If you’re searching for that soul-soothing, nourishing bowl that’s brimming with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken, this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is about to become your go-to comfort meal. Each spoonful is light yet so satisfying, with a medley of colorful veggies mingling in flavorful broth and a gentle hint of herbs. Not only is this soup absolutely delicious, but it’s also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and a true crowd pleaser for family dinners or cozy lunches. Welcome to your new favorite way to eat the rainbow and lift your spirits!

Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a simple but thoughtful collection of kitchen classics, every ingredient in this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe pulls its weight for flavor and nutrition. From the sweetness of carrots to the heartiness of shredded chicken, you’ll find that these essentials build irresistible layers of texture and color.

Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps to sauté and enhance the flavors of the vegetables right from the start.
Yellow onion: Diced onion adds aromatic depth and a subtle sweetness that forms the flavor base.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic packs a punch with its signature savoriness—don’t skip it!
Carrots: Sliced carrots bring natural sweetness and a beautiful orange pop to this soup.
Celery stalks: Adds crunch and classic soup flavor for that comforting, homey feel.
Zucchini: Diced zucchini adds a tender bite and soaks up all those herby, savory notes.
Red bell pepper: A sweet, colorful addition that brightens every bowl and contrasts beautifully with the greens.
Green beans: Trimmed and cut, these add satisfying texture and that fresh garden crunch.
Dried thyme: Infuses each spoonful with earthy, aromatic flavor—just a little goes a long way.
Dried oregano: Brings warmth and a Mediterranean vibe to your soup broth.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering; feel free to adjust to taste.
Salt: Essential for accentuating all the natural flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The foundation of the soup—rich, comforting, and lets your vegetables shine.
Cooked shredded chicken breast: For ease, use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for a protein boost in every bite.
Baby spinach or kale: Toss in at the end for a tender pop of green and extra nutrients.
Lemon juice (optional): Just a squeeze brightens up the entire pot and elevates the freshness.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): A flourish of chopped parsley adds color and a herbal finish to every serving.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a big soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these veggies for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened just enough to release their delicious aromas—already, the kitchen smells amazing!

Step 2: Layer in the Vegetables

Add your zucchini, diced red bell pepper, and green beans to the pot. These vegetables soak up the flavors of the aromatics and the olive oil, adding amazing color and a touch of sweetness. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt, letting everything mingle for another minute so the spices bloom and infuse the mix.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Carefully pour in your low-sodium chicken broth, using it to scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pot (those little golden bits are flavor gold!). Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes so the veggies turn soft and every flavor comes together into one comforting whole.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Greens

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken breast and a couple cups of spinach or kale. Cook just another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens wilt and the chicken is warmed through, blending right into the heart of the soup. That’s when everything comes alive—so wholesome and so inviting.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

If you crave a little zing, squeeze in fresh lemon juice right at the end. Ladle into bowls and finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley for brightness. That’s it—you’ve made a batch of Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe everyone will adore!

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, don’t forget the sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley—it adds freshness and looks so pretty scattered on top of each bowl. If you’re a fan of a little tang, a wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone add their own pop of citrus. Want a dash more savoriness? Grate a little Parmesan on top for those not sticking to dairy-free.

Side Dishes

This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe pairs perfectly with a crusty slice of sourdough bread, a warm hunk of cornbread, or even whole grain crackers for some crunch. If you’re going lighter, a bright salad with lemony dressing balances out the earthy flavors of the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your soup into colorful bowls for a cozy family dinner, or serve it in small mugs for a party starter at a gathering. Topping individual servings with extra herbs, microgreens, or a swirl of plain yogurt adds a fun, restaurant-style flourish. Layering in cooked quinoa or brown rice at the bottom of each bowl also transforms this recipe into a heartier meal for hungry appetites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your soup has cooled, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers. This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to four days—just keep the garnishes separate so everything stays fresh and vibrant. That way, you’ll have a nourishing, ready-to-heat meal any time the craving hits.

Freezing

This soup is a true winner for meal prep! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to three months. Just leave a little space at the top of each container to allow for expansion, and skip adding fresh greens until reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot and warm gently over medium heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. For smaller portions, you can use the microwave—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of extra broth or water if the soup thickens up a bit after sitting, and toss in more fresh greens just before serving for that fresh-from-the-pot feel.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this soup?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver for this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe. Simply shred or chop the chicken and stir it in as directed for maximum flavor and convenience.

What vegetables can I swap or add?

Get creative! This soup invites improvisation. You can add corn, peas, chopped tomatoes, or even diced sweet potatoes. The key is to cut vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly and look beautiful in each bowl.

Is this soup suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets?

Yes, this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written. Just skip any optional Parmesan garnish and double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s labeled gluten-free if you are sensitive.

How can I make this soup heartier?

For a more filling meal, stir in cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even small pasta shapes before serving. These additions soak up the broth and make the soup even more comforting and substantial.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use chickpeas or white beans in place of chicken for a satisfying, plant-based take on this classic.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something comforting, simple, and packed with goodness, this Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe will hit the spot every single time. Give it a whirl, and see how quickly it becomes a staple at your table—it’s the coziest way to eat well and feed everyone you love!

Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
3 medium carrots (sliced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
1 zucchini (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
2 cups baby spinach or kale
juice of ½ lemon (optional)
fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add Veggies and Seasonings: Stir in zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans. Season with thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
Cook the Soup: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
Add Chicken and Greens: Stir in shredded chicken and spinach, cook until greens are wilted and chicken is heated through.
Finish and Serve: Squeeze lemon juice if desired, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.