Overnight

Chicken And Vegetable Soup

Name: Chicken And Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups chicken broth

By Felix Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Overnight

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made chicken and vegetable soup from scratch. It was a chilly winter Sunday, and I was determined to create a meal that would warm my family's hearts and bellies. As I chopped the vegetables and simmered the broth, the aroma filled our home, and we all couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, and the soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Whether you're a busy parent or a college student, this recipe is a great way to have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go.

As a home cook, I've learned that the key to a great chicken and vegetable soup is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to develop the flavors. This recipe uses a combination of chicken thighs, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs to create a rich and satisfying broth.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep session. You can make a big batch of the soup and refrigerate or freeze it for later, making it easy to have a healthy and delicious meal on hand.

In this recipe, we'll walk through the steps to make a delicious and easy chicken and vegetable soup from scratch. From prep to finish, we'll cover the techniques and tips you need to know to create a truly special meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The soup is perfect for meal prep and can be refrigerated or frozen for later.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
The soup is a healthy and nutritious option for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
The soup is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The reason this recipe works so well is that it uses a combination of techniques to develop the flavors and textures of the soup. First, we sauté the aromatic vegetables in a bit of oil to bring out their natural sweetness. Then, we add the chicken and cook until it's browned, which creates a rich and savory flavor.

Next, we add the broth and herbs, and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and deepen, creating a truly delicious and satisfying soup.

Another key element of this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. We use fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and lean protein to create a healthy and flavorful soup. By taking the time to choose the best ingredients, we can create a meal that's not only delicious but also nutritious.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. After the soup has finished cooking, we let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the soup to cool slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great chicken and vegetable soup, the ingredients are key. We'll be using a combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and lean protein to create a healthy and flavorful soup. Be sure to choose the best ingredients you can find, as this will make a big difference in the final product.

As you shop for the ingredients, keep an eye out for fresh and seasonal produce. This will not only ensure that your soup tastes great, but it will also help to support local farmers and reduce your environmental impact.

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessBoneless chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe, as they cook quickly and evenly. Look for thighs that are fresh and have a good texture.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a great choice for sautéing the vegetables, as it has a high smoke point and a rich flavor. Look for a high-quality oil that is fresh and has a good aroma.
1 onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the soup, and they're a great source of fiber and nutrients. Look for onions that are fresh and have a good texture.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in many soups, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to this recipe. Look for garlic that is fresh and has a good aroma.
2 carrots, choppedCarrots add a sweet and crunchy texture to the soup, and they're a great source of fiber and nutrients. Look for carrots that are fresh and have a good texture.
2 celery stalks, choppedCelery adds a fresh and savory flavor to the soup, and it's a great source of fiber and nutrients. Look for celery that is fresh and has a good texture.
1 teaspoon dried thymeThyme is a key herb in many soups, and it adds a rich and savory flavor to this recipe. Look for thyme that is fresh and has a good aroma.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is a key seasoning in many soups, and it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Look for salt that is fresh and has a good texture.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper is a key seasoning in many soups, and it adds a sharp and savory flavor to this recipe. Look for pepper that is fresh and has a good aroma.
4 cups chicken brothChicken broth is a key ingredient in this recipe, and it helps to create a rich and savory flavor. Look for broth that is low-sodium and has a good texture.

Ingredients for Chicken And Vegetable Soup

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Chicken And Vegetable Soup

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes, until they're tender.
5
Add the chicken thighs and cook until they're browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
8
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 F (74 C).
9
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes, until it's cooled slightly.
10
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to create a rich and flavorful soup.
Take the time to develop the flavors of the soup by sautéing the vegetables and cooking the chicken.
Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to settle and the soup to cool slightly.
Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Make a big batch of the soup and refrigerate or freeze it for later, for a quick and easy meal.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad, for a filling and satisfying meal.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced potatoes or sliced mushrooms, to create a heartier and more filling soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unappetizing soup.
Not taking the time to develop the flavors of the soup, which can result in a flat and uninteresting flavor profile.
Overcooking the chicken, which can result in dry and tough meat.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can result in a soup that's too hot and unappetizing.
Not using enough seasoning, which can result in a soup that's bland and unappetizing.
Not experimenting with different ingredients and flavor profiles, which can result in a soup that's boring and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced potatoes or sliced mushrooms to create a heartier and more filling soup.
Use different herbs and spices, such as paprika or cumin, to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Add a can of diced tomatoes or a handful of frozen vegetables to create a more substantial and filling soup.
Use chicken breast or thighs, or a combination of both, to create a soup that's tailored to your tastes and preferences.
Make a vegetarian or vegan version of the soup by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk to create a rich and creamy soup.
Use different types of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, to create a soup that's tailored to your tastes and preferences.

What to Serve With Chicken And Vegetable Soup

This soup is perfect for serving with a side of crusty bread or a green salad, for a filling and satisfying meal. You could also serve it with a side of crackers or croutons, for a fun and easy snack.

Consider serving the soup at a dinner party or special occasion, as it's sure to be a hit with your guests. You could also make a big batch of the soup and refrigerate or freeze it for later, for a quick and easy meal.

Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green saladOffer the soup as a main course, with a side of crackers or croutonsUse the soup as a base for a hearty and filling stewServe the soup at a dinner party or special occasionMake a big batch of the soup and refrigerate or freeze it for later

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. To refrigerate the soup, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

To freeze the soup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to serve the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

It's also a good idea to label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored. And be sure to reheat the soup to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) before serving, to ensure food safety.

One of the best things about this soup is that it freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply make a big batch of the soup, portion it out into individual containers, and freeze it for later. Then, when you're ready for a quick and easy meal, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe, as they cook quickly and evenly. You can also use chicken breast or a combination of both, depending on your preferences.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Simply thaw the vegetables according to the package instructions, then add them to the soup as directed.

How long can I store the soup in the refrigerator?

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Can I make the soup ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Simply make the soup as directed, then let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the soup to an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it in the refrigerator or freezer as desired.

What's the best way to reheat the soup?

The best way to reheat the soup is to thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also reheat the soup directly from the freezer, by placing it in the microwave or on the stovetop and heating it until it's hot and steaming.

Can I customize the soup with different ingredients and flavor profiles?

Yes, you can customize the soup with different ingredients and flavor profiles. Consider adding diced potatoes or sliced mushrooms, or using different herbs and spices to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Is the soup suitable for a special diet, such as gluten-free or vegan?

The soup can be adapted to suit a special diet, such as gluten-free or vegan. Simply substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also omit the cream or coconut milk, or substitute it with a non-dairy alternative.

Can I make the soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make the soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

The Full Recipe

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