Chicken Cabbage Soup has become my go-to dish for cozy nights. This savory broth features tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and a mix of vegetables, creating a warm and hearty meal. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe that’s both easy to prepare and budget-friendly!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cabbage Soup

This hearty chicken cabbage soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, providing numerous benefits. It’s a low-calorie chicken cabbage soup option that fits well into any healthy diet. Rich in protein, it supports muscle repair and growth, making it ideal for meal prep. Additionally, this soup is gluten-free and can be modified easily for various dietary needs. The use of fresh ingredients ensures that you enjoy a nutritious meal without compromising on taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is a perfect choice.

Ingredients for Chicken Cabbage Soup

Gather these items:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sweet onion (diced)
1 cup celery (diced)
1 cup carrots (diced)
1 leek (sliced (white and light green parts only))
4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
5-6 cups green cabbage (chopped)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or boneless skinless thighs)
2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 each bay leaf
½ teaspoon table salt (or more to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (with juices (one can))
6 cups chicken broth (regular or low sodium)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Italian parsley (chopped for garnish)

How to Make Chicken Cabbage Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the onion, celery, carrots, and leek. Cook until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage. Cook until it begins to wilt, about 5 minutes, stirring as needed.
Step 5: Add the chicken breasts, potatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Step 6: Add the tomatoes and broth, stirring until well combined.
Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the potatoes are tender.
Step 8: When done, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, then place it back into the pot.
Step 9: Add lemon juice and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Cabbage Soup

Keep these in mind:

This soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep.
Adjust seasonings according to your taste for a personalized flavor.
For a chicken cabbage stew, let it simmer longer to thicken the broth.
Try adding a splash of soy sauce for an extra savory kick.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Cabbage Soup

Here are some serving ideas:

Enjoy it with crusty bread for dipping.
Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
Serve alongside a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cabbage Soup

For storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This soup is also great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cabbage Soup

What is Chicken Cabbage Soup?

This dish is a comforting soup made with chicken, cabbage, and various vegetables, simmered in a savory broth. It’s a nourishing and filling meal, perfect for any day of the week.

Can I make Chicken Cabbage Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy chicken cabbage soup for dinner can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Cabbage Soup?

To avoid common pitfalls, do not overcrowd the pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender for the best texture in your soup.

Creative Variations of Chicken Cabbage Soup You Can Try

Consider these variations to mix things up:

For a keto chicken cabbage soup recipe, omit the potatoes and add more leafy greens.
Incorporate whole grain noodles for a heartier dish.
Add beans for extra protein and fiber, making it a savory chicken cabbage soup recipe.

For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, check out this Healthline article.

For additional tips on meal prep, visit this page for more recipes.

Explore more about the nutritional value of chicken in this NCBI study.

Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup: 10 Comforting Ingredients

Author: basmer
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Warm up with our hearty chicken cabbage soup, made with tender chicken, sweet cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a rich, savory broth.

Instructions

Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, celery, carrots, and leek. Cook until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the chopped cabbage. Cook until it begins to wilt, about 5 minutes, stirring as needed.
Add the chicken breasts, potatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Add the tomatoes and broth, stirring until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the potatoes are tender.
When done, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, then place it back into the pot.
Add lemon juice and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread.