Best Chicken and Vegetable Soup | Supergolden Bakes

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a hearty chicken and vegetable soup, perfect for chilly days. This recipe is not only easy to prepare on the stove or in an Instant Pot, but it's also packed with nutritious vegetables and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you're following a specific diet or just looking for a comforting meal, this soup is a fantastic option.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To make a delicious chicken and vegetable soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken (breast or thigh, boneless)
• Olive oil
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Carrots (sliced)
• Celery (chopped)
• Bell peppers (chopped)
• Zucchini (sliced)
• Green beans (trimmed)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or bay leaves)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Practical Tips

• You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have available.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• If using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper for added flavor.

Practical Advice

• For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken in the pot before adding other ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large pot or Instant Pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don’t rush this step; sautéing the onions and garlic properly enhances the soup's flavor.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

• Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, bell peppers, and zucchini to the pot.
• Stir the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Broth

• Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot.
• Pour in the chicken broth or stock, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
• Add herbs such as thyme or bay leaves.

Real-World Applications

• This soup can easily be made in larger batches and stored for future meals.

Step 6: Cook the Soup

On the Stove

• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

In the Instant Pot

• Seal the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow it to natural release for 10 minutes before opening.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

• Once the soup is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Conclusion

You have now made a comforting chicken and vegetable soup that is perfect for any chilly day. This recipe is not only easy to customize but also healthy and satisfying. Enjoy your soup as a main dish, or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. For more variations, consider experimenting with different vegetables or spices. Happy cooking!