Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

### **Ingredients You’ll Need**

– 1 lb **boneless, skinless chicken breasts** (or thighs)
– 4 cups **chicken broth** (preferably low-sodium)
– 2 tablespoons **olive oil**
– 1 medium **yellow onion**, diced
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 3 medium **carrots**, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks **celery**, chopped
– 1 medium **potato**, diced (optional)
– 1 cup **green beans**, chopped (or frozen peas)
– 1 cup **corn kernels** (fresh or frozen)
– 1 teaspoon **dried thyme**
– 1 teaspoon **dried parsley**
– 1/2 teaspoon **salt**, or to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon **black pepper**, or to taste
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tablespoon **lemon juice** (optional, for a bright finish)

### **How to Make Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup**

#### **Step 1: Cook the Chicken**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **chicken breasts** and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
– Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside.

#### **Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
– In the same pot, add the **diced onion**, **garlic**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

#### **Step 3: Add the Broth and Spices**
– Add the **chicken broth** to the pot, along with the **thyme**, **parsley**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **bay leaf**. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

#### **Step 4: Add the Chicken and Other Vegetables**
– Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the **potato** (if using), **green beans**, and **corn**. Stir to combine.
– Let the soup simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.

#### **Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings**
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more **salt**, **pepper**, or **herbs** if desired. You can also add a squeeze of **lemon juice** to brighten the flavors.

#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
– Remove the **bay leaf** before serving.
– Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish it with some fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or a slice of crusty bread on the side.

### **Why This Chicken and Vegetable Soup Is So Delicious**

1. **Balanced Flavor**: The combination of **savory chicken**, **earthy vegetables**, and **herbs** creates a well-rounded flavor that’s both comforting and flavorful. The long simmering time allows all the ingredients to meld together into a rich, savory broth.

2. **Tons of Veggies**: From **carrots** and **celery** to **green beans** and **potatoes**, this soup is packed with a variety of vegetables that not only make it hearty but also provide a ton of nutrients. Plus, it’s a great way to get the whole family to eat their veggies!

3. **Shredded Chicken**: The shredded chicken adds a tender, juicy protein that makes the soup filling without being too heavy. It’s the perfect balance for a comforting meal.

4. **Easy to Make**: The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a no-fuss, delicious meal.

### **Tips for Success**

– **Use Rotisserie Chicken**: For even quicker prep, you can swap the raw chicken for **store-bought rotisserie chicken**. Just shred the meat and add it in during the step where you add the chicken and vegetables.

– **Customize the Veggies**: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. You can add **zucchini**, **spinach**, or **kale** for extra greens.

– **Make It Spicy**: For a bit of a kick, you can add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a diced **jalapeño** when sautéing the vegetables.

– **Use Low-Sodium Broth**: For a healthier option, use **low-sodium chicken broth** to control the amount of salt in the soup. You can always add more salt to taste later.

– **Freezer-Friendly**: This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Just let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove.

### **Serving Suggestions**

This **hearty chicken and vegetable soup** is delicious on its own, but you can make it even better by pairing it with these tasty additions:
– **Crusty bread** or **garlic bread** for dipping
– A side of **green salad** with a light vinaigrette
– A dollop of **sour cream** or **Greek yogurt** on top for extra creaminess
– A sprinkle of **shredded cheese**, like cheddar or parmesan, for added richness

### **Final Thoughts**

**Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup** is the kind of meal that brings comfort and warmth with every bite. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and savory broth, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal to enjoy throughout the week, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for **meal prepping** or **freezing** for later. Plus, the leftovers taste just as good the next day, giving you a meal that’s even easier to enjoy the second time around.

So, next time you’re looking for a comforting, soul-soothing meal, grab your pot and make this **hearty chicken and vegetable soup**. It’s the perfect way to fill your bowl—and your heart—with warmth and goodness. 🍲💖