introduction
This hearty chicken veggie soup is a warm one-pot meal. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pot. The soup is filling, tasty, and easy to make any night of the week.
why make this recipe
- It is quick and easy.
- It uses fresh vegetables and lean chicken.
- One pot means less clean up.
- It is healthy, filling, and good for cold nights or when you feel low on energy.
how to make Hearty Chicken Veggie Soup (Cozy One-Pot Dinner)
Make this soup in one pot on the stove. Brown the chicken, add vegetables and broth, then simmer until everything is tender. Finish with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (or frozen mixed vegetables)
- 1 medium potato, diced (optional)
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, add near the end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces. Cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the potato (if using) and green beans. Cook 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- If using frozen peas, stir them in in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.
how to serve Hearty Chicken Veggie Soup (Cozy One-Pot Dinner)
Serve the soup in bowls. Add a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad on the side. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
how to store Hearty Chicken Veggie Soup (Cozy One-Pot Dinner)
- Cool the soup to room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
tips to make Hearty Chicken Veggie Soup (Cozy One-Pot Dinner)
- Cut vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt.
- Add sturdy greens like kale near the end so they do not overcook.
- If the soup feels thin, simmer uncovered a few minutes to concentrate flavor.
- For more flavor, brown the chicken well and deglaze the pot with a splash of broth before adding vegetables.
variation (if any)
- Lemon twist: add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and extra parsley for a fresh taste.
- Noodle or rice: add cooked pasta or cooked rice to make it more filling. Add them just before serving.
- Creamy version: stir in 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer soup.
- Vegetarian: skip the chicken and use hearty beans like cannellini or chickpeas with vegetable broth.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Add shredded rotisserie chicken near the end so it warms but does not dry out.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the chicken and veggies first if you can. Then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Q: How do I keep vegetables from getting mushy?
A: Cut vegetables to similar size and add softer vegetables later in the cook time. Do not overcook.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Frozen vegetables work well. Add them later in the cooking time so they keep shape and color.
Q: Is this soup freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze in portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion
For another simple chicken and vegetable soup idea, see Chicken Vegetable Soup – The Cozy Cook for a classic take. If you like a bright lemon flavor, check No-Noodle Lemon Chicken Soup With Veggies – The Natural Nurturer for a lemony one-pot version.