Can you put zucchini in chicken soup? Absolutely! Zucchini is a delicious and versatile vegetable that adds a unique flavor and rich texture to soups and other recipes. It is especially delicious in chicken soup, where it pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, aromatics, and other vegetables. Chicken Zucchini Soup is one of the easiest dishes to make for those chilly days and nights when you just want something easy and comforting. This recipe delivers a warm and delicious meal, using minimal ingredients that elevate flavors and give a great overall experience.
Can You Put Zucchini in Chicken Soup Overview
This Chicken Zucchini Soup recipe has a bright, lush flavor and a comforting texture. It comes together in one pot over low heat and uses simple ingredients like garlic, onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and chicken broth, plus diced zucchini for a delicious light element. This recipe is made with classic Italian herbs for fresh flavor, including oregano, parsley, basil, and thyme. It can be topped with parmesan cheese, chili flakes, or a dollop of sour cream, depending on your preferences. No matter how you make it, this soup will make a delightful and filling meal.
This soup can be adapted to fit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. If you’re following vegetarian or vegan diets, you can easily omit the chicken and use a vegetable broth instead. For a paleo or Whole30 version, use cooked chicken breast instead of the canned version, and swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. Additionally, any other vegetables can be added to the soup, such as spinach, mushrooms, or squash.
This chicken zucchini soup can be prepared in just one hour. High-quality canned chicken makes it easy to prepare, and the soup yields 6 servings. This recipe is a delicious option that provides an all-in-one dinner experience that’s both healthy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp parsley
- ¼ tsp basil
- ¼ tsp thyme
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) chicken chunk, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, zucchini, broth, bay leaf, oregano, parsley, basil, and thyme and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the chicken chunks and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 281
- Total Fat: 10.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15.5mg
- Sodium: 373mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 26.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.7g
- Total Sugars: 7.6g
- Protein: 15.8g
Cooking Time & Servings
This Chicken Zucchini Soup recipe can be prepared in an hour and yields 6 servings.
Equipment
This recipe requires one large pot, a cutting board, a sharp knife, and measuring spoons.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Zucchini Soup can be served with grilled cheese sandwiches, crackers, or crusty bread. A side salad is a great way to round out the meal. This soup can be garnished with parsley or chili flakes for an extra flavor boost.
Variation Ideas
You can also add mushrooms, squash, kale, or spinach to the soup. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or cumin.
Substitutions
For a vegan or vegetarian version, omit the chicken and replace with vegetable broth. For a paleo or Whole30 version, use cooked chicken breast instead of canned chicken and replace regular pasta with a gluten-free variety.
Storage
This Chicken Zucchini Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, in an airtight container. It can also be frozen and stored for up to 3 months.
Tips
- For more intense flavor, try roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup.
- For added flavor, you can also add some diced bacon or pancetta.
- It’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients in this recipe, as they will make all the difference in terms of taste.
- To bring out the flavors of the herbs, be sure to add the oregano and other herbs towards the end of cooking.
Notes
- This soup is best served immediately, but the leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Be sure to use high-quality canned chicken for the best flavor.
- For added texture and flavor, try adding cooked pasta or rice to the soup.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup can be frozen and stored for up to 3 months.
- Do I need to use fresh herbs? Fresh herbs really make a huge difference in terms of flavor, so it’s highly recommended to use fresh herbs in this soup.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, squash, kale, or spinach to the soup.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety.
Category
This Chicken Zucchini Soup is a perfect weeknight meal for dinner during winter season, it can be classified as Soups, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Dairy Free and Whole30.
Personal Thought
Creating a delightful and inviting Chicken Zucchini Soup is easier than you may think! With this recipe, you can enjoy homemade flavors with minimal fuss. The flavors of the soup are made complete with just a few simple herbs, so no need to worry about having a ton of ingredients on hand. This soup has a vibrant, lush flavor and a comforting texture, making it a warm and inviting meal. The canned chicken makes it easy to prepare, and zucchini gives the broth a unique flavor and texture that will make you come back for seconds.
Encourage readers to explore their creativity by making variations or adding their personal touch to the soup. Not sure where to start? Try adding mushrooms, squash, kale, or spinach to the soup for added flavor and texture. If you want to keep it gluten-free, you can swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety.
End with a warm closing statement, inviting readers to share their experiences, feedback, and suggestions. From the fresh herbs to the canned chicken chunks, this Chicken Zucchini Soup is sure to bring a cozy and comforting dinner experience into your home. Thank them for their time and express hope that they enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious dish.
“You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.”
– Jacques Pépin