Chicken Vegetable Soup is an incredibly versatile and nutritious dish. It can be cooked up in a variety of ways, making it a great staple for any kitchen. The ingredients are relatively simple but the results are full of flavor and nutrition. This Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe provides step by step instructions to help create this delightful meal with ease.
The recipe begins with sautéing onion and garlic until they’re golden brown, adding additional aromatics such as thyme or oregano if desired. Carrots, celery and potatoes are then added to the pot along with chicken broth before bringing the mixture to a boil and simmering until all vegetables are tender. Sliced rotisserie chicken breast is added during the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring that it doesn’t become dry or overcooked.
Finally, heavy cream is stirred into the soup just before serving for extra richness and depth of flavor. With its balanced combination of protein, healthy carbohydrates and vitamins from fresh vegetables, this Chicken Vegetable Soup makes for a hearty yet nourishing lunch or light dinner that will please even the pickiest eaters!
Table of Contents
Definition
Soup is a staple of many cultures, providing comfort and sustenance. It has an intriguing history that spans the globe from China to France. But what exactly is soup? To answer this question, let’s start by examining its definition.
At its core, soup is a combination of vegetables or meat with liquid like stock or broth. The ingredients are cooked in the liquid and usually seasoned with herbs, spices, salt and pepper for flavor. Depending on the type of soup being made, it can also be thickened with cream, milk or flour. Soups can range from transparent broths to hearty chowders and stews – all boiled down into one word: Soup!
The versatility of soup makes it appealing; whether served as an appetizer before a meal or as a main course itself, there are countless recipes that allow cooks to get creative in the kitchen. And while some soups call for specific utensils (which will be discussed later), they generally require minimal tools — making them ideal for busy lifestyles where time spent prepping meals is at a premium. With enough imagination and skillful cooking techniques, anyone can make delicious soup without too much effort!
Kitchen Utensils Required
When making soup, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. While many ingredients and techniques go into creating a great-tasting dish, there are some kitchen utensils that will help ensure success every time.
A good quality stock pot is essential for simmering any type of soup. A large vessel with thick walls and a heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution while cooking and helps to maintain an ideal temperature for long periods of time. When choosing a size, keep in mind that you may need to double or triple recipes depending upon how much you’re serving — so it’s best to err on the side of caution and get one that’s slightly larger than what you think you’ll need.
In addition to a stock pot, other utensils like a sturdy spoon or ladle come in handy when stirring soups and stews during preparation as well as when dishing up servings at mealtime. For added convenience, it’s also worth investing in a vegetable peeler if your recipe calls for chopped vegetables — this tool makes quick work out of peeling potatoes or carrots!
With these basic pieces of equipment ready to go, home cooks can confidently take their culinary skills from simmering to savory satisfaction with ease!
Ingredients Needed
Making a delicious soup starts with selecting the right ingredients. When it comes to chicken vegetable soup, the base is made up of both poultry and produce. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
In addition to these staples, feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand — mushrooms, green beans or zucchini all make great additions! You can also use herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor. Whatever combinations you choose will come together in harmony when cooked slowly in your stock pot.
With a few simple steps and an abundance of fresh ingredients at your fingertips, you’re ready for the next stage of creating this comforting dish — preparing the vegetables!
Preparing The Vegetables
Before beginning the cooking process, it is important to properly prepare all of the vegetables for the chicken vegetable soup. Vegetable chopping and prepping can be done in a variety of ways depending on personal preference. For this recipe, dicing will give the vegetables a nice texture while also allowing them to cook quickly and evenly when added to the pot.
Begin by removing any bad spots or blemishes from each piece of produce then rinse under cool running water. Next, peel (if desired) and chop each into small cubes before transferring them to a bowl or plate as they are ready. Start with harder vegetables such as onions and carrots followed by softer items like bell peppers and celery stalks. Be sure not to overcrowd your cutting board while preparing since having too much space makes it difficult to dice uniformly-sized pieces.
Once everything has been chopped, it’s time to move onto sautéing the chicken — an essential step that brings out flavor and helps thicken up the broth!
Sautéing The Chicken
Are you ready to get cooking? Sautéing the chicken is an essential component of this delicious soup recipe. To begin, heat a generous amount of butter or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Carefully add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder. Cook for 8–10 minutes while stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.
Once the chicken has been sautéed, transfer it onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess grease from the pan. Leaving behind some of the rendered fat will give our broth great flavor as we move into the next step — cooking the vegetables! Add chopped onions, carrots, celery stalks and bell peppers back into your hot pot along with any other desired vegetables such as corn or peas. Stir them around so they are evenly distributed before adding in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 2 bay leaves. Now reduce heat to low-medium and allow mixture to simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables have softened completely.
Be sure not to overcook since this can cause them to become mushy when served later on! With that being said, go ahead and remove bay leaves before continuing onto our final stage: finishing off the soup!
Cooking The Broth
The next step in our recipe is to cook the broth. Preparing a flavorful and tasty broth requires proper technique, so let’s go over some key tips for success. Firstly, bring the soup mixture up to a low boil before reducing heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. This will help develop depth of flavor as ingredients meld together with each other. Additionally, add any desired herbs or spices such as oregano, thyme or parsley during this stage for an extra layer of complexity. Finally, be sure to taste the broth often throughout cooking and adjust seasonings accordingly based on your preference.
Once you have achieved a delicious combination of flavors that meets your expectations, turn off the heat and set aside while we move onto adding seasonings and spices!
Adding Seasonings And Spices
Seasonings and spices are what gives a soup its unique flavor profile. In order to create the perfect combination of seasonings, it’s important to understand how each individual herb or spice will influence the overall taste. For example, oregano is known for its strong earthy flavors while parsley brings out subtle sweet notes in the broth. When selecting your own seasoning combinations, experiment with different quantities until you find one that suits your palate best. As with all recipes, measuring accurate amounts of ingredients plays an important role in achieving desired results. Therefore, when adding spices such as thyme or rosemary make sure to use precise measurements so they don’t overpower other flavors.
In addition to herbs and spices, there are many ways you can enhance the flavor of your soup without compromising on nutrition such as using low sodium vegetable stock or omitting added salt altogether. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, finding flavorful and nutritious ingredients should be easy! Once you have decided on your preferred seasoning blend let’s move onto simmering the soup to bring all these wonderful flavors together.
Simmering The Soup
Simmering the soup is an important step in bringing all of its flavors together. Simmering time and temperature depend on the type of ingredients used, but generally speaking it should be cooked over medium heat for at least twenty minutes. During this process, make sure to stir occasionally so that the bottom does not burn or stick to the pot. This will also ensure even cooking throughout. Additionally, if you are using any dairy products make sure to add them during the last five minutes of simmering as they can easily curdle when exposed to high temperatures for too long.
In order to get the most out of your soup’s flavor profile, let it sit after simmering for a few minutes before serving. This allows all the different herbs and spices to fully infuse into the broth and creates a depth of flavor similar to slow-cooked dishes. It’s best practice to use a lid while allowing your soup to rest as this traps moisture within which helps keep vegetables from becoming soggy or overcooked. After resting, your chicken vegetable soup is ready!
Serving Tips
Once the soup has finished simmering, it is time to think about serving ideas. With a dish as versatile as chicken vegetable soup, there are many options available for how to serve and enjoy this classic recipe. Portion sizes can be adjusted depending on individual needs, but generally speaking two cups of broth with vegetables should be enough for one person. If desired, garnishes such as croutons or freshly chopped herbs can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to each bowl. Another popular way to dress up your soup is with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream which adds richness without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
For those looking for additional nourishment, adding cooked grains like quinoa or barley will create a more filling meal that still tastes great while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Alternatively, you could use roasted potatoes if you want some carbs but don’t have any grains on hand. No matter what type of accompaniments you choose, they all go well together and help turn this humble dish into something special!
Variations To Try
Chicken vegetable soup is a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For those who enjoy spicier flavors, adding some curry powder or cayenne pepper during the cooking process gives the broth an extra kick of flavor. If you’re looking for something heartier, try swapping out the chicken for beef and add barley for added texture and nutrition. Vegetarians can also make this dish their own by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and replacing any meat with mushrooms or other vegetables like kale or broccoli. The possibilities are endless!
For those watching their sodium intake, it is important to note that canned tomatoes and other pre-packaged ingredients will contribute significantly to the overall salt content in your soup. To reduce sodium levels, opt for low-sodium versions when available or use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Additionally, if desired, seasonings like garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, bay leaves etc. can provide additional flavor without raising salt levels too much either.
Nutritional Value Of Ingredients
Satisfying and nourishing, soup is a classic comfort food. But what are the nutritional benefits of this beloved dish? Taking an in-depth look at chicken vegetable soup reveals its powerhouse potential.
When it comes to nutrition, chicken stands out as a meat that offers excellent protein content with very little fat or cholesterol. A single serving of cooked chicken breast can provide up to 30 grams of high quality protein plus essential vitamins such B3, B6, and minerals like phosphorus and selenium. To maximize dietary gains when making your version of chicken vegetable soup, opt for lean cuts of skinless poultry and be sure not to overcook it since proteins become less digestible when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Vegetables offer their own unique set of healthful nutrients including fiber which helps promote regular digestion and supports weight management goals. Depending on the vegetables used in any given recipe, soups may also supply important antioxidants like beta carotene found in carrots or vitamin C from tomatoes. Furthermore, dark leafy greens like spinach boast iron while cruciferous veggies such as broccoli contain sulforaphane – a potent compound linked to cancer prevention properties. When preparing your own pot of soup make sure you include plenty of fresh seasonal produce for maximum nutrient value:
- Carrots: Vitamin A & K; Potassium; Fiber
- Onions: Vitamin C & B6; Manganese; Folate
- Tomatoes: Vitamin C & E; Lycopene; Antioxidants
- Spinach: Iron; Magnesium; Calcium
- Broccoli: Sulforaphane; Beta-carotene; Protein
Overall, adding these ingredients together into one flavorful bowl provides all sorts of wholesome goodness that can contribute positively towards overall wellness objectives. With so many options available there’s something for everyone no matter their personal diet preferences – including vegetarians who swap out animal products with plant based alternatives like lentils or tofu! So why wait? Get cooking today and reap the rewards tomorrow!
Health Benefits Of Eating Soup
The health benefits of consuming soup are numerous and varied. Soup nutrition is a great way to get the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs in one delicious bowl. Soups offer fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, as well as antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, soups provide hydration for better digestion and absorption of nutrients into cells. The combination of these nutrients makes eating soup an excellent choice for maintaining overall wellness.
Soups made with vegetables such as carrots, onions, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli deliver a broad spectrum of dietary components including phytonutrients which possess antioxidant properties known for boosting immunity and protecting against cell damage caused by free radicals. These plant-based ingredients also contain natural compounds like sulforaphane found in cruciferous veggies that have been linked to cancer prevention capabilities. The key is not only to choose healthy components but prepare them properly so they retain their nutritional value during cooking: simmer instead of boiling; avoid overcooking; use low sodium broths or stocks; limit added fats or oils.
Incorporating soup nutrition into your diet on a regular basis may improve general wellbeing through increased intake of necessary micronutrients while providing important hydration needed for proper functioning of organs and systems throughout the body. As such, soups can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal plan – adding a warm nourishing touch to everyday life!
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Soups are a great way to enjoy leftovers and save time in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can extend the life of your soup while retaining its nutritional value. Here’s how:
1) Storing Leftovers – Soup should be cooled quickly after cooking and stored in airtight containers or bags that seal tightly. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within four days for best results.
2) Freezing Soup – To maintain quality and flavor, it’s important to freeze soups correctly. Transfer cooked soup into shallow freezer-safe containers such as resealable plastic bags; fill no more than half full so contents expand as they freeze. Label with date prepared and store up to three months at 0°F (-18°C). Defrost frozen soups overnight in refrigerator before reheating on stovetop or microwave until steaming hot throughout (165°F/74°C).
3) Soup Shelf-Life – Canned soups last longer but have less nutrition than fresh homemade options due to processing techniques used during manufacturing which destroy some vitamins like B6, folate and thiamin. Check expiration dates when purchasing canned goods – if expired, discard immediately; if still good, use within one year from purchase date for optimal safety and taste!
The key takeaway is that proper storage helps maximize shelf life for both fresh and canned soups alike. By following these tips, you’ll ensure your soup remains safe to eat while preserving its deliciousness longer. With this knowledge under our belt we’re ready to tackle common FAQs about making soup!
Common Faqs About Making Soup
Soup-making is an art that involves both technique and experience. To help you get the most out of your culinary journey, here are some common FAQs about making soup that may come up along the way:
1) What’s the best way to cook soup? Generally speaking, it’s recommended to simmer soups over low heat while stirring occasionally for roughly 30 minutes or until desired consistency is reached. This slow cooking method allows flavors to blend together more thoroughly. Additionally, adding ingredients gradually will allow them enough time to fully incorporate into the broth without becoming mushy.
2) How can I make my soup thicker? If a thinner consistency than desired has been achieved, thickeners like flour or cornstarch can be added in small increments while continuing to stir. Alternatively, allowing cooked vegetables and/or meats to cool before blending with broth yields a thicker and smoother texture overall. Finally, reducing liquid by boiling uncovered at high temperature helps concentrate flavor too!
3) Are there any tips for preventing lumpy soup? Yes! The key is avoiding overcooking as well as stirring frequently throughout the process – this ensures all ingredients have sufficient contact with each other and remain homogenous instead of clumping up when combined. Furthermore, using a stick blender after everything’s finished cooking will create a smooth texture every time! With these helpful answers in mind, we’re ready to move onto troubleshooting common issues that arise during soup preparation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Do you ever find yourself facing common issues while making soup? Whether it’s clumping, thickening problems or any other issue that can arise during the cooking process, there are easy solutions to help ensure your soup is perfect every time. Let’s explore some troubleshooting tips and tricks for crafting a delicious soup!
First, start by addressing problems related to consistency: if you find your soup is too thin or lumpy, try simmering with a lid on for about 20 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to combine together nicely and create a smooth texture. Additionally, adding flour or cornstarch in small increments helps thicken soups without altering flavor profiles significantly – just remember to stir continuously as you add these ingredients!
Another helpful tip when dealing with lumpy textures is blending cooked vegetables and meats before incorporating them into broth. Doing this prevents chunks from forming and provides an even distribution of flavors throughout each bite. Blending also allows finer control over consistency since you can choose how much of an ingredient goes into the mix; however, be careful not to over-blend as doing so may result in overly mushy results.
Finally, reducing liquid content through boiling at high temperatures (while stirring occasionally) works wonders for creating desired consistencies as well as intensifying flavor profiles. It’s important to keep track of how long you boil though – going overboard can leave behind undesirable burnt notes which could ruin an otherwise tasty dish! With these troubleshooting techniques in mind, we’re sure your next batch of homemade soup will turn out perfectly every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Soup Take To Make?
The amount of time it takes to make soup is an important consideration for any chef. Soup-cooking-time, making-soup-time and soup-preparation-time are all factors that need to be taken into account when crafting a delectable meal. In terms of how long it takes to make chicken vegetable soup specifically, the answer depends on several variables such as the size of the batch being made and any ingredients that require preheating or cooking before they can be added.
When preparing this type of soup from scratch, there are various steps that must be completed in order to ensure a delicious outcome. The vegetables used may need to be chopped or diced while some stock might need to be boiled in advance. Furthermore, depending on what kind of texture is desired, other ingredients like potatoes could also take up more preparation time than others. Additionally, if certain herbs or spices are included then these will likely add more minutes onto the total cook time as well.
Altogether, with careful planning and efficiency in kitchen operations, most recipes for homemade chicken vegetable soup typically take about 45 minutes to complete from start to finish. Nonetheless, individuals should always read through their chosen recipe carefully prior making it so they have enough knowledge about each step’s duration in order to stay on track during the process and reach their desired final result efficiently and effectively.
What Are The Best Vegetables To Use In This Soup?
When discussing the best vegetables to use in a soup, there are many factors to consider. Carrots, celery and potatoes are often used for their flavor and texture. They also provide added nutritional benefits that can help make this dish even more nutritious. In addition to these three popular options, other vegetables may be beneficial as well.
It is important to note that each vegetable may contribute differently depending on how it has been prepared or cooked. For example, carrots tend to become sweeter when they have been roasted while celery adds crunchiness and depth of flavor when raw or lightly cooked. Potatoes offer a starchy consistency which helps thicken soups without having to add additional ingredients such as flour or cream. When considering what vegetables will work best with your recipe, think about flavors you would like to highlight as well as the desired texture of the finished product.
Incorporating different types of vegetables into your soup can bring out unique flavors and textures that will enhance any meal. Consider adding mushrooms, onions, bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. If you’re looking for an earthier taste, try incorporating root vegetables such as turnips or parsnips along with some fresh herbs for added complexity. By taking the time to experiment with various combinations of vegetables you’ll be able create delicious soups every time!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead Of Making My Own?
When making a vegetable soup, the decision to use store-bought broth or make your own can significantly impact the taste of the dish. Store-bought broth is often convenient and may save time in preparation, but it might not deliver as much flavor as homemade soups broths. On the other hand, preparing your own soup broth requires additional effort but provides more control over ingredients and allows for more creativity with flavors.
The type of store-bought broth used will also influence how successful the recipe turns out. Broth made from chicken, vegetables, or even beef are all possible options when using pre-made broth. Each has its own distinct flavor profile that could either complement or detract from the overall experience of the soup depending on what flavors you would like to emphasize. Additionally, some brands offer organic variations which typically provide better quality than conventional versions due to their fresher ingredients.
Using store-bought broth does have limitations though; if having full control over every ingredient is important for you then opting for homemade stock should be considered instead. Making your own soup broth gives you total autonomy to combine any combination of meats and vegetables to create exactly what you desire. Ultimately, comparing both choices depends on personal preference and desired outcome; however one thing remains certain: whether purchased at a grocery store or crafted by hand, finding an appropriate base will ensure that your dish stands out amongst others.
Does The Soup Freeze Well For Later Consumption?
Freezing soup: a great way to enjoy a meal later. A delicious bowl of chicken vegetable soup that can be enjoyed days, weeks or even months after it’s cooked? It sounds too good to be true – but is it possible? The answer lies in understanding how well the soup freezes and if this process will preserve its quality.
When freezing any type of food, there are certain factors to consider. With regard to soups such as chicken vegetable, these include moisture content, temperature range during storage and container size. If frozen correctly using appropriate ingredients, the result should be an enjoyable eating experience just like when freshly made.
Achieving successful outcomes requires careful preparation before freezing takes place. Ingredients which lend themselves to freezing better than others would need to be identified; for example vegetables with higher water content tend not to freeze so well whereas those with lower water content do freeze better. Additionally, large chunks must be broken down into smaller pieces prior to freezing as they take longer time periods to thaw out evenly. Taking all precautions into account helps ensure that when reheated, the texture and flavor of the soup remain intact despite being frozen for some time.
The key takeaway here is that yes, it is possible to freeze chicken vegetable soup safely and successfully – provided proper steps are taken beforehand – allowing you to enjoy your favorite meals at a later date without compromising on taste or quality.
Are There Any Vegetarian Or Vegan Variations Of This Soup?
The current question is whether there are any vegetarian or vegan variations of a soup. A variety of diets exist that exclude animal products, and it can be beneficial to know if there are options available when creating dishes. This inquiry into vegetarian and vegan versions of the soup provides an opportunity for cooking with dietary restrictions in mind.
Vegetarianism has become increasingly popular over recent years, leading to a greater number of recipes designed specifically for vegetarians. Many traditional soups can easily be adapted by omitting the meat component and replacing it with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, squash and beans. For those who follow more strict diets than vegetarianism – namely vegans – other substitutes must be made for non-vegetable items like dairy products or eggs. In this case, plant-based milks such as almond milk or coconut milk may be used instead of cream based ingredients while tofu could replace scrambled eggs. As long as these alternatives maintain similar texture properties they should work well in place of their animal derived counterparts.
It is easy to see then how simple modifications such as eliminating the meat component and substituting vegetable stock would make a chicken vegetable soup suitable for both vegetarians and vegans alike depending on what additional replacements were added to account for non-vegetable items missing from their diet. By understanding what changes need to be made according to individual dietary needs one can adjust their favorite recipes accordingly so that everyone can enjoy them regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.
Conclusion
The preparation of Chicken Vegetable Soup is relatively straightforward and can be completed in approximately one hour. This soup provides a nutritious meal that is packed with flavor and texture, due to the combination of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and leeks. Furthermore, store-bought broth may be used as an alternative to making the soup from scratch. The dish freezes well so leftovers can easily be saved for later consumption. There are also vegetarian and vegan variations available which substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock or omit it altogether while maintaining great taste.
Recent studies have shown that regular consumption of soups has been linked to reduced risk of heart diseases as they contain many nutrients beneficial for overall health. For example, this particular recipe contains vitamins A & C along with dietary fiber that help strengthen the immune system and reduce cholesterol levels1. Additionally, consuming a bowl of homemade soup regularly helps improve digestion by providing prebiotics2 which aid in restoring the balance between good bacteria found in the gut microbiome3 . By adding just two servings of this Chicken Vegetable Soup per week into their diet plan individuals can reap numerous health benefits without compromising on delicious flavors.
To sum up, Chicken Vegetable Soup offers a simple yet satisfying option when looking for dinner ideas. Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals needed for daily functions this savory treat should definitely not miss out anyone’s weekly menu rotation! With its versatility and nutritional value it is no surprise that more people are incorporating it into their diets frequently – something worth considering next time you think about what to cook tonight!
Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes200
kcalThis delicious and flavorful Chicken Vegetable Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter night. It is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and is incredibly easy to make. This soup is a great way to get in your daily servings of vegetables and is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
1 1 onion, diced
2 2 cloves garlic, minced
2 2 carrots, diced
2 2 celery stalks, diced
2 2 potatoes, diced
2 cup 2 diced chicken
8 cup 8 chicken broth
1 tsp 1 dried thyme
1 tsp 1 dried oregano
1 tsp 1 dried basil
1 tsp 1 salt
1/2 tsp 1/2 black pepper
2 cup 2 frozen mixed vegetables
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
