California Chicken Soup
A comforting and hearty chicken soup featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy tortellini, seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon pepper. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup combines vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a stock pot, combine chicken broth, cubed chicken, sliced carrots, oregano, bay leaves, water, chopped onions, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Bring to a boil; add tortellini.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Add frozen broccoli to the soup.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider sautéing the onions and carrots in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup. This enhances their flavor. If you don’t have tortellini, any small pasta shape can work as a substitute. For a heartier soup, add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, which are great in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This California Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It also makes a hearty lunch option and is perfect for meal prep during busy weeks.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency, and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Chicken Soup contains roughly 1892 calories, with 71g protein, 421g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (636% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (194% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1383mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just chop it into small florets and add it to the soup in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to ensure it remains tender yet crisp.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you want a lower-sodium option, use vegetable broth or homemade chicken broth. You can also dilute water with bouillon cubes for a quick alternative.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients except for the tortellini and broccoli in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add the tortellini and broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).