chicken vegetable soup recipe

This chicken vegetable soup isn’t just a weekday staple; it’s a canvas for experimenting with flavors. I love tossing in a bit of lemongrass for a citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you realize how much flavor you can pack into simplicity.

Why this soup keeps drawing me back

It’s quick, versatile, and endlessly customizable. I love how the lemongrass brightens even the gloomiest days, reminding me of summer kitchens. It’s a go-to when I need something hearty but not heavy. Plus, the aroma alone makes the whole house feel cozy and alive.

Inside the bowl: ingredients that make this soup shine

• Chicken breast or thighs:: Juicy, tender, and quick to cook; opt for leftovers or poach fresh chicken.
• Carrots:: Sweet and earthy, add a pop of color and natural sweetness.
• Celery:: Gives a subtle crunch and aromatic base—don’t skip it.
• Onions:: Builds flavor with a mellow sweetness as they cook.
• Lemongrass:: Oozy, lemon-bright aroma that lifts the broth—sub with lemon zest if unavailable.
• Chicken broth:: Rich and savory, forms the soup’s heart. Use homemade or good-quality store-bought.
• Garlic:: Adds pungent warmth—don’t skimp, it’s the backbone of the flavor.

Tools of the trade for a good simmer

• Large stockpot: To hold everything comfortably and allow even simmering.
• Sharp chef’s knife: For chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
• Wooden spoon: To stir and prevent sticking.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For precise seasoning and broth measurements.

Step-by-step guide to a warming, flavorful chicken vegetable soup

Step 1: Gather your ingredients and prep everything before you start cooking. Nothing worse than scrambling at the last minute.

Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and sauté chopped onions until translucent—about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Toss in shredded chicken (pre-cooked or leftover works perfectly). Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5: Pour in chicken broth, add slices of fresh lemongrass, and bring to a gentle simmer—around 85°C (185°F).

Step 6: Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.

Step 7: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Remove lemongrass slices before serving.

Cooking checkpoints to get it just right

• Vegetables should be tender but not mushy—test with a fork.
• The broth should be clear and fragrant, not cloudy or overly greasy.
• Chicken should be hot throughout, with a slight jiggle in the center when tested with a thermometer at 75°C (165°F).

Avoid common pitfalls with these quick fixes

• Greasy broth.? Use too much oil → Drain excess oil or use less next time.
• Lingering woody bits.? Forgot to remove lemongrass → Fish out slices before serving.
• Vegetables turning to mush.? Vegetables overcooked → Reduce simmer time or start with bigger chunks.
• Pink or cold chicken in the center.? Undercooked chicken → Continue simmering until it reaches 75°C (165°F).

Lemongrass Chicken Vegetable Soup

This chicken vegetable soup is a quick, comforting dish that features tender shredded chicken, sweet carrots, and aromatic celery simmered in a savory broth infused with bright lemongrass. The soup develops a clear, fragrant broth with a hearty yet light texture, perfect for cozy days or when you need a flavorful boost. Its simple ingredients come together through simmering to create a vibrant, wholesome bowl.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken leftovers or poached chicken
• 2 large carrots peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 stalks lemongrass bruised or sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth preferably homemade or good quality
• 3 cloves garlic minced

Equipment

• Large Stockpot
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups

Method

 

1. Gather all your ingredients: shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, lemongrass, chicken broth, and garlic. Prepare the vegetables by peeling and slicing the carrots, chopping the celery and onion, mincing the garlic, and bruising or slicing the lemongrass to release its aroma.
   
2. Place a large stockpot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. You should hear a gentle sizzle and see the onions soften and become slightly golden.
   
3. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are fragrant and slightly softened, about 3 minutes. The mixture will become more aromatic, and the vegetables will start to glisten.
   
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through. The mixture should look well combined and heated evenly.
   
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bruised or sliced lemongrass stalks. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You’ll hear a soft bubbling, and the broth will start to steam around the edges.
   
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the broth will become fragrant, and the vegetables will become tender but not mushy. The lemongrass will infuse the broth with a bright citrus aroma.
   
7. Taste the broth and adjust with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Remove the lemongrass slices from the pot, discarding them to prevent any woody or overly strong bits from lingering in the soup.
8. Give the soup a final stir, ensuring everything is hot and well combined. The vegetables should be tender, and the broth clear and aromatic, ready to serve.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. The fragrant broth, tender vegetables, and savory chicken make for a cozy, satisfying meal.