Hearty Chicken & Herb Garden Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're on the hunt for a comforting yet refreshing meal, this Hearty Chicken & Herb Garden Soup might just become your new favorite. With its vibrant medley of vegetables and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for when you need a nourishing bowl of warmth.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken & Herb Garden Soup

The foundation of this soup starts with chicken breast, providing lean protein to fill you up. Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle richness. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, infusing the soup with depth. Chicken broth and water create the flavorful liquid to simmer everything together.

Then we have carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, and corn kernels — a colorful array that makes this soup as vibrant as it is delicious. The diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity, balancing the flavors. Dried thyme and rosemary lend that classic herbal note, while salt and black pepper season the soup perfectly. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the dish with its fresh, herbaceous quality.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the vegetables before serving.
  • Use a rotisserie chicken to save time — just add it in with the vegetables.
  • For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side of garlic toast. For a lighter option, serve with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the top adds a lovely savory note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and remain tender during cooking.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.

Hearty Chicken & Herb Garden Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for a few minutes until the onion turns translucent and everything smells amazing.

Now, add your chicken breast directly into the pot. Let it cook until it's lightly browned on all sides, which will help lock in the juices. Once browned, pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.

Next, toss in your carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.

After simmering, remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the soup. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
  • Easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable with your favorite seasonal veggies.
  • Freezes well, so you can enjoy it later.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 cup corn kernels
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Add chicken breast and cook until slightly browned on all sides.
4. Pour in chicken broth and water, bringing to a simmer.
5. Add carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
6. Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
7. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
8. Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
9. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.

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