Cabbage Chicken Soup
Cabbage Chicken Soup is a warm and nourishing dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bowl. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant vegetables, this dish not only offers a delightful flavor but is also beneficial for your health. It is an excellent choice for those chilly days when you want something hearty yet light, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep throughout the week.
Why We Love This Cabbage Chicken Soup Recipe
This Cabbage Chicken Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a cherished dish that strikes the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. The combination of lean chicken breast and fresh vegetables ensures that you’re not only enjoying each spoonful but also nourishing your body. The spices add warmth and depth, while the chicken broth forms a comforting base that ties everything together. It’s an easy-to-make recipe, requiring just one pot, which means less cleanup! You will love how simply this recipe fits into your busy week, providing both taste and health benefits.
Ingredients about Cabbage Chicken Soup
To create this delicious Cabbage Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How to Make Cabbage Chicken Soup Directions
Making Cabbage Chicken Soup is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, which takes about a minute.
Next, add the chicken breast to the pot. Cook the chicken for a few minutes until browned on all sides. This step is crucial, as it develops a nice flavor base for the soup. After that, stir in the sliced carrots. Cook the carrots for a few more minutes until they slightly soften.
Now, it’s time to add the star of the dish—chopped cabbage. Toss the cabbage into the pot along with the turmeric. Mixing well allows the turmeric to coat the vegetables and chicken evenly, giving your soup a beautiful color and flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth while stirring everything. Turn the heat up to bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and helps the chicken become tender.
After simmering, taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Once seasoned to your liking, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the Cabbage Chicken Soup into bowls, and if you desire, garnish it with some parsley or a sprinkle of pepper for an added touch. Enjoy the warmth and comfort that this soup brings!
How to Serve Cabbage Chicken Soup
When it comes to serving Cabbage Chicken Soup, you have plenty of options to make it even more enjoyable. A simple way to serve it is in a soup bowl with some crusty bread on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth, absorbing all those tasty juices.
You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, over each bowl to add a touch of color and freshness. This simple step brightens up the dish visually and adds a herby aroma that enhances the overall experience.
For a cozy dinner, pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. This combination offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup. Alternatively, consider serving it with steamed rice or noodles to make the meal even heartier. No matter how you choose to serve your Cabbage Chicken Soup, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Expert Tips: Cabbage Chicken Soup
To ensure that your Cabbage Chicken Soup turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh cabbage, organic chicken, and homemade broth elevate the flavors significantly.
Adjust the Flavor: Taste while cooking! Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your preference. A little more salt or a dash of additional spices can make a great difference.
Cook the Chicken Fully: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy if you have one.
Use Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken from another meal, this soup is an excellent way to use it. Just add it to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking to warm through.
Customize Your Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for added flavor and nutrition.
How to Store Cabbage Chicken Soup
Storing your Cabbage Chicken Soup is easy and convenient if you find yourself with leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve its flavor while preventing any bacteria growth.
Once stored, the soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Cabbage Chicken Soup freezes well, and when stored in a freezer-safe container, it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Cabbage Chicken Soup
While the standard Cabbage Chicken Soup recipe is delightful on its own, there are plenty of variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Spicy Cabbage Chicken Soup: If you love a little heat, add diced chili peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
Creamy Cabbage Chicken Soup: For a richer version, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. This adds a velvety texture that many find comforting.
Vegetable Cabbage Chicken Soup: Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Boost the vegetable amount by including sweet peas, green beans, or mushrooms.
Asian-Inspired Cabbage Chicken Soup: Include soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian twist. You could also garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Herb-Infused Variation: Add a bouquet of fresh herbs, such as thyme or bay leaves, during the simmering phase for a fragrant, herbal note.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in Cabbage Chicken Soup?
The main ingredients in your Cabbage Chicken Soup include chicken breast, chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, minced garlic, turmeric, chicken broth, and seasonings of salt and pepper.
Can I make Cabbage Chicken Soup in advance?
Yes! Cabbage Chicken Soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing.
Is Cabbage Chicken Soup healthy?
Absolutely! This Cabbage Chicken Soup is packed with lean protein and lots of vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Can I add other vegetables to Cabbage Chicken Soup?
Yes, feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans, to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
How do I adjust the flavor of Cabbage Chicken Soup?
You can adjust the flavor by tasting the soup as it cooks and adding more salt, pepper, or spices like red pepper flakes for heat.
Cabbage Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast Lean protein source
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped Freshly chopped cabbage
- 2 pieces carrots, sliced Add sweetness and color
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
- 1 tsp turmeric Adds color and flavor
- 6 cups chicken broth Homemade or store-bought
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
- to taste Olive oil For sautéing
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken breast to the pot and cook for a few minutes until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the sliced carrots and cook for a few more minutes until they slightly soften.
- Add the chopped cabbage and turmeric, mixing well to coat the vegetables and chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with parsley or pepper if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!