Hearty Tomato Chicken Vegetable Soup: A Comforting Classic

Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful dinner that eases busy weeknights.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 22, 2025

Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful dinner that eases busy weeknights.

Few dishes deliver the homey satisfaction of a bowl of tomato chicken vegetable soup. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, succulent chicken, and a savory tomato broth, this timeless recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply warming up on a chilly day. This guide takes you through every step of crafting the perfect soup, offers practical variations and make-ahead tips, and answers your most common questions so you can serve comfort by the spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Nutrient-rich: A medley of classic and colorful vegetables boosts flavor and nutrition.
Satisfying protein: Tender cooked chicken transforms the soup into a meal.
Convenient: Find most ingredients in your pantry or fridge for last-minute dinners.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or use leftovers without fuss.
Comforting & versatile: A steaming bowl soothes on cold days or comforts the unwell.

This soup embodies the very best of one-pot cooking—simple, nourishing, and easily scaled for a crowd or stash in your freezer for easy lunches.

Essential Ingredients

Chicken breast or thighs: Boneless, skinless pieces cook quickly and shred easily.
Vegetables: Classic choices include carrots, celery, green beans, potatoes, corn, and peas.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste provide the base’s flavor and color.
Broth: Chicken broth supports depth and body in the soup.
Herbs & seasonings: Garlic, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and black pepper add savory dimension.
Olive oil and butter: For sautéing vegetables and enriching the broth.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or frozen mixed vegetables for extra convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil and a little butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are beginning to soften and the onions are translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add potatoes and herbs:
Add diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring a few times, just until the potatoes begin to soften at the edges.
Stir in tomato base:
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring it through the vegetables. Pour in canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir well to combine.
Pour in broth and simmer:
Add chicken broth to cover the vegetables by about an inch. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Add chicken and remaining vegetables:
Add chicken breasts or thighs directly into the simmering soup, along with green beans, corn, and peas. Simmer uncovered until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Shred the chicken:
Carefully remove chicken to a plate and let cool for a few minutes. Shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Season & serve:
Taste for salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Short on time? Use leftover roast or rotisserie chicken—just add it at the end to warm through.

Ingredient Swaps & Recipe Variations

Vegetables: Swap in zucchini, baby spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, or frozen mixes; nearly any vegetable works.
Beans: Add a can of drained white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.
Pasta or rice: Stir in cooked small pasta shapes or white/brown rice in the last 10 minutes for a more filling soup.
Spices: Try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for extra depth or kick.
Dairy finish: Stir in a splash of cream, a swirl of Greek yogurt, or a topping of grated Parmesan cheese after ladling into bowls.
Meatless option: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Don’t be afraid to make this soup your own—mix and match according to what’s in your pantry, fridge, or garden.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make ahead: Prepare the full soup up to 3 days in advance. The flavors meld and improve overnight.
Storage: Refrigerate cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding more broth if needed for desired consistency.
Freezing: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, add small pasta or leafy greens fresh after reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with warm, crusty bread or cheesy toast.
Top with shredded Parmesan, fresh basil, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Serve alongside a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Add a dollop of sour cream for creamy richness.

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrient	Per Serving* (Approx.)
Calories	270
Protein	21g
Total Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	830mg (using standard boxed broth)

*Nutrition values vary with exact ingredients and serving size. For lower sodium, use homemade or low-sodium broth and watch added salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned or pre-cooked chicken?

A: Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken, grilled leftovers, or canned chicken (drained and flaked) all work well for speed and convenience.

Q: How do I keep the vegetables from getting mushy?

A: Add tender vegetables (like peas or leafy greens) toward the end of the cooking time. For pasta or rice, cook them separately and add just before serving if you plan to store leftovers.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: The base soup is naturally gluten-free—avoid adding pasta or use certified gluten-free noodles if desired.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes. Sauté aromatics as directed, then transfer everything except delicate veggies (peas, greens) and pre-cooked pasta/rice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding quick-cooking vegetables just before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to freeze and reheat the soup?

A: Cool completely, then divide into freezer-safe containers. If freezing with pasta or rice, cook them less than al dente to prevent sogginess. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop.

Complete Recipe Card

Tomato Chicken Vegetable Soup

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled & chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium potatoes, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup green beans, trimmed & cut
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
3/4 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1 bay leaf
Salt & black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil and butter over medium heat until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir, then add tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
Pour in broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Add chicken, green beans, corn, and peas.
Simmer until chicken is cooked through (about 20 minutes). Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. Add parsley. Serve warm.

Final Thoughts

Homemade tomato chicken vegetable soup is a nourishing, delicious answer to any busy night or family gathering. With flexible ingredients, forgiving methods, and big payoffs in flavor and comfort, it deserves a place in every home cook’s regular rotation. Try it today—you just may find it becomes your own kitchen classic.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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