Vera'S Chicken Soup
Vera's Chicken Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and tangy tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together 1/3 cup flour and 1/3 cup water to prepare a thickening mixture.
- In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, chicken broth, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped onion.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then remove meat from bones and shred into pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables and okra to the pot.
- Simmer the soup until the vegetables are heated through and tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Thicken the soup by stirring in the flour and water mixture, simmer for a few more minutes until slightly thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with any seasonal fresh vegetables you have on hand. If you prefer a spicier soup, add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. For a quick option, try using rotisserie chicken for even faster preparation, similar to the 10 Minute Chicken recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Denise's Prize-Winning Chicken for a comforting dinner spread. For a more filling option, consider adding some cooked rice or noodles directly into the soup before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in storage, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vera'S Chicken Soup contains roughly 625 calories, with 23g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and potassium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2286mg per serving (99% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter. Make sure to adjust the simmering time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Adding bones will enhance the flavor of the soup, so consider using a mix for the best results.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make this soup healthier, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and fresh vegetables instead of frozen. You can also reduce the amount of flour used for thickening or substitute it with a cornstarch slurry for a lower-carb option, similar to the approach in Low-Fat Chicken Soup recipes.
Can I freeze this chicken soup?
Yes, this chicken soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until heated through.
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).