Hearty Chicken Soup with Vegetables and Herbs

Published: February 12, 2026
Michelle YoungMichelle Young
Tags: Comfort Food, Homemade Soup, Chicken, Vegetables, Eat Well, Winter Warmers

Chicken Soup

Warm and comforting chicken soup loaded with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, perfect for chilly days.

Prep Time:15 minCook Time:60 minTotal Time:75 minServings:6Difficulty:Easy

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:250 kcal
Protein:20 g
Carbs:20 g
Fat:8 g

There's nothing quite like a big pot of homemade chicken soup to warm your soul. The comforting aroma of slow-simmered chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs makes this dish a family favorite and a go-to for when you're feeling a little under the weather.

This recipe is versatile and easy to customize — add your favorite greens, swap out vegetables, or spice it up with some chili flakes. It's perfect for making ahead and tastes even better the next day, as all good soups do.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs (bone-in):2 pounds
  • Carrots:3 medium
  • Celery stalks:3 large
  • Potatoes:2 medium
  • Onion:1 large
  • Garlic cloves:4 cloves
  • Fresh parsley:1/4 cup
  • Fresh thyme:1 teaspoon
  • Salt:1 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper:1/2 tsp
  • Olive oil:2 tbsp
  • Chicken broth:8 cups

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add whole chicken thighs and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

    Chicken thighs browning in a soup pot
  2. Dice carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté vegetables until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.

    Diced vegetables sauteing in a large pot
  3. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme to the vegetables, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

    Garlic and thyme added to sauteed vegetables
  4. Return chicken to the pot, add chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

    Chicken and vegetables simmering in broth
  5. Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred the meat. Discard bones and return shredded chicken to the soup.

    Tender cooked chicken shredded beside soup
  6. Chop fresh parsley and stir into the soup for a fresh herbal flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.

    Chicken vegetable soup finished with fresh parsley

Tips & Notes

  • Skim off any foam that rises to the top during simmering for a clearer broth.
  • For a heartier version, add cooked rice or noodles just before serving.