Can I make this soup in the crock pot?

Absolutely. Just add all the ingredients (including raw diced chicken) to the slow cooker—cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 7–8 hours. For extra depth, sear the chicken first if your slow cooker allows.

Can I use cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. About three cups of chopped or shredded cooked chicken works great here. Add the chicken after sautéing the veggies, then continue with simmering and seasoning the soup.

Is this soup good for freezing and meal prep?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking or prepping lunches. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat.

Can I make this soup creamy?

For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of cream, half-and-half, or even a bit of full-fat coconut milk at the end. Pure comfort in a bowl!

Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

This Chicken Vegetable Soup is everything you want from a comforting, home-cooked meal—packed with tender chicken, loads of vibrant vegetables, and simmered in a broth that delivers layer after layer of classic, soul-warming flavor. What makes it such a standout is not just the taste, but the way it comes together so quickly and easily. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious, filling, and undeniably delicious on the table—without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re making a big pot for meal prep or feeding the family after a long day, this soup truly hits the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Easy: Minimal prep, straightforward steps, and simple ingredients—this recipe is effortless enough to pull off even on your busiest nights.
Seriously Delicious: The combination of seared chicken, aromatics, and a well-seasoned broth gives every spoonful maximum flavor.
Nutritious and Comforting: Loaded with veggies and lean protein, this soup is both nourishing and comforting—just what you crave on a chilly evening or after a long day.
Totally Flexible: Whether you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, fresh or frozen veggies, or swapping out seasoning, this soup welcomes all your favorite tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes this soup so special, and how each ingredient plays its part:

Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and developing those flavor-packed golden edges.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts work—thighs add extra richness, while breasts keep things lean. Rotisserie or leftover chicken is a real time-saver.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and building savory depth.
Butter: Helps soften the vegetables and creates a silky, flavorful base.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to every sip.
Carrots & Celery: Bring that classic vegetable soup flavor and gentle crunch.
Garlic: Minced for just the right amount of aromatic punch—don’t skimp!
Hot Sauce: A flavor booster that brightens the soup without making it spicy.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that little “something special”—a background umami richness you can’t quite put your finger on.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Super convenient and speeds up your prep time; the combo of corn and green beans is a winner.
Dried Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Mustard Powder: A medley of herbs and a touch of mustard powder creates balance and depth.
Black Pepper: A touch more added with the herbs for a gentle kick.

Tip: For extra savoriness, toss in a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers!

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

Let’s be honest—half the fun of soup is making it your own! Here are some delicious twists and swaps:

Add Pasta or Rice: Stir in cooked pasta, tortellini, or rice for extra heartiness.
Make it Creamy: Add a splash of cream or half-and-half for a luscious, creamy chicken soup.
Switch up the Veggies: Broccoli florets, zucchini, spinach, or peas all work beautifully.
Change the Protein: Turkey, leftover roast chicken, or even white beans (for a vegetarian version) can sub in.
Spicy Version: If you like heat, up the hot sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

How to Make Chicken Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Flavor

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through; it’ll finish simmering with the broth. Remove and let it rest before dicing or shredding.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt butter in the same pot, scraping up the flavorful browned bits (that’s pure gold for your broth). Add onion, carrots, and celery; soften everything for about 5 minutes until the kitchen smells irresistible.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the garlic, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and all your dried herbs and mustard powder. Let the aromatics bloom for a minute—it makes all the difference.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add your chicken (plus any juices), reduce to a simmer, and let it all meld together, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Frozen Veggies and Finish

Toss in your frozen mixed vegetables, partially cover the pot, and simmer for another 10–15 minutes until everything is irresistibly tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Taste for seasoning, pile into bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan. That’s it—dinner is ready!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Sear First, Always: Searing chicken isn’t just about color—it builds an incredible base flavor.
Use Leftovers: Don’t hesitate to use rotisserie or leftover chicken; just skip the searing and jump right into the sautéed veggies.
Don’t Overcrowd: If you double the recipe or add noodles/rice, use a bigger pot to keep everything cooking evenly.
Add a Parmesan Rind: Toss one in while simmering for a next-level savory boost, then fish it out before serving.

How to Serve

Chicken Vegetable Soup is a meal in itself, but here’s how to make it even more special:

With Crusty Bread: Nothing beats dipping warm, rustic bread or a buttery roll into this broth.
Topped to Perfection: A shower of grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or homemade ranch oyster crackers adds a fun crunch and flavor.
Soup and Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
Make it a Main Event: Serve in oversized soup bowls, maybe with a wedge of lemon for brightness.

Tip: Soup is a fantastic “clean out the fridge” dinner—toss in any favorite cooked grains or sauteed greens you have on hand!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Vegetable Soup holds up wonderfully! Simply cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

This soup is a freezer superstar. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If it thickens up, just add a splash of broth or water.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in the crock pot?

Absolutely. Just add all the ingredients (including raw diced chicken) to the slow cooker—cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 7–8 hours. For extra depth, sear the chicken first if your slow cooker allows.
Can I use cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. About three cups of chopped or shredded cooked chicken works great here. Add the chicken after sautéing the veggies, then continue with simmering and seasoning the soup.
Is this soup good for freezing and meal prep?

Yes! This soup freezes beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking or prepping lunches. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat.
Can I make this soup creamy?

For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of cream, half-and-half, or even a bit of full-fat coconut milk at the end. Pure comfort in a bowl!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Vegetable Soup truly brings together everything you love about home-cooked comfort food: it’s quick, simple, and absolutely brimming with flavor and nourishment. Give it a try the next time you need a cozy meal with minimal effort—you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!