Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ medium white or yellow onion – chopped; 2 celery sticks – chopped; 4 large carrots – sliced; 2 garlic cloves – whole or minced; 1 corn on the cob – cut into 5 pieces; 1 chayote – cut into 2 inch cubes; 2 large russet potatoes – cut into 2 inch cubes; 2 medium zucchinis – cut into 2 inch cubes; 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts; 2 chicken legs bone in (skin optional); 2 chicken flavor bouillon cubes; 9 cups water; 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt (if using fine salt, use half the amount), or more to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste; 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; Lime juice and hot sauce for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is the answer. It’s cozy, packed with flavor, and loaded with wholesome veggies—think of it as a warm hug on a chilly day. I’m really excited to share this recipe because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly forgiving and adaptable, perfect for any home cook looking to whip up something nourishing with confidence.

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Vegetable Cooking: Adding vegetables in stages keeps them perfectly tender, never mushy.
Flavorful Broth Base: Combining chicken pieces, bouillon, and tomato sauce creates a deep, rich broth.
Balanced Seasoning: Fresh herbs and careful salt control enhance the soup without overpowering it.
Simple Yet Satisfying: It’s straightforward enough for busy nights but special enough to impress family or guests.

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup, chicken vegetable soup recipe, nourishing chicken soup, easy vegetable chicken soup, comforting chicken soup - A stainless steel pot filled with a bright orange-red soup that has a thin, clear texture. Inside the soup, there are medium-sized chunks of light brown cooked chicken, small pieces of dark green and light green zucchini cubes floating evenly across the surface, and some small bits of orange carrot visible under the soup. A wooden spoon with a white tip is being held by a woman's hand, stirring gently near the right side of the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, and its black handles are visible on both sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe really comes from the balance of fresh and pantry ingredients. Each one plays a role, whether it’s building the broth, adding texture, or bringing in layers of flavor. When shopping, opt for fresh veggies and good-quality chicken for the best results.

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup, chicken vegetable soup recipe, nourishing chicken soup, easy vegetable chicken soup, comforting chicken soup - Flat lay of two large skinless boneless chicken breasts, two whole chicken legs with bone, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a quarter of a medium white onion roughly chopped, two celery sticks chopped, four large whole carrots, two whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with deep red tomato sauce, two whole chicken bouillon cubes, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of dried Mexican oregano, a small bunch of fresh cilantro leaves, one corn on the cob cut into five pieces, one whole chayote with smooth green skin, two large russet potatoes cut into thick cubes with skin on, two medium zucchinis cut into thick cubes with bright green skin, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften your aromatics for flavor development.
Onion: The foundation of flavor, I usually use yellow onions but white onions work just as well.
Celery: Gives a mild, fresh earthiness and a bit of crunch if not overcooked.
Carrots: Natural sweetness that balances the savory broth.
Garlic: A punch of aroma and warmth, either whole for a subdued flavor or minced for more intensity.
Water: The base for the broth; it’s where all those flavors meld together.
Tomato sauce: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the broth’s color and complexity.
Chicken breasts & legs: Using both gives you tender meat with extra flavor from the bone.
Chicken bouillon cubes: Concentrated flavor that boosts the broth without fuss.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Basic but essential seasoning elements — I recommend tasting and adjusting as you go.
Dried Mexican oregano: Infuses a slightly citrusy, herbal note typical of classic caldo de pollo.
Cilantro: Freshness right near the end that brightens the soup.
Corn on the cob: Sweet, tender kernels, and the cobs themselves add extra flavor as they simmer.
Chayote: A mild, crisp vegetable that holds its texture well—perfect for this soup.
Russet potatoes: Give heartiness and soak up all the lovely broth flavors.
Zucchini: Goes in last for just the right tenderness.
Lime juice & hot sauce: Classic finishing touches that you can add at the table for a bright, zesty kick.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the lovely things about this Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you’ve got or your mood. I love experimenting with different vegetables or swapping chicken parts. Don’t hesitate to make it yours!

Variation: I sometimes swap chayote for butternut squash in the fall for a sweeter note—it’s a great seasonal twist that adds warmth.
Vegetarian option: You can easily turn this into a veggie soup by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken, adding mushrooms or beans for substance.
Spice level: Add more garlic or toss in a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick if you like things a bit fiery.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot—5-quart is perfect for this batch. Once warm, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Stir them around for about 3 minutes, just until the onions start to soften. Next, add the garlic; whether you prefer it whole for a mellow flavor or minced for something bolder, cook it for one more minute, and your kitchen will smell amazing.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the water and the can of tomato sauce. Add your chicken breasts and legs right in, along with the chicken bouillon cubes, kosher salt, black pepper, and that lovely dried Mexican oregano. This combo is the heart of your broth. Crank up the heat until it reaches a boil, then immediately lower to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it go for about 30 minutes, giving the chicken time to soften and start melting some of those flavors into the broth.

Step 3: Add Your Veggies in Stages

Here’s a trick I learned to avoid soggy veggies: add your vegetables at different times. First, stir in the chopped cilantro, corn on the cob pieces, chayote, and potatoes, then cook for about 10 minutes. This timing lets the sturdier vegetables soften just right. After that, add the zucchini and simmer another 10 minutes. This way, the zucchini stays tender without turning mushy.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Rest

Give it a taste, and add a little more salt or pepper if it needs it. Turn off the heat and let the soup sit covered for about 5 minutes—that resting time lets the flavors settle perfectly before you serve it up.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Simmer: Letting the broth gently bubble for at least 30 minutes really deepens the flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
Keep Veggies Chunky: Cutting your vegetables into uniform, generous chunks means they hold their shape and give you great texture in every bite.
Use Chicken on the Bone: I’ve found bone-in legs add so much more richness than just breasts alone.
Finish With Fresh Lime and Hot Sauce: Adding these at the table lets everyone customize their bowls and adds a lively burst of flavor.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup, chicken vegetable soup recipe, nourishing chicken soup, easy vegetable chicken soup, comforting chicken soup - The image shows two white bowls of soup filled with several layers of colorful ingredients starting with a clear broth base, followed by pieces of shredded light-colored chicken, round orange carrot slices, green zucchini chunks, and a bright yellow section of corn on the cob placed in the middle. One bowl includes a lime wedge resting on the rim, while silver spoons sit inside both bowls. Next to the bowls, a small white bowl contains orange-colored rice with some chopped vegetables. Surrounding the dishes are a few lime wedges, fresh green parsley sprigs, and a bottle of orange hot sauce with a red cap, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always recommend a good squeeze of fresh lime juice over each bowl—that tanginess contrasts beautifully with the rich broth. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or even some thinly sliced fresh jalapeños if I want a little extra kick. For a creamy twist, a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado works wonders.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, crusty bread or warm corn tortillas are my go-to favorites. Occasionally, I serve it alongside a simple Mexican-style rice or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to add some crispness.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like to serve the soup in mini bowls or even edible bread bowls — it’s such a fun way to elevate the everyday. You could also set up a soup “bar” with various garnishes on the side, letting everyone build their own perfect bowl with lime, hot sauce, avocado, and fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it holds up beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, I give it a good stir to redistribute those delicious flavors.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well. I usually freeze it in individual portions, which makes it easy to thaw and reheat a single bowl on a busy night. Just remember to remove any cilantro and lime juice before freezing—I add fresh when reheating to keep the brightness intact.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer to do it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat so the chicken stays tender and the veggies don’t get mushy. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened too much. Don’t forget to add fresh lime and chopped cilantro after warming—it’s what really brings the soup back to life!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts and legs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are flavorful and stay tender when cooked slowly, making them a great substitute. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed to make sure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

For sure! You can add fresh diced jalapeños or chipotle powder during the cooking process, or simply offer plenty of hot sauce at the table so everyone can adjust the heat to their liking.
What if I don’t have chayote—can I use something else?

Yes! Chayote’s mild flavor and firm texture are similar to zucchini or even firm squash like kabocha. You can swap in those vegetables or even green beans for a similar effect.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting mushy?

The key is adding them in stages according to how long they take to cook: dense veggies like potatoes go in first, softer ones like zucchini go in last. This keeps each vegetable tender but with good texture.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s my ultimate cozy go-to when I want something wholesome and satisfying without a fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because it’s that kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again, sharing with loved ones over chatty dinners and lazy weekends. Give it a try and make it your own—you won’t regret it!