Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This healthy onepot chicken and winter vegetable soup for family suppers
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires just one pot and about 30 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This soup is made with lean chicken breast, a variety of winter vegetables, and a light, flavorful broth, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your family's tastes by adding or substituting different vegetables and spices.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup makes a big batch, perfect for leftovers or freezing for later.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe is made with affordable ingredients, making it a great option for families on a budget.
- Flavorful and Delicious: This soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of chicken, vegetables, and spices.
- Perfect for Winter: This soup is the perfect remedy for a cold winter's day, providing a warm, comforting meal that's sure to hit the spot.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast, winter vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and potatoes), chicken broth, and spices (such as thyme and rosemary). The chicken breast provides lean protein, while the winter vegetables add natural sweetness and texture. The chicken broth provides a light, flavorful base for the soup, while the spices add depth and warmth. When selecting ingredients, choose fresh, high-quality options whenever possible. For example, choose organic chicken breast and fresh, seasonal vegetables. You can also substitute different vegetables or spices to suit your family's tastes.
How to Make healthy onepot chicken and winter vegetable soup for family suppers
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pot.
Add the chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. This will ensure the best flavor and texture in your soup.
Cook the chicken until it's just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
Add the aromatics, such as thyme and rosemary, towards the end of cooking time. This will help preserve their flavor and aroma.
Choose a large, heavy pot that can accommodate all the ingredients. A Dutch oven or large saucepan is perfect for this recipe.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool slightly.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the perfect flavor combination for your family.
Make this recipe a regular part of your meal rotation. It's a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables and enjoy a healthy, comforting meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overcrowding the Pot: What goes wrong: Overcrowding the pot can lead to a lack of flavor and texture in the soup. The ingredients may not cook evenly, and the soup may become too thick.
Fix: To avoid overcrowding the pot, cook the ingredients in batches if necessary. This will ensure that each ingredient has enough room to cook evenly and that the soup has a nice balance of flavors and textures.
-
Not Browning the Chicken: What goes wrong: Failing to brown the chicken can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the soup. The chicken may become dry and tough, and the soup may lack a rich, savory flavor.
Fix: To fix this, make sure to brown the chicken properly before adding the other ingredients. This will create a rich, savory flavor and a tender, juicy texture.
-
Not Seasoning Enough: What goes wrong: Failing to season the soup enough can result in a lack of flavor. The soup may taste bland and unappetizing, and the ingredients may not be balanced.
Fix: To fix this, make sure to season the soup generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. Taste the soup regularly and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure a balanced, flavorful soup.
-
Not Letting it Rest: What goes wrong: Failing to let the soup rest can result in a lack of flavor and texture. The soup may not have a chance to meld together, and the flavors may not be balanced.
Fix: To fix this, make sure to let the soup rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool slightly, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful soup.
Variations & Substitutions
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini. You can also add beans or tofu for extra protein.
To make this recipe vegan, omit the chicken and use a vegan broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add vegan protein sources, such as tofu or tempeh, and use vegan-friendly spices and seasonings.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free broth and be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought spices or seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free.
To make this recipe low-sodium, use low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe. You can also omit the salt altogether and use herbs and spices to add flavor instead.
To make this recipe spicy, add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pot. You can also use spicy broth or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.
To make this recipe creamy, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pot. You can also use coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Storage & Make-Ahead
This soup can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the soup to prevent bacterial growth.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if it's too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if it's too thick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and being mindful of the ingredients in any store-bought spices or seasonings. Always check the labels to ensure that they are gluten-free.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your family's tastes. Feel free to add or substitute different vegetables, spices, and seasonings to create a unique flavor combination that your family will love.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe can be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?
Yes, this recipe can be made in a pressure cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in the pressure cooker, then add the broth and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe can be easily scaled up to feed a large crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook in a large pot or multiple pots as needed.
Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it?
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and reheat it. Simply cook the soup, let it cool, and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve. Reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
healthy onepot chicken and winter vegetable soup for family suppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups mixed winter vegetables (such as kale, spinach, and diced butternut squash)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oil. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the chicken. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the vegetables. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and mixed winter vegetables to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the broth and tomatoes. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the pot. Return the chicken to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 6: Serve and garnish. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 7: Store leftovers. Let the soup cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Step 8: Reheat and serve. Reheat the soup over low heat, or in the microwave, until warmed through. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Let the soup cool, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Make ahead: Prepare the soup up to a day in advance, then reheat and serve.
- Substitution: Swap out the chicken for turkey or vegetable broth for a different flavor.
- Pro tip: Use a variety of winter vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and diced butternut squash, for added nutrition and flavor.
- Variation: Add some heat to the soup by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
- Tip: Serve the soup with some crusty bread or crackers for a comforting and filling meal.
