Name: Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 parsnips, peeled and sliced; 3 celery ribs, sliced; ½ medium onion, diced; 1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh tarragon; 1 bay leaf; ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 46 reviews

If you’re craving a soul-soothing bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Fresh Herbs Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With tender chicken breasts, a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, and the aromatic touch of thyme, tarragon, and parsley, this soup is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s easy to put together, packed with wholesome ingredients, and just the kind of comforting meal you want simmering on your stove when the weather calls for something nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot on a white marbled surface holds two large raw chicken pieces on top of a colorful mix of chopped carrots, celery, onions, and parsnips, with fresh green herbs like thyme, bay leaf, and tarragon laid over the chicken. Golden broth is being poured from a clear glass measuring cup into the pot, creating a shiny liquid layer that surrounds the ingredients. The scene shows a close top-down view with the focus on the mixture of fresh vegetables, raw meat, and herbs all sitting in the liquid, ready to cook. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this soup is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a key role in building the soup’s vibrant flavor and inviting texture. From juicy chicken breasts to fresh herbs, every component complements the others perfectly.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies while infusing a subtle fruity essence.
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Offer natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
3 parsnips, peeled and sliced: Bring a slightly nutty, earthy undertone to balance the carrots.
3 celery ribs, sliced: Provide a crisp, fresh bite and depth of flavor to the broth.
½ medium onion, diced: A foundational aromatic that forms the base of any great soup.
1 leek, halved lengthwise, sliced, and rinsed: Adds a gentle, onion-like sweetness and silky texture.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Impart a punch of savory warmth and invite the appetite.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors just right without overpowering.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to every spoonful.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein star of the show, cooked tender and juicy in the broth.
2 sprigs fresh thyme: Bring an earthy, slightly floral herbaceous note to the soup.
2 sprigs fresh tarragon: Introduce a delicate anise-like flavor that brightens the dish.
1 bay leaf: Subtly deepens the broth with its unique aromatic quality.
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients into a comforting soup.
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley: Added at the end for a fresh, lively burst of green and freshness.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the carrots, parsnips, celery, diced onion, leek, and minced garlic. Gently sauté these until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This step not only tenderizes the veggies but also builds a flavorful foundation for the soup’s broth.

Step 2: Season and Add Chicken

Sprinkle in the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Nestle the two boneless skinless chicken breasts right into the vegetable medley, allowing their juices to mingle as the chicken slowly cooks. This is where the soup starts to come alive with delicious depth.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Fresh Herbs

Next, pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the contents of the pot. Add the sprigs of fresh thyme and tarragon along with the bay leaf. These fresh herbs will infuse the soup with their bright, aromatic qualities during the slow simmer, creating that signature irresistible scent and flavor that makes this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Fresh Herbs Recipe so memorable.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This slow simmer allows the flavors to harmonize beautifully, making every spoonful comforting and satisfying.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Finish Soup

Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the tender shredded meat to the pot. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and bright green color. Give everything one final stir, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, and your soup is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Fresh Herbs Recipe

A white pot filled with clear golden broth soup containing three main layers: shredded white chicken pieces on top, orange carrot slices and light green celery chunks in the middle, and pale yellow potato pieces near the bottom. The soup is sprinkled with fresh bright green parsley leaves throughout and some black pepper flakes floating on the surface. A silver ladle sits inside the pot, lifting some soup showing the layered vegetables and meat. The pot is on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth underneath. Nearby are fresh parsley on a wooden board, two stacked white plates with two silver spoons on top, and a small white bowl filled with coarse black pepper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle an extra pinch of fresh parsley or finely chopped chives on top of your soup to add a fresh, vibrant finishing touch. For a little creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt makes this dish even more comforting and luxurious.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty slice of fresh artisan bread or warm garlic toast, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s cozy heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the soup in individual hollowed-out bread bowls, which adds a rustic touch and extra deliciousness as the bread soaks up the broth. Alternatively, top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crispy fried sage leaves to elevate the presentation and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy days when you want something wholesome and ready to enjoy.

Freezing

This Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Fresh Herbs Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to exclude fresh parsley before freezing and add it fresh when reheating to maintain its bright flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay moist during cooking, giving the soup a deeper flavor and tender texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily adapt the recipe by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the chicken entirely. Add extra hearty vegetables or beans to keep the soup filling and delicious.

What fresh herbs can I substitute if I don’t have tarragon or thyme?

If you’re missing tarragon, a touch of basil or fennel fronds works nicely, while rosemary can be a good stand-in for thyme. Just remember to use fresh herbs where possible to keep the flavor bright.

How long does it take to prepare this soup from start to finish?

From chopping the veggies to finishing the simmer, this soup usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, making it a great option for a satisfying homemade meal that’s worth every minute.

Can I add noodles or rice to this soup?

Definitely! Adding noodles or rice turns this soup into an even heartier meal. Just cook them separately and stir them in at the end to avoid them getting mushy during the simmering process.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Fresh Herbs Recipe is the kind of timeless comfort food that feels lovingly homemade and effortlessly delicious. Its blend of fresh ingredients and fragrant herbs makes every bowl welcoming and deeply satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and wrap your hands around a bowl full of this cozy goodness.