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Looking for a cozy and delicious way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables? Look no further than a steaming bowl of Chicken & Veg Soup! This timeless Chicken & Vegetable Soup recipe is a champion for reducing food waste, transforming leftover roast chicken, cooked veggies, or even rotisserie chicken into a comforting and nourishing soup.

More than just a way to use up leftovers, Chicken & Vegetable Soup is a blank canvas for creativity. This recipe provides a basic framework, but feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. It’s a perfect way to use up those forgotten bits and bobs in your crisper drawer, ensuring maximum flavor and minimal waste.

So, gather your leftover chicken and veggies, pull out your favorite soup pot, and simmer your way to a soul-warming bowl of Chicken & Vegetable Soup. It’s a perfect option for a light lunch, a healthy weeknight dinner, or a comforting meal anytime you need a taste of home.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

Chicken & Veg Soup Recipe

Chicken & Veg Soup Recipe Ingredients:

Chicken & Veg Soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken and vegetables. Here’s what you’ll need to create this nourishing and flavorful soup:

The Chicken Base:
- Cooked Chicken (2-3 cups, shredded or chopped) – Leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups) – Chicken broth forms the flavorful base of the soup. You can use store-bought broth or homemade chicken stock for an extra boost of flavor.
Vegetable Medley:
- Chopped Vegetables (around 4 cups) – This is where you can utilize leftover roasted vegetables, chopped fresh vegetables, or a combination of both! Some great options include carrots, celery, onions, peas, corn, green beans, or chopped mushrooms.
- Frozen Vegetables (optional) – A bag of frozen mixed vegetables can be a convenient addition.
Flavor Boosters:
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Adds richness and helps saute the vegetables.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Garlic adds a pungent and savory kick.
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – A sprig of fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary adds a touch of freshness (remove sprigs before serving).
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – Seasoning is key for a well-balanced flavor profile.
Optional Additions:
- Noodles or Rice (optional) – Cooked noodles or rice add a touch of heartiness and can help stretch the soup further.
- Lemon Juice (optional) – A squeeze of lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity.
- Chopped Fresh Herbs (optional for garnish) – Freshly chopped parsley, chives, or dill add a pop of color and freshness upon serving.

Chicken & Veg Soup Instructions:

Transforming leftover chicken and vegetables into a comforting soup is a breeze with these simple steps:

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Optional Step (Fresh Vegetables): If using fresh vegetables, add them to the pot with the garlic and saute for a few minutes, until softened slightly.
Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cooked, shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Frozen Vegetables (Optional): If using frozen vegetables, add them to the simmering soup and cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): If using fresh herbs, add the sprig(s) to the pot at this stage.
Simmer and Season: Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional Additions: If using noodles or rice, add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. If adding lemon juice, stir it in just before serving.
Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the fresh herb sprigs (if used) before serving. Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs (optional) and enjoy it hot!

Chicken & Veg Soup Serving Suggestions:

This versatile soup can be enjoyed in several ways:

Comforting Main Course: A bowl of Chicken & Veg Soup is a satisfying and nourishing main course on its own, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Hearty Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as a warm and comforting appetizer.
Part of a Larger Meal: Enjoy a bowl of soup alongside a sandwich, salad, or a slice of crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
Meal Prep Marvel: Chicken & Veg Soup is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for easy and healthy lunches or dinners.

Why Chicken & Veg Soup Is a Great Leftover Recipe:

Chicken & Veg Soup is a champion for reducing food waste and transforming leftover ingredients into a healthy and delicious meal. Here’s why it’s a great leftover recipe:

Second Life for Leftover Chicken: This recipe gives leftover cooked chicken a starring role, creating a comforting and flavorful soup. It’s a fantastic way to avoid food waste and use up leftover chicken that might otherwise get thrown away.
Clean-Out-the-Fridge Friendly: The beauty of Chicken & Veg Soup lies in its adaptability. Use up leftover roasted vegetables, fresh vegetables you need to use before they spoil, or even a bag of frozen mixed vegetables for a convenient option.
Budget-Friendly: Made with leftover ingredients and readily available staples like chicken broth and vegetables, this soup is an economical meal option.
Easy and Customizable: This recipe requires minimal prep work and cooking time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Comforting and Healing: A warm bowl of Chicken & Veg Soup is a classic comfort food that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. It’s perfect for soothing a cold, boosting your immune system, or simply warming you up on a chilly day.

So next time you find yourself with leftover chicken and vegetables, don’t reach for the takeout menus! Embrace the magic of leftovers and whip up a pot of Chicken & Veg Soup. It’s a testament to resourceful cooking, a delicious way to minimize waste, and a comforting dish that will leave you feeling warm, nourished, and satisfied.

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.