Italian Chicken Soup
Italian Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting dish filled with tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and vegetables. Brightened by tomatoes and corn, it offers a balanced mix of savory and fresh flavors. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, it warms the soul with each spoonful.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 whole chicken breasts, boned, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 14.5 oz. sliced stewed tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn Niblets ⓘ
- 1/3 cup uncooked vermicelli, broken into 2-inch lengths ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, stir-fry the chicken pieces in oil until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic; cook until crisp-tender.
- Stir in basil, pepper, chicken broth, and undrained sliced stewed tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in frozen corn and broken vermicelli noodles.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the vermicelli is tender.
- If desired, garnish each serving with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. If you prefer a heartier soup, you can substitute the vermicelli with ditalini pasta or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if you're using low-sodium broth. This soup can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Chicken Soup is delicious on its own but can be paired with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken Parmesan Pasta for a delightful Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Italian Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken and pasta. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chicken Soup contains roughly 272 calories, with 13g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This method adds a wonderful flavor and keeps the soup quick and easy.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to your Italian Chicken Soup, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their bowls.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or chickpeas for added protein and texture.
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).