Spring Garden Chicken Soup (Printable)

A light, brothy soup bursting with fresh spring vegetables, tender shredded chicken, and aromatic herbs.

# Ingredient List:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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
13 - Juice of ½ lemon

# Steps:

01 - Heat a 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, add bay leaf and thyme, and bring to a gentle boil.
04 - Add chicken breasts to broth. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
05 - Remove cooked chicken to a plate and shred using two forks.
06 - Add zucchini and peas to the soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables reach tender-crisp texture.
07 - Return shredded chicken to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
08 - Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra parsley, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
  • The vegetables stay vibrant and tender, never mushy or sad
  • Perfect for using up whatever fresh produce you have on hand
02 -
  • Do not overcook the zucchini or it will turn to mush in your bowl
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld
  • Removing the chicken to shred it keeps the pieces intact and prevents overcooking
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrots into thin ribbons for a more elegant presentation
  • Let the soup rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving to allow flavors to marry
Go Back