Warm your soul with a bowl of homemade "Country Style Chicken Vegetable Soup," the ultimate comfort food that brings together the heartiness of tender chicken and a medley of vibrant vegetables. Imagine the aroma of savory chicken simmering with fresh carrots, celery, and potatoes wafting through your kitchen, inviting your family to gather around the table. This recipe not only fills your belly but also warms your heart, making it a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra love. Ready to dive into a culinary adventure that promises to be both satisfying and delightful? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping: dice carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions; trim green beans; mince garlic.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and thyme on both sides.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes to slightly soften vegetables.
- Pour in chicken broth and return chicken thighs to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove chicken thighs, let cool slightly, then shred meat off bones and return to soup.
- Add green beans and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until beans are tender-crisp.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop all your vegetables in advance. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a bay leaf when you pour in the chicken broth.
- Skin-On for Crispiness: Keeping the skin on the chicken thighs during the initial cooking phase helps to render fat and adds a delicious crispiness to the soup.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently. This slow cooking process helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Corn, peas, or bell peppers can be great additions!
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving can elevate the dish and add a pop of color.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
