Chicken And Vegetable Soup
A homestyle soup with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and herbs in plain water (no broth) — clean and protein-rich.
For 4 servings
Sauté the aromatic vegetables.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Sauté for 6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
TIPSweating the vegetables slowly develops a natural sweetness that forms the base of the soup's flavor.Simmer the chicken and herbs in water.
- Place the chicken breast, water, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika into the pot.
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer gently for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
TIPKeep the simmer gentle to ensure the chicken breast remains tender rather than rubbery.Shred the chicken and season the soup.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Discard the bay leaf before portioning into bowls.
TIPAdding lemon juice at the very end preserves its bright acidity and vitamin C content.
What to keep in mind.
3 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, lightly brown the chicken breast in the oil before adding the vegetables.
- 2Always use fresh parsley rather than dried for a more vibrant, clean finish.
- 3If the soup reduces too much during simmering, add a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low sodium
Omit the added salt and double the amount of lemon juice and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
spicierSpicier
Add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step.
low carbLow carb
Replace the carrots with diced zucchini or cauliflower florets to reduce the total carbohydrate count.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Immune System Support
Garlic and fresh parsley offer antioxidants that help support a healthy immune response.
Heart Healthy
Uses heart-healthy olive oil and avoids high-sodium processed stocks.
Rich in Beta-Carotene
Carrots provide a significant source of Vitamin A for eye health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this recipe is highly nutritious as it uses lean chicken breast for protein and a variety of vegetables for fiber, without the high sodium found in canned broths.
