Veggies
Reduce your heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pot. Use a silicone spatula to gently scrape and “clean” the pot’s bottom and sides. This technique takes advantage of the brown bits—the fond—left by the chicken sear, adding incredible depth to your soup. Once done, toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, letting them soften and release their natural sweetness over 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic, Sauces, and Seasonings
Now, stir in the minced garlic along with your hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce for a subtle tang and heat. Sprinkle in the dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder, and pepper. Mix everything well so the seasonings can infuse those softened veggies and start building the complex, inviting flavor profile.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth, turning up the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and return your chicken pieces and any juice collected on the plate back into the pot. Let everything simmer uncovered for 15 minutes—this simmering allows the flavors to meld and tenderizes the chicken further.
Step 6: Add Frozen Veggies and Finish Cooking
The final step: stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cover the pot partially. Let the soup simmer gently for another 10 to 15 minutes until the fresh veggies are heated through but still nicely textured. Then, it’s ready to serve up that heartwarming goodness!
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish elevates your soup experience instantly. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or a little shredded Parmesan cheese right before serving; it brightens the flavors and adds a tempting finish. A twist of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can also make the presentation pop and the taste even richer.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or some warm garlic bread, perfect for dipping. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup’s hearty character too, making it a complete, satisfying meal without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls—they soak up broth deliciously and bring festive comfort to your table. You can also ladle it over cooked rice or noodles for extra heartiness, transforming the soup into a main dish that’s sure to impress family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Before storing, let the soup cool to room temperature to prevent condensation affecting the texture.
Freezing
This Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Note that some vegetable textures may soften slightly upon thawing, but reheating will bring back much of the original comfort and warmth.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the chicken tender and vegetables intact. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, add it during the last 5 minutes of simmering to warm it through without overcooking. This shortcut saves time and still gives you all the cozy flavors.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Consider adding hearty beans or lentils to keep the soup filling while enjoying those vibrant veggies and spices.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Yes, fresh vegetables work wonderfully here. Adjust cooking time accordingly, adding firmer veggies a bit earlier than softer ones to achieve the best texture.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer a bit more flavor and tenderness, but breasts provide leaner meat. Choose whichever you prefer or have available.
How spicy is the soup with the hot sauce included?
The teaspoon of hot sauce adds just a subtle warmth rather than a strong heat. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is like inviting comfort and nourishment right into your kitchen. Its blend of wholesome ingredients and layered flavors creates a dish that’s both simple and spectacular. Whether you’re looking to warm up after a long day or searching for a healthy yet satisfying meal, this recipe hits every mark. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to share at your table again and again.
Print
Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9.9 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup featuring tender seared chicken, a medley of vegetables, and rich homemade broth infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of heat. Perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the year.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1¼ lbs. chicken (breast or thighs, see notes)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ¾ cup carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (corn and green beans)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for about 3 minutes until a golden crust forms. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the simmering soup.
- Rest and Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest for 10 minutes. Once cooled, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Create Flavor Base: Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to loosen and incorporate the browned bits (fond) left from searing the chicken, infusing the soup with rich flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, basil, oregano, mustard powder, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the diced chicken along with any juices collected during resting. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking the chicken.
- Add Frozen Vegetables and Final Simmer: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Partially cover the pot and continue simmering for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use either chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference; thighs add more richness while breasts keep the soup lean.
- For extra depth of flavor, use homemade or high-quality chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- If preferred, fresh mixed vegetables can be used in place of frozen, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
