Chicken Vegetable Soup

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced (optional)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or use vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a touch of brightness)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
   • Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
   • Add the green beans, peas, corn, and diced potatoes (if using). Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
5. Add Chicken:
   • Stir in the cooked chicken and let it warm through, about 5 minutes.
6. Season and Finish:
   • Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice (if using) for added flavor.
7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Vegetable Soup:

• Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs and shred or dice them. Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs also add a lot of flavor to the broth.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out or add any of your favorite vegetables. Potatoes, zucchini, and spinach are great additions.
• Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible. Store-bought broth works well, too. Adjust the salt depending on the sodium content of your broth.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender, then return it to the pot.

This chicken vegetable soup is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this classic dish!