Chicken Vegetable Soup for Cozy Winter Nights

When the winter chill sets in, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken Vegetable Soup to bring the family together. I remember one snowy evening when my son, Jake, declared this soup his favorite meal ever. Itโ€™s hearty, comforting, and packed with veggies, making it the perfect winter soup recipe.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It

  • It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make.
  • You can customize it with your favorite vegetables.
  • It’s perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Pure Comfort

This Chicken Vegetable Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Each spoonful is filled with tender chicken and vibrant veggies, making it a delightful way to warm up on a cold night.

What You Need

  • 1 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautรฉing
  • 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness
  • 2 2 large carrots, sliced – for color and sweetness
  • 2 2 stalks celery, diced – adds crunch
  • 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – for flavor
  • 8 8 cups chicken broth – or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 2 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – use rotisserie chicken for convenience
  • 1 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut – fresh or frozen
  • 1 1 cup corn, frozen – adds sweetness
  • 1 1 teaspoon dried thyme – for earthy flavor
  • 1 1 teaspoon salt – to taste
  • 1/2 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick
  • 2 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it stores well for up to 3 days.

Steps to Make It

  1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sautรฉ until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
  2. Next, stir in the sliced carrots and diced celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften slightly. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is fragrant and just starting to brown.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. As it heats, the colors will brighten, and the flavors will start to meld beautifully.
  5. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken, green beans, corn, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The soup should be bubbling gently, and the veggies will be tender.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want more flavor, a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick.
  7. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. The vibrant colors will make your mouth water!

Make It Perfect

  • For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
  • Feel free to swap in any veggies you have on hand, like zucchini or spinach.
  • If you want to make it heartier, add some cooked pasta or rice.

Mix It Up

  • Try using turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor.
  • Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeรฑos or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
  • Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy with a side of grilled cheese for a cozy combo.

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FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat.

What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use turkey or omit the meat for a vegetarian option.

How can I make this soup thicker?

You can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a thicker texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken Vegetable Soup is a must-try for cozy winter nights. It's not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl. So grab your ingredients and make this delicious soup recipe for your family tonight!

bowl of chicken vegetable soup with vegetables and parsley garnish

Chicken Vegetable Soup for Cozy Winter Nights

A hearty chicken vegetable soup featuring tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory broth. This one-pot meal is easy to make, customizable with various vegetables, and perfect for warming up on cold nights or meal prepping for leftovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautรฉing
  • 1 large yellow onion diced, adds sweetness
  • 2 large carrots sliced, for color and sweetness
  • 2 stalks celery diced, adds crunch
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, for flavor
  • 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded, use rotisserie chicken for convenience
  • 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup corn frozen, adds sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme for earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for a little kick
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion and sautรฉ until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in sliced carrots and diced celery and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Add shredded chicken, green beans, corn, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until veggies are tender.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Keyword Chicken, Comfort Food, Meal Prep, one-pot, vegetable soup, winter