Spring Garden Chicken Soup (Printable)

Light broth with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs. A comforting, easy-to-make meal ready in 45 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz)

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
04 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Broth & Aromatics

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Optional

13 - Juice of ½ lemon

# Steps:

01 - Heat a light drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
04 - Add chicken breasts, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
05 - Remove chicken to a plate and shred using two forks.
06 - Add zucchini and peas to the soup and cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
07 - Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice if using. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • The brothy base lets the true sweetness of spring vegetables shine through
02 -
  • Don't rush shredding the chicken while it's piping hot, or you'll burn your fingers
  • Add the zucchini and peas only in the last few minutes to keep their bright color and texture
03 -
  • Cook the chicken breasts whole rather than cubing them, as they stay much more moist when poached
  • Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving, allowing flavors to meld
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