Simple Chicken and Vegetable Soup Recipe | 30-Minute Meal

Here's a simple, reliable chicken and vegetable soup recipe that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. You'll need 1 lb boneless chicken breast, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, peas), 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, and seasonings. Sauté onions and garlic, add chicken until cooked through, then pour in broth and vegetables. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender. This nutritious chicken vegetable soup serves 4 and freezes well for meal prep.

Nothing beats the comforting warmth of homemade chicken and vegetable soup, especially when you need a quick, nutritious meal. This easy chicken vegetable soup recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you're feeling under the weather. Unlike store-bought versions, our from-scratch approach ensures you control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary sodium and preservatives while maximizing nutritional value.

Why This Chicken and Vegetable Soup Recipe Works

This healthy homemade chicken soup strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and depth of flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables and quality chicken creates a broth that's rich without needing hours of simmering. Our method extracts maximum flavor while keeping preparation time to just 30 minutes—ideal for those seeking a quick chicken and vegetable soup that doesn't compromise on taste.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Soup

The magic of this best chicken soup recipe for cold days lies in its ingredients. Choose these quality components for optimal results:

• Boneless chicken breast or thighs - Provides lean protein; thighs offer richer flavor
• Low-sodium chicken broth - Forms the soup base without excessive salt
• Fresh mirepoix (onion, carrots, celery) - The flavor foundation of any good soup
• Garlic - Adds depth and complexity
• Frozen peas and corn - Convenient, nutrient-dense additions
• Fresh herbs - Parsley or thyme elevate the flavor profile
• Olive oil - For sautéing without overpowering the delicate flavors

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these straightforward instructions for foolproof results every time you make this simple chicken soup recipe with vegetables:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes)
3. Add chopped carrots and celery, cooking until slightly softened (5 minutes)
4. Stir in chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink (6-8 minutes)
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil
6. Add frozen peas, corn, and any additional vegetables
7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes
8. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste
9. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Soup

Elevate your comforting chicken soup recipe with these professional techniques:

• Don't rush the sauté - Properly cooking the aromatics builds flavor foundation
• Cut vegetables uniformly - Ensures even cooking throughout the soup
• Season in layers - Add salt at different stages for balanced flavor
• Skim impurities - Remove any foam that rises to the surface during simmering
• Finish with acid - A splash of lemon juice brightens flavors just before serving

Variations for Dietary Needs and Preferences

This versatile gluten-free chicken vegetable soup adapts beautifully to various dietary requirements:

• For extra richness - Add a parmesan rind while simmering
• Low-carb version - Replace starchy vegetables with zucchini and spinach
• Immune-boosting - Add ginger and turmeric for additional health benefits
• Creamy variation - Stir in coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy texture
• Instant Pot method - Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with quick release

Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Chicken Soup

Understanding the health advantages makes this meal prep chicken soup recipe even more appealing. The following table shows the nutritional profile per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	Health Benefit
Calories	220	Supports healthy weight management
Protein	24g	Promotes muscle maintenance and repair
Fiber	4g	Aids digestion and promotes satiety
Vitamin A	85% DV	Supports vision and immune function
Vitamin C	30% DV	Boosts immune system and collagen production

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This soup actually improves in flavor after sitting, making it perfect for meal preparation. Store in airtight containers:

• Refrigerator - Keeps fresh for 4-5 days
• Freezer - Maintains quality for up to 3 months
• Reheating - Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat
• Reviving frozen soup - Add a splash of broth when reheating

For best results, avoid boiling when reheating as this can make the chicken tough. Instead, warm slowly until just heated through. The vegetables will maintain better texture with gentle reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this soup recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use leftover cooked chicken. Add 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering to prevent overcooking. This makes an excellent way to use holiday leftovers while creating a quick chicken and vegetable soup with minimal preparation time.

How can I make my chicken soup more flavorful without adding salt?

Enhance flavor naturally by adding umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, tomato paste (1 tbsp), or a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf also deepen flavor complexity. For brightness, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. These techniques create a more flavorful healthy homemade chicken soup without relying on excess sodium.

What vegetables hold up best in chicken soup for meal prep?

For meal prep chicken soup that maintains vegetable texture, choose hardy options like carrots, celery, parsnips, and turnips. Add delicate vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. When reheating frozen portions, hardy vegetables retain their structure better, while delicate ones should be added fresh to each serving for optimal texture in your gluten-free chicken vegetable soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. For a slow cooker chicken vegetable soup, sauté onions, garlic, and hard vegetables first, then transfer to your slow cooker with broth and raw chicken. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add delicate vegetables during the last hour. The slow cooking process extracts maximum flavor from ingredients, creating an exceptionally rich broth for your easy chicken vegetable soup recipe while requiring minimal hands-on time.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough in soup?

To keep chicken tender in your comforting chicken soup recipe, avoid boiling vigorously once chicken is added. Simmer gently at 180-200°F (82-93°C). If using raw chicken, cook just until no longer pink (165°F internal temperature), then remove it to slice while the soup continues simmering with vegetables. Return chicken to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For best results with this simple chicken soup recipe with vegetables, slightly undercook the chicken as it will continue cooking from residual heat.