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Every time I make this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup, it transports me back to cozy family gatherings on chilly evenings. The aroma fills my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace reminiscent of my mother’s cooking. I remember those nights when we would all gather around the table, laughter echoing through the air as we cherished both the meal and the company. The simple act of sharing a bowl of soup has always brought us together, and I just know that once you make this hearty dish for your family, you’ll experience the same warmth and comfort I cherish.
This soup is not just nourishing but also quick to whip up, especially if you use a rotisserie chicken. It’s the perfect answer for busy nights when you crave something wholesome and delicious. The vegetables provide a burst of color and flavor, while the chicken adds protein to make it filling. You can always customize it based on what you have on hand or your family’s tastes. So, let’s jump in and create a pot of this delightful soup together!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded: This is the star of the dish—the juicy chicken brings so much flavor and saves you time!
- 2 carrots, diced: Sweet and earthy, they add color and texture to the soup.
- 1 onion, chopped: A classic base ingredient that adds depth and sweetness.
- 2 potatoes, diced: They make the soup hearty and comforting. You could substitute them with sweet potatoes for a different twist!
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: These add a nice crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Whether red, yellow, or green, bell peppers provide sweetness and a pop of color to your soup.
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned): They contribute acidity and brightness; I love using fresh ones when they are in season!
- 4 cups chicken broth: It creates the flavorful base of the soup. You can use low sodium if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just a little to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a gentle kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs brings everything together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: To sauté the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness.
Now that we have all our ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the cooking steps!
Cooking Steps
1. Sauté the Aromatics
First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they become softened and fragrant. It’s the perfect moment to inhale that delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
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2. Add Garlic
Once the vegetables are soft, add in some minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves). I always say that garlic makes everything better! Sauté for another minute until you can smell it.
3. Incorporate the Potatoes and Green Beans
Now, it’s time to stir in those diced potatoes and trimmed green beans. These two ingredients turn this soup into a wholesome bowl of goodness, and they cook beautifully together!
4. Pour in the Chicken Broth
Next, pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot. This will form the wonderful base of your soup. If you like a thicker soup, you can replace one cup of broth with water.
5. Bring to a Boil
Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. This way, everything will meld together perfectly, enhancing the flavors.
6. Add Chicken and Tomatoes
Now it’s time for the shredded rotisserie chicken and diced tomatoes. Stir those in gently, along with your salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This is where the magic happens; the chicken heats through and the tomatoes add a beautiful, juicy texture.
7. Simmer Away
Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want those carrots to be tender but still have a bit of bite.
8. Adjust the Seasoning
Before you serve, taste your creation! Add more salt or pepper if needed; feel free to get creative and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have them.
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9. Serve Hot
Ladle this warm, inviting soup into bowls, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup is truly a fantastic dish, and I often find myself making it multiple times a month. It’s so nourishing and delightful!
Now let’s talk about why I love making this dish so much. First, it’s incredibly versatile! You can swap in whatever vegetables you have lying around, making it a perfect way to clear out your fridge. Plus, it’s a great recipe to involve your grandchildren or family members; they can help chop veggies or stir the pot. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond while creating something delicious.
What You’ll Need
To make this soup, all you really need is a good quality pot. A large stockpot or Dutch oven does wonders for even cooking. I also recommend having a good cutting board and sharp knives. Remember, safety first!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me share some of my personal tricks to keep this soup scrumptious.
- Use bone-in rotisserie chicken if possible, as it adds even more flavor!
- To ensure your veggies remain vibrant and not mushy, add them in stages based on how long they take to cook. Potatoes and carrots need more time, while bell peppers and green beans only need a few minutes.
- Do not skip the herbs! Dried herbs add so much flavor and complexity, and using fresh herbs as a garnish makes it even tastier!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
When it comes to serving, I always love pairing this soup with crunchy whole-grain bread or a wholesome side salad. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can elevate each bowl to a whole new level!
Leftovers
If you have leftovers—which is rare in my house because everyone loves this soup!—you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat it slowly on the stovetop. To keep the flavors fresh, I recommend adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Using frozen vegetables is a great time-saver. Just toss them in directly, and you won’t need to thaw them first!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge, and it’s perfect for quick meals throughout the week.
I hope you can feel the love and joy as you prepare this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup. This dish has become a staple in my home and a source of love and warmth. I’m so excited for you to try it and share it with your family. You won’t just be filling their bellies; you’ll be creating cherished memories, just like I did with mine. Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time!