Cozy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

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This cozy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables for a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a wholesome, warming dish, this soup is simple to prepare and bursting withflavor. Follow these steps to create a delightful and nourishing bowl of soup.

Ingredients:

  • One and a half pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, with more to taste if needed
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, with additional for seasoning as desired
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion (½-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup sliced celery (¼-inch slices)
  • 1 cup sliced carrots (¼-inch slices)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 28 ounces of canned diced tomatoes, including the juice
  • 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes (½-inch cubes)
  • 64 ounces (8 cups) unsalted chicken stock or broth
  • 1 cup sliced zucchini (¼-inch slices)
  • 1 cup sliced green beans (½-inch pieces)
  • 1 cup sliced brown mushrooms (½-inch slices)
  • 1 cup of corn kernels, whether canned, frozen, or fresh
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions:

  1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
    • Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a sizable pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Take the chicken out of the pot and let it cool off. After it has cooled, shred it into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil into the same pot. Sauté the diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots over medium heat until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Tomatoes:
    • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
    • Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, stirring to mix well.
  4. Add Potatoes and Stock:
    • Add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the unsalted chicken stock. Toss the diced potatoes into the pot, then pour in the unsalted chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer. Let it cook for around 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and tender.
  5. Add Remaining Vegetables:
    • Stir in the sliced zucchini, green beans, brown mushrooms, and corn kernels. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10-15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
  6. Combine with Shredded Chicken and Final Seasoning:
    • Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. Give the soup a taste and, if necessary, add more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
    • Let it simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
  7. Serve:
    • Spoon the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle with a bit of chopped parsley for a fresh garnish.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty and nutritious chicken vegetable soup.

Conclusion:

This cozy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that will warm you up fromthe inside out. With a rich blend of tender chicken and fresh vegetables, it’s an ideal meal for any time of the year. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this soup is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Savor a bowl of wholesome goodness today!