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Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe: Hearty and Nutritious Meal

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe: Hearty and Nutritious Meal

Description

Welcome to a delicious journey that brings warmth and nutrition to your table! This Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe is not only packed with lean protein from tender chicken breasts but also brimming with fresh, colorful vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a healthy, hearty meal for the whole family, this soup is easy to make and filled with nourishing goodness.

Whether you’re a fan of classic chicken recipes or searching for a hearty vegetable soup recipe, this dish will be your new go-to. Let’s dive into the details and see why this soup is a must-try for every home cook!

Ingredients

Scale

 

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more for seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion (½-inch dice)
  • 1 cup sliced celery (¼-inch thick slices)
  • 1 cup sliced carrots (¼-inch thick slices)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned with juice)
  • 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes (½-inch cubes)
  • 64 ounces unsalted chicken stock or broth (8 cups)
  • 1 cup sliced zucchini (¼-inch thick slices)
  • 1 cup sliced green beans (½-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup sliced brown mushrooms (½-inch thick slices)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional substitutions:

  • For a low-carb option, substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets.
  • If you’re gluten-free, ensure that the chicken stock is labeled gluten-free.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatics

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, sliced celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are lightly browned. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Add the tomato paste to the pot, stir, and cook for 1 minute. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), potatoes, chicken, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

After the chicken has cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160 to 165ºF), remove it from the pot. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

Add the zucchini, green beans, mushrooms, and corn to the soup. Simmer for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and the potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy this hearty and healthy meal with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Equipment

Notes

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen or canned can work in a pinch.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Zucchini and green beans cook quickly, so make sure they’re added later in the cooking process to maintain a slight crunch.
  3. Make It Spicy: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
  4. Boost the Flavor: Add a parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers for a rich, umami depth.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/chicken-vegetable-soup-recipe-hearty-and-nutritious-meal/