Healthy, Healthy Chicken Soup
A hearty and nutritious chicken soup featuring tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and tomatoes, infused with savory onion flavor—perfect for comforting meals and healthy eating.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken parts, water, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and onion soup mix in a large pot.
- Fill the pot two-thirds full with water.
- Cook for 20 minutes over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and remove the chicken from the pot.
- Skim off the fat from the surface of the broth.
- Add cabbage to the broth and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Remove bones and skin from the cooked chicken, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the chopped chicken to the pot and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter broth, consider using skinless chicken parts. You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned ones or even use diced tomatoes with herbs for added flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. To enhance the soup's flavor, try adding a bay leaf during simmering, removing it before serving. This soup pairs beautifully with Hot Tomato Soup for a heartwarming meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this healthy chicken soup with crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. This dish also pairs well with a light white wine. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Broccoli And Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Healthy, Healthy Chicken Soup contains roughly 127 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (167% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2393mg per serving (104% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to guarantee even cooking. If using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure it's fully cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.
What can I add for more flavor?
To enhance the flavor of your soup, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You can also incorporate vegetables like carrots or celery to add depth. Just sauté them briefly before adding the broth for optimal flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add a variety of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty and nutritious soup that still captures the essence of a classic chicken soup.
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).