Description
On a chilly evening, when you need something warm, comforting, and soul-soothing, nothing beats a bowl of homemade chicken soup with cabbage. This nourishing and flavorful soup combines tender shredded chicken, hearty cabbage, and a fragrant broth that’s packed with nutrients and love. Whether you’re fighting a cold, warming up in winter, or just craving something cozy, this easy and wholesome recipe is the perfect solution. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad, and you have a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs, or 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor)
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Broth:
- Place the chicken in a large pot, cover with water or broth, and add the bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
-
Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly.
- Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin.
- Strain the broth and return it to the pot.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the broth.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
-
Incorporate the Cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage and dried thyme.
- Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
-
Season and Serve:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: Eastern European, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Fat: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~25g