Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup – Simple & Delicious

Introduction

Are you searching for a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this hearty chicken cabbage soup! This nutritious bowl combines tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and flavorful vegetables in a savory broth. Furthermore, this soup is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply craving something wholesome, this chicken cabbage soup recipe delivers both comfort and nutrition in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cabbage Soup

This chicken cabbage soup has become a staple in my kitchen for several good reasons. First of all, it’s packed with nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein from the chicken. Additionally, cabbage is an affordable vegetable that stretches your food budget while adding remarkable flavor and texture.

Moreover, this soup is:

• Ready in under 45 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Naturally low in calories
• Gluten-free
• Versatile and customizable

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start preparing your chicken cabbage soup, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness

How to Make Chicken Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First, chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Then, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Having everything prepped before you start cooking will consequently make the process much smoother.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Subsequently, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will continue cooking in the broth. After that, sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Incorporate Cabbage and Broth

Now, add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with other ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Therefore, all ingredients should be well incorporated at this point.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender. Meanwhile, check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. If using, stir in the lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Finally, ladle the hot chicken cabbage soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Soup

• Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, you can certainly substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or frozen peas.
• Make it creamy: For a richer version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier soup.
• Storage tips: This chicken cabbage soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Otherwise, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Health Benefits of Chicken Cabbage Soup

This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly good for you. Cabbage is loaded with vitamin C and fiber, while chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance. In addition, the combination of vegetables delivers a wide array of vitamins and minerals that support your immune system.

Furthermore, this chicken cabbage soup is naturally low in calories but high in volume, making it a satisfying meal that won’t leave you reaching for snacks shortly after eating.

Variations to Try

Italian-Style Chicken Cabbage Soup

Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and finish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Asian-Inspired Version

Replace the thyme with 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil before serving.

Hearty Winter Soup

Add 1 cup of diced potatoes and 1/2 cup of barley for an extra filling version perfect for cold days.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken cabbage soup is certainly a complete meal on its own, but you might want to serve it with:

• Crusty whole grain bread
• A simple green salad
• Garlic toast points
• A dollop of sour cream
• Sprinkle of shredded cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients except parsley to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Is chicken cabbage soup good for weight loss?
Many people include cabbage soup in their diet plans because it’s low in calories but filling and nutritious. However, always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, although it will change the color of your soup to a purplish hue. Red cabbage has a slightly stronger flavor but works well too.

Conclusion

This hearty chicken cabbage soup is truly a winner on all fronts – it’s nutritious, economical, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Moreover, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand. The combination of tender chicken and cabbage creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, give this chicken cabbage soup a try. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!

Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup – Simple & Delicious

Print Recipe

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Author: thelunaskitchen Cuisine: American Recipe Keys: Gluten Free Quick Meals

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6 Calories: 210 Kcal Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Craving a warm, nourishing bowl that feeds both body and soul? This hearty chicken cabbage soup delivers pure comfort with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and vibrant veggies simmered in a rich, savory broth. Budget-friendly, gluten-free, and ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a wholesome, meal-prep-friendly favorite perfect for busy days, chilly nights, or whenever you need cozy, feel-good nourishment.

Ingredients:

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 
  1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 
  1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 
  2 large carrots, diced
• 
  2 celery stalks, sliced
• 
  1 medium onion, diced
• 
  3 garlic cloves, minced
• 
  8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 
  2 tbsp olive oil
• 
  1 tsp dried thyme
• 
  1 bay leaf
• 
  Salt and pepper to taste
• 
  Fresh parsley for garnish
• 
  Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

   First, chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Then, cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Having everything prepped before you start cooking will consequently make the process much smoother.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Subsequently, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

1. Add Chicken and Seasonings

   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will continue cooking in the broth. After that, sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper.

1. Incorporate Cabbage and Broth

   Now, add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with other ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Therefore, all ingredients should be well incorporated at this point.

1. Simmer to Perfection

   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender. Meanwhile, check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.

1. Finish and Serve

   Remove the bay leaf. If using, stir in the lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Finally, ladle the hot chicken cabbage soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 210kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Cholesterol 55mg19%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 6g

Protein 22g44%

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Vitamin A 3800 IU

Vitamin C 40 mg

Calcium 85 mg

Iron 1.8 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Chicken Cabbage Soup, chicken cabbage soup recipe, easy chicken cabbage soup, slow cooker chicken cabbage soup, healthy chicken cabbage soup