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Chicken Vegetable Soup

This chicken vegetable soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s made by simmering ingredients to develop a fragrant, nourishing soup with a bright, tangy finish, perfect for cozy days. The final dish is vibrant, slightly thickened, and steaming hot, with tender vegetables and juicy chicken throughout.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken preferably from thighs for juiciness
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped finely
  • 1 onion onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 zest lemon zest from one lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup zucchini chopped
  • 1 cup spinach roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Lemon squeezer
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and thyme to the pot. Stir for about a minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with a warm aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  3. Drop in the shredded cooked chicken and chopped zucchini. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
  4. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed. Then, remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
  5. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted and vibrant green. The soup should be steaming hot, fragrant, and packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken.
  6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or adjust lemon to taste for extra brightness.