Delicious and Nutritious Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Welcome to my all-natural chicken vegetable soup recipe! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I believe that eating healthy doesn’t mean compromising on flavor. And this hearty chicken vegetable soup is not only good for you but is also packed with deliciousness.
This soup recipe is perfect for any weather and season. Its warm and comforting flavors are ideal for chilly winter evenings but also light enough to enjoy during the summer months. This soup recipe is also versatile and can be adapted to different dietary needs, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly diets.
One of the reasons why I love this chicken vegetable soup recipe so much is that it’s easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or professional chef skills to cook up this dish. All you need are a few simple ingredients, a pot or slow cooker, and a little bit of time.
With chunks of tender chicken breast, colorful vegetables like carrots, celery hearts, cauliflower, broccoli, and aromatic thyme seasoning, this soup will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full for hours. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re looking to follow a detox soup diet or want to try a weight loss program without sacrificing flavor.
So let’s get started with the ingredient list and step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious chicken vegetable soup recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a healthy, hearty and tasty soup recipe that is also quick and easy to make? Look no further than this all-natural Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe.
This soup recipe is perfect for those seeking a detox soup diet or weight loss, as it is dairy-free, gluten-free, and packed with nutrient-dense vegetables.
But don’t be fooled by its healthy ingredients – this soup is far from bland or boring. Its seasoning of thyme, garlic powder, black pepper and sea salt will tantalize your taste buds while the chunky chicken breast makes for a protein-rich and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be adjusted to your preferences – whether you’re vegan or paleo, this vegetable soup recipe can be tailored to meet your dietary needs.
With its easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe will become a go-to meal for any night of the week. So if you’re looking for the best chicken vegetable soup around, give this recipe a try and enjoy a homemade meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this hearty chicken vegetable soup recipe:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 4 celery hearts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 2 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 6 cups low-fat chicken stock or water
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste (around a teaspoon of sea salt should be enough)
Note: You can also add other healthy vegetables of your choice like peas as they blend well in this savory soup.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to cook this delicious and healthy All-Natural Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe. This recipe is very easy to make and perfect for those looking for a hearty chicken vegetable soup. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a chunky chicken vegetable soup that will not only warm your body but also nourish it.
Preparation
1. Cut the vegetables
Begin by washing your cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, celery hearts, and onion with cold water. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces: discard the cauliflower stems and chop the florets only, break the broccoli into small florets, chop the carrots into quarter-inch rounds, chop celery stalks and onion. Set aside.
2. Prepare the boneless chicken breast
Cut a 1-pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces so that they cook quickly and uniformly in the soup.
Cooking
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot.
On medium heat, heat about 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot until simmering.
4. Cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Add thinly sliced onions until it softens on low heat , then add chopped carrots and celery stalks for around five minutes or until tender. Mix together with diced garlic.
5. Add chicken and stir occasionally
Next, add your cut chunky chicken into the mixture, stir occasionally until browned evenly for about three minutes or so.
6. Combine vegetables
Then combine all soup ingredients except for peas into the pot; continue to cook on medium heat for about five minutes or till vegetables become slightly soft in texture.
7. Combine peas (optional)
Add peas if desired and cook another two minutes.
8. Add chicken broth
Pour in the chicken stock and any additional water until it covers ingredients, bring it to a boil
9. Add spices to taste
Finally, add thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt to season your soup to taste.
10. Simmer and Serve
Cover your pot with a lid over medium-high heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until vegetables and chicken are fully cooked.
Tips for Perfect Results
- For best results, use fresh vegetables and chicken.
- Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth if you can’t find organic.
- Cook the vegetables first before you add the chicken since it takes less time to cook.
- Don’t add too much thyme as the taste can be overwhelming.
- If you have extra time or prefer softer veggies, you can simmer for longer than the recommended time.
Enjoy your hearty and healthy chicken vegetable soup with some crusty bread or gluten-free crackers!
Substitutions and Variations
Welcome to the Substitutions and Variations section of this delicious All-Natural Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe. If you’re thinking about tossing in some additional ingredients or swapping out some of the items on the ingredient list, this is the perfect section for you.
Firstly, let me remind you that this soup recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and uses all-natural ingredients. If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, make sure to adjust accordingly by choosing your favorite vegetables or other protein sources.
If you are a vegetarian who loves hearty vegetable soup, feel free to simply omit the chicken breast and replace it with legumes like chickpeas, lentils or white beans. You can also add more carrots, onions, celery hearts, cauliflower or broccoli to create a truly healthy vegetable soup that’s perfect for detox diet and weight loss programs.
If you’re looking for something paleo-friendly, swap out the chicken breasts with boneless-skinless turkey breasts or even beef sirloin. You could also add kale instead of cauliflower and broccoli for a darker colored soup packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
For those who prefer a spicy twist to their soups, try adding some red pepper flakes to your soup after cooking; it’ll give your dish a vibrancy that’s remarkable.
You can play around with the consistency too by adding more water or chicken stock to achieve your preferred thickness—just make sure not to dilute its flavor by adding extra amounts. Finally, try different spices such as cayenne pepper or parsley in place of thyme; Switch out black pepper for white pepper; Use soy sauce instead of sea salt -Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
In conclusion, feel free to explore other options using this recipe as a backbone—you just might find something extraordinary that’ll tickle your tastebuds!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have created this hearty chicken vegetable soup, why not serve it to your family or guests with some complementary side dishes?
Firstly, some crusty bread or toasted sourdough bread would make a perfect pairing for dipping into the soup. Another option could be to serve the soup with a simple green salad consisting of baby spinach, mixed greens, and cherry tomatoes, dressed with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
For a heartier meal, try serving the soup over a bed of cooked quinoa, which will add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meal. Another option could be to add in some cooked rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free and low-carb alternative.
If you’re looking for an indulgent twist, a grilled cheese sandwich or garlic bread could make for the perfect accompaniment to this warming bowl of chicken vegetable soup.
Regardless of how you choose to pair this dish, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of fragrant thyme, black pepper, and sea salt with the healthy vegetables and tender chunks of chicken make it an unforgettable meal that everyone will enjoy.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I know that busy weeknights can leave us with little time to prep meals. That’s why this all-natural chicken vegetable soup recipe is perfect for any meal prep enthusiast. This soup can be made ahead of time, stored for later use, and reheated whenever needed.
To make this soup in advance, let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot over medium heat on your stovetop. If the soup has thickened while in the fridge, add water or chicken broth to thin it out.
If you’d like to keep the soup for longer than three days, you can store it in your freezer for up to three months. Let the soup thaw in your refrigerator overnight before reheating it on medium heat the next day.
When reheating this all-natural chicken vegetable soup, remember that slow and steady wins the race. Avoid overheating the soup as it can affect its texture and flavor. Reheat it gently over medium heat until it’s reached your desired temperature.
Overall, this hearty chicken vegetable soup is perfect for those who want a quick yet healthy meal on busy nights. By making this soup ahead of time and storing it properly, you’ll always have a delicious meal ready when you need it most.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a hearty chicken vegetable soup, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some pointers that will make your soup delicious and nutritious:
1. Browning the Chicken: Before adding raw chicken into the soup, browning it beforehand can give a rich golden hue to the dish as well as improve its flavor. You can do this by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper and frying it in a bit of olive oil until crispy.
2. Sautéing Garlic and Onions: Gently sautéing garlic and onions before adding them to the soup, helps their flavors meld together perfectly in the dish. This step brings out their natural sweetness too.
3. Adding Vegetables Wisely: It is essential to add vegetables to your soup in an orderly manner, based on their cooking time required. For example, soft vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower should be added later, while carrots and celery should go in first.
4. Skimming Off Fat: Chicken broth often contains some excess fat. It is crucial to skim it off from time to time during cooking to enjoy a light and healthy bowl of chicken vegetable soup.
5. Cooking Low & Slow: For better texture as well as flavor, slow-cooking is an excellent option for a hearty chicken vegetable soup recipe. If using a crockpot or slow cooker, cook on low heat for at least four hours. If using an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker, use low-pressure setting for 20 – 25 minutes.
6. Balancing Flavors: The herbs used in our recipe — thyme, garlic powder along with celery hearts —and seasoning – black pepper & sea salt adds depth of flavor to this heartwarming dish. However, it is always best to taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to your taste buds.
7: A Word of Caution: Make sure that all your ingredients are gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic to support a healthy diet.
By following these tips tailored to enriching your chicken vegetable soup experience, you can ensure a delicious bowl of goodness every time.
FAQ
Before we wrap up, I want to address some common questions that may arise while preparing this hearty chicken vegetable soup. In this section, I’ll break down some of the frequently asked questions and provide insightful answers to help you make the most of this recipe. So let’s dive into the FAQ!
What can I add to my chicken soup to give it flavor?
When making chicken soup, it is recommended to use a blend of spices that complement the savory taste of the chicken. Popular choices are paprika, garlic and onion powder. For attaining rich flavors and aromas, herbs like thyme, bay leaf, and parsley can be added. Other herb alternatives that work well are marjoram, oregano, and rosemary.
What is the most healthiest soup in the world?
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I specialize in creating healthy and delicious recipes that cater to different dietary requirements such as organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free. In this article, I’ll be sharing mouth-watering recipes for various soups and stews that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Get ready to learn some handy tips and recommendations for making the perfect broccoli cheddar soup, roasted cauliflower and kale soup, paleo fennel asparagus and leek stew, healing chicken soup, vegetable beef stew, spinach egg drop soup, light seafood chowder, and roasted red pepper and tomato soup.
How to add richness to chicken soup?
When you feel like your broth is missing a depth of flavor, there are several ingredients that can be added to give it an umami boost. Veggies like roasted onion and mushrooms, as well as condiments such as tomato paste, soy sauce, seaweed, or miso, all add richness to your broth.
Is it OK to put raw chicken in soup?
Including uncooked chicken in your soup is absolutely possible. It’s a common practice that I often follow as well. Nevertheless, the key is to ensure that the chicken is entirely cooked by allowing the soup to remain on the stove for an adequate amount of time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful soup recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, this all-natural chicken vegetable soup recipe is just what you need. With its delicious mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and boneless chicken breast, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day or detox with a nutrient-dense meal. Moreover, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone who has dietary restrictions.
By following this recipe’s simple steps and tips, you can make a hearty chicken vegetable soup yourself at home. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients and substitutions to tailor it to your tastes.
In short, this soup is not only delicious but also nourishing. It’s the perfect meal to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for a quick and healthy option during busy weeks. So, grab your apron and start cooking up some comfort with this all-natural chicken vegetable soup recipe today!
All-Natural Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 boneless chicken breast, uncooked (can be pre-packaged frozen, i.e. Foster Farms, Tyson)
- 1 cup vegetables
- broccoli
- baby carrots
- cauliflower
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 celery hearts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 pinch thyme (optional)
- 4 -6 cups water
Instructions
- Defrost the chicken breast if you haven't already; cut into small pieces.
- Fill a small pot with water, bring to a slow boil.
- Add onions and celery, boil for a couple minutes.
- Add chicken pieces.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder (I only used 1 Tsp as an estimated reference, but you can add as much as you like to your preference. While I was cooking I continually grinded fresh salt and pepper and added more garlic powder into the pot).
- Continue to bring to a slow boil, removing foam from the top of the soup.
- Add veggie medley (broccoli, baby carrots, cauliflower) and cover.
- *** The amount above in the ingredients list is not specified because I used a pre-packaged fresh veggies from Trader Joe's. (*** You can opt to just make a cup of these fresh veggies and chop them yourself, but for convenience I bought them already packaged together.).
- Simmer for about 10-15 more minutes.
- Enjoy!
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