Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! This is a wonderful way to stretch cooked chicken. Just skip the searing step and go straight to sautéing your veggies. Add the chicken in with the broth so it warms gently and soaks up the savory flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?

As written, yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. If you add noodles or grains, just make sure you’re using gluten-free options.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely. You can add everything—uncooked, diced chicken included—to your slow cooker and let it go: 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low. For deeper flavor, try searing the chicken first, as outlined above, then add everything to the slow cooker.

How can I make this soup richer or creamier?

For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream just before serving. For even more depth, toss in a Parmesan rind during simmering, then remove it before serving.

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of chicken vegetable soup, especially when it comes together so quickly and tastes like you’ve simmered it all day. This Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver: hearty, nourishing, and jam-packed with flavor! Imagine juicy bites of chicken, tender veggies, and a savory, herby broth that warms you right to your fingertips. The best part? This one-pot wonder is unfussy and endlessly adaptable, making it a favorite for busy cooks who want a home-cooked meal without spending hours at the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Friendly: From stove to table in under an hour, this recipe is incredibly efficient—even for the busiest schedules.
One Pot Wonder: No juggling multiple pans; all the flavor develops right in the soup pot for minimal clean-up.
Cozy & Comforting: It delivers that classic homemade taste with juicy chicken, sweet carrots, and a medley of vegetables in every spoonful.
So Adaptable: Whether you’ve got chicken breast or thighs, fresh or frozen veggies, you can make this soup your own with ease.
Great for Meal Prep: This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you can cook once and enjoy all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for basic, wholesome ingredients that are probably already hanging out in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each item earns its spot:

Olive Oil: For searing the chicken—to lock in flavor and get a nice little golden crust.
Chicken (breast or thighs, even rotisserie): The star of the show; thighs deliver richer flavor, but breasts or leftover rotisserie keep it super convenient.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer.
Butter: Sautéing the veggies in butter adds richness and helps pull up those delicious browned bits from the chicken.
Yellow Onion: Lays the groundwork for a sweet, savory broth.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and heartiness.
Celery: Adds aroma and depth to every bite.
Garlic: A generous amount for irresistible aroma—don’t skip it!
Hot Sauce & Worcestershire Sauce: Flavor boosters! Don’t fret—the hot sauce doesn’t actually make the soup spicy, it just brightens things up.
Chicken Broth: The soul of the soup; try using a good quality stock for deeper flavor.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (corn, green beans, etc.): Total time saver—just toss them right in, no chopping needed!
Dried Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Mustard Powder, Black Pepper: These dried herbs and spices add warmth and classic soup notes. Mustard powder may sound odd, but trust it—it works wonders!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are some fantastic ways to mix things up with your Chicken Vegetable Soup:

Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for luxurious richness.
Add Grains or Pasta: Cooked rice, orzo, or even cheese tortellini make this soup extra hearty—just add after simmering.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken! Boost the veggies and swap in hearty beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth.
Change the Veggies: Use whatever you’ve got—zucchini, spinach, peas, or potatoes are all welcome.
Spicy Twist: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes or a splash more hot sauce for some gentle heat.

How to Make Chicken Vegetable Soup

While this soup tastes like it’s been bubbling away all afternoon, the process is blissfully simple. Here’s how it happens:

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a sturdy soup pot, then brown the chicken on both sides—it should get golden and develop flavor, but don’t worry about cooking it through just yet. Set aside to rest, then dice or shred once cool.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, melt butter and use a spatula to scrape up those flavorful browned bits on the bottom. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor

Add in garlic, a dash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and your dried herbs and spices. Let everything mingle for a minute.

Step 4: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then return the diced or shredded chicken (and any juices that collected) to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer. This is where it all starts melding into soup perfection!

Step 5: Add More Veggies

In the last 10-15 minutes, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and let them warm through with the soup. Simmer, partially covered, and soon you’ll be tasting pure comfort.

For the slow cooker version, simply toss everything (including chicken) in and cook—no searing necessary unless you want the extra flavor depth!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sear: Getting a golden crust on the chicken makes a huge difference in flavor.
Scrape the Fond: All those browned bits are pure umami—get every bit into your soup when you add butter and veggies.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Short on time? Rotisserie chicken (or any cooked leftover chicken) is your weeknight best friend here.
Flavor Boost: For a subtle, deep cheese flavor, let a Parmesan rind simmer with the broth and remove it before serving.
Fresh Herbs at the End: If you have fresh parsley or dill, sprinkle some on top at the very end for brightness.

How to Serve

Chicken Vegetable Soup is a meal in itself, but why not make it a little celebration? Try these pairings:

Crusty Bread: Something sturdy for dunking, like an airy loaf or no-knead artisan bread, is a must.
Crackers: Ranch oyster crackers or simple saltines add a lovely crunch.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soothing broth.
Garnishes: Fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a squeeze of lemon amp up the freshness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool fully, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or use the microwave for single servings. If the soup thickens up, just add a splash of broth or water as needed.

FAQs

Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! This is a wonderful way to stretch cooked chicken. Just skip the searing step and go straight to sautéing your veggies. Add the chicken in with the broth so it warms gently and soaks up the savory flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?

As written, yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. If you add noodles or grains, just make sure you’re using gluten-free options.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely. You can add everything—uncooked, diced chicken included—to your slow cooker and let it go: 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low. For deeper flavor, try searing the chicken first, as outlined above, then add everything to the slow cooker.
How can I make this soup richer or creamier?

For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream just before serving. For even more depth, toss in a Parmesan rind during simmering, then remove it before serving.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Vegetable Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and enjoy real comfort even on your busiest nights. The simplicity, adaptability, and unbeatable coziness make it a regular in any kitchen. Grab your spoon and cozy up to a bowl; you’ll be amazed at just how quickly and easily homemade goodness can be yours. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making extra “just in case.”