When comfort calls, nothing answers quite like a steaming bowl of homemade chicken vegetable soup. This recipe transforms humble leftovers into a nutritious, soul-warming meal that brings families together around the dinner table. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs melding into a perfect harmony of flavors that heal and nourish.
Ingredients
- Leftover shredded roast chicken: 250-300 g (8.8-10.5 oz)
- Carrots: 3 medium (approx. 200 g / 7 oz)
- Celery: 2 stalks
- Onion: 1 medium
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Chicken stock: 1 L (4.2 cups)
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Fresh parsley: a few sprigs (for serving)
- Thyme or herbes de Provence: 1 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Peel carrots and cut into rounds
- Slice celery, onion, and garlic
- Shred roasted chicken pieces if not already done
2. Sauté the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften
3. Build the Soup
- Stir in tomato paste
- Pour in chicken stock
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper
- Simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes
4. Finish the Soup
- Add shredded chicken 10 minutes before serving
- Gently heat chicken through
- Adjust seasoning to taste
- Garnish with fresh parsley
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 10g
Why This Soup is a Nutritional Powerhouse
This chicken vegetable soup isn’t just delicious—it’s a nutritional marvel. Packed with lean protein from chicken, a variety of vegetables providing essential vitamins and minerals, and a low-calorie profile, it’s the perfect meal for boosting immunity and supporting overall health. The combination of herbs adds not just flavor, but potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Pro Tips
- Use a stock cube or frozen homemade stock for enhanced flavor
- Substitute leeks for celery for a milder taste variation
Warm, nourishing, and incredibly simple to prepare, this roast chicken & vegetable soup proves that the best meals often come from thoughtful use of leftovers.