Chicken and Vegetable Soup Hearty and Nourishing Dish

Looking for a warm and hearty meal? Let me introduce you to my Chicken and Vegetable Soup! It’s not just comforting; it’s nourishing too. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps to create a delicious bowl of soup. You’ll learn about the best ingredients, helpful tips, and even fun variations. Whether it’s a chilly day or you want a healthy dish, this soup will hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped into small pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, diced into small cubes
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas
Chicken is the heart of this soup. It adds protein and flavor. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay tender.
Vegetables add color and nutrients. I like a mix of carrots, celery, and bell peppers. These give a nice crunch and sweetness. Zucchini adds a mild taste and soft texture.
Herbs and spices boost flavor. I use dried thyme and oregano. They add warmth without overpowering the dish. Fresh garlic gives a strong, rich taste.
Broth and Seasoning
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Low-sodium chicken broth forms the base of this soup. It gives depth without adding too much salt. You can also make your own broth for more flavor.
Seasonings bring the soup to life. I recommend adding salt and pepper to taste. Adjust these after simmering to get just right.
Garnishes
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
– Optional toppings
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It brightens the soup and makes it look appealing. You can also try adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
This hearty dish is all about balance. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a warm, nourishing meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Sautéing the vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these veggies for about five minutes. Stir them often until they soften and the onion turns translucent. Next, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute, stirring until it smells nice but doesn’t brown.
Cooking the chicken
Now, add the diced chicken to the pot. Stir it often until it turns white on the outside. This should take about five to seven minutes. Make sure the chicken cooks through.
Combining Ingredients
Adding broth and spices
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Then, toss in the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, dried thyme, dried oregano, and a bay leaf. Increase the heat and bring the broth to a gentle boil.
Simmering the soup
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This lets all the flavors mix well together.
Final Touches
Stirring in peas
After the soup has simmered, stir in the frozen peas. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Let it simmer for another five minutes, until the peas are warm.
Adjusting seasoning
Before you serve, remember to take out the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright touch.
Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Selection
Choosing fresh vegetables is key for great flavor. Look for bright colors and firm textures. This ensures your soup tastes vibrant and delicious. I often use carrots, celery, and bell peppers. They add great sweetness and crunch.
Selecting quality chicken broth also matters. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. A rich broth enhances the soup’s flavor. If you have time, homemade broth takes it to the next level. Just simmer chicken bones with veggies for hours.
Cooking Techniques
Browning chicken before adding broth is important. It adds depth to the dish. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown. This step makes your soup more flavorful.
Sautéing veggies is better than boiling them. Sautéing keeps their color and texture. It also enhances their taste. I sauté my onions, carrots, and celery first. Then, I add the garlic for an extra aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your soup with crusty bread for a nice touch. A slice of sourdough or baguette works well. It soaks up the tasty broth.
For presentation, use warm bowls. Ladle the soup into each bowl. Top with fresh parsley to add color. A drizzle of olive oil also looks great. It gives a rich finish to your dish.

Variations
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily make this soup fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free broth. Most broth brands offer gluten-free choices. Just check the label. For a vegetarian alternative, swap out the chicken for chickpeas or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the soup hearty and flavorful.
Flavor Enhancements
To spice things up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This will give your soup a nice kick. If you want more depth, try different herbs. Rosemary, basil, or cilantro can change the flavor completely. Just sprinkle them in as you cook and taste as you go.
Seasonal Variations
Using seasonal vegetables can make your soup shine. In spring, add fresh asparagus and peas. In summer, use zucchini and corn for a bright taste. In fall, try sweet potatoes or squash. In winter, root vegetables like carrots and parsnips work great. Adjust your recipe to fit what’s fresh and in season. This way, your soup stays exciting and full of flavor.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
Storing leftover chicken and vegetable soup is simple. Use an airtight container to keep the soup fresh. You can also divide the soup into smaller portions. This makes it easier to reheat later.
In the fridge, your soup stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating.
Freezing Instructions
Want to save soup for later? Freezing is a great option! Let the soup cool fully before you freeze it. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing.
Reheating Tips
Reheating chicken and vegetable soup is easy. The best way is on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to make sure it heats evenly.
If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between bursts to avoid hot spots.
Be careful not to overcook the vegetables. You want them to stay tender, not mushy. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick when reheating. Enjoy your hearty soup!
FAQs
Common Questions
How to make chicken and vegetable soup without a recipe?
To make chicken and vegetable soup without a recipe, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and your choice of veggies. You can use carrots, celery, or even potatoes. Add diced chicken and cook until it turns white. Then, pour in some broth and let it simmer. Season with herbs like thyme and oregano. Taste as you go. It’s all about your favorite flavors!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this soup. Just ensure to cook it longer to make sure it’s fully done. Add the frozen chicken to the pot at the same time as the broth. This method keeps the soup easy and quick.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving
This hearty chicken and vegetable soup has about 300 calories per serving. It fills you up without being heavy, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
Protein content
Each serving contains around 25 grams of protein. The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, helping you stay strong and satisfied.
Cooking Times
Adjusting cooking times for larger batches
When making a larger batch, increase the cooking time slightly. Allow the soup to simmer for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. Always check the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
Times for cooking in different appliances (stovetop, slow cooker)
– Stovetop: Total time is about 45 minutes.
– Slow cooker: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows flavors to deepen nicely.
This article covered how to make a tasty chicken and vegetable soup. We discussed the main ingredients like chicken, fresh veggies, and flavorful herbs. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, combining, and adding final touches. You learned helpful tips for choosing ingredients and cooking techniques. We explored variations for different diets and seasons. Finally, I shared best practices for storing leftovers and reheating. Making this soup is easy and rewarding. Enjoy your creation and share it with others!






![- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast - Soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil - Fresh garlic and ginger The main stars of this dish are the chicken and the sauce. Start with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. You’ll also need soy sauce for that salty umami flavor. Honey adds sweetness, while rice vinegar gives a nice tang. Don't forget the sesame oil, which adds a rich, nutty taste. Fresh garlic and ginger bring a wonderful aroma and flavor to the mix. - Red and green bell peppers - Zucchini - Scallions and sesame seeds for garnish Adding vegetables makes your skewers colorful and tasty. Use red and green bell peppers cut into 1-inch squares. They add crunch and sweetness. Sliced zucchini rounds are great for texture and taste. For garnish, sprinkle chopped scallions and sesame seeds on top. They add a nice pop of flavor and look pretty, too. - Wooden skewers or metal skewers - Cornstarch for sauce thickening You will need skewers to hold all the goodness together. If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers are a great option too. For the teriyaki sauce, you will use cornstarch mixed with water to make it thick and glossy. This will give your chicken a beautiful glaze. For the full recipe, check the section above on how to bring these ingredients together into a delightful dish. To start, gather your marinade ingredients. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until everything blends well. Add the chicken breast cubes, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. This step is key to juicy, flavorful chicken. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps stop them from burning. While the skewers soak, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill will give your skewers those perfect grill marks and lock in the flavors. After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Start threading the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Alternate with pieces of red and green bell peppers and zucchini slices. Leave small gaps between each piece for even cooking. Now, place the skewers on the hot grill. Grill them for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll know they are done when they have beautiful grill marks and smell amazing. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it soak for up to 2 hours. This longer marinating time helps the chicken absorb all the tasty flavors. To boost the flavor even more, add a splash of orange juice or sprinkle some chili flakes into the marinade. These small changes can make a big difference. To get those nice grill marks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once you place the skewers on, resist the urge to move them around too much. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them only when they lift easily from the grill. To know if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. This ensures your skewers are juicy and safe to eat. When serving your Chicken Teriyaki Skewers, make it look nice! Arrange them on a platter, maybe on a bed of fresh lettuce. You can also serve them with a small bowl of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping. For sides, consider steamed rice or a fresh salad. The colors of the skewers and the sides will create a beautiful meal. This makes it more fun to eat and share! {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your skewers. Shrimp works great, too. Just remember to cook shrimp for only 4-6 minutes. Tofu is another good choice. Use firm tofu and press it first to remove extra water. Then, cut it into cubes. Tofu takes about the same time as chicken to cook. For a plant-based twist, try a marinade with soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic. It will give you great flavor without meat. You can make vegetable-only skewers with bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. These cook quickly and taste amazing on the grill. You can make your skewers even better with spices. Adding chili flakes or smoked paprika gives a nice kick. You can also try different sauces like peanut or hoisin sauce. Mix in veggies like onions or asparagus for more color and taste. These small changes can make your Chicken Teriyaki Skewers unique and fun. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. When you have leftover chicken teriyaki skewers, store them properly. Place the skewers in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. It’s best to eat them within three days. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers prevent air from getting in. You can also wrap them in aluminum foil. Just make sure they are sealed well. This keeps your skewers moist and tasty. To reheat your skewers, use an oven or a stovetop. Both methods keep the chicken juicy. If using an oven, set it to 350°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick pan. Add a splash of water to the pan. Cover it with a lid. This helps steam the skewers and keeps them moist. Avoid reheating them in the microwave. Microwaves can make the chicken dry. Instead, always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe eating. If you want to freeze the chicken skewers, do it right after cooking. Let them cool completely first. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move the skewers to the fridge a day before you want to eat them. This keeps them safe and tasty. If you need to thaw them faster, use the microwave on the defrost setting. But make sure to cook them right away after. For the best results, enjoy your chicken teriyaki skewers fresh. But if you follow these steps, leftovers can still taste great! For the full recipe, check it out [Full Recipe]. To check if your Chicken Teriyaki Skewers are done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step is key for food safety. If you don't have a thermometer, make sure the juice runs clear when you cut the chicken. No pink should show. Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and store it in the fridge. This makes your meal prep easier. You can also make a larger batch and freeze it. Just thaw it before use. This way, your meal cooks faster. Chicken Teriyaki Skewers pair well with many side dishes. You might try steamed rice or quinoa for a filling option. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve them with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. These sides will enhance the flavors and balance the meal. Chicken Teriyaki skewers are easy and fun to make. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, preparing, and grilling. You also saw tips for perfecting your dish and some tasty variations. In the end, you can enjoy these skewers any way you like. With proper storage and reheating, leftovers can be just as delicious. I hope this guide helps you create a tasty meal that you will love!](https://goldendishy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/34476f9e-f69f-487d-af01-da0dcfe0a0e7-768x768.webp)
