Ground Chicken Soup

This Ground Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. With lean protein from ground chicken and a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s both hearty and light, making it ideal for any time of the year.

Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving something warm and satisfying, this soup delivers rich flavor in every spoonful. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and stores well making it a top pick for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 medium zucchini, chopped

• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of ½ lemon

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.

2. Add ground chicken to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Add carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 225 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

When it comes to meals that are as nourishing as they are comforting, Ground Chicken and Vegetable Soup checks all the boxes. It’s warm, filling, incredibly easy to make, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl on a cold night or simply looking for a healthier way to meal prep for the week, this soup deserves a spot in your rotation.

Why Ground Chicken Soup is a Must-Try

Ground chicken is one of the most versatile lean proteins you can keep in your fridge. It’s lighter than ground beef, lower in fat, and still offers a satisfying bite. Combined with colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs, it transforms into a soup that’s both hearty and health-conscious.

Unlike traditional chicken noodle or cream-based soups, this version focuses on a clean, broth-forward profile. It’s gluten-free, naturally low in carbohydrates, and perfect for those following paleo, Whole30, or low-carb meal plans. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra vegetables you may have in your fridge.

A Nutrient-Packed Meal in Every Spoonful

This soup is loaded with fresh, whole ingredients that offer a variety of health benefits:

• Ground chicken provides high-quality protein that supports muscle health and keeps you full longer.
• Carrots bring natural sweetness and are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A for immune support.
• Celery adds crunch and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Zucchini and green beans are hydrating vegetables that contribute essential minerals and fiber.
• Garlic and onions provide antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties while enhancing the flavor.
• Tomatoes (via canned diced tomatoes) are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
• Fresh herbs and lemon juice bring brightness and depth, while aiding digestion and boosting flavor.

Not only does this soup taste amazing, but it also fuels your body with clean energy and essential nutrients.

The Benefits of Cooking with Ground Chicken

Ground chicken has become increasingly popular in kitchens around the world for good reason. It’s leaner than red meat, cooks quickly, and adapts beautifully to a variety of flavor profiles from spicy to savory. When used in a soup, it breaks up easily into tender, bite-sized pieces that absorb all the flavors of the broth and vegetables.

For those watching their fat intake, ground chicken is a healthier alternative to beef or pork. It also contains fewer calories and less saturated fat, making it ideal for those on heart-healthy or weight-conscious diets.

Customization Ideas and Add-Ins

One of the best parts about this soup is how easily it can be customized. It’s a wonderful base recipe that can be adapted based on seasonal produce, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand. Here are some great ways to mix things up:

• Add grains or legumes: Stir in cooked quinoa, brown rice, or canned beans (like white beans or chickpeas) for extra texture and fiber.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes, paprika, or cayenne for a kick of heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
• Go green: Toss in kale, spinach, or Swiss chard in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
• Change the protein: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey, lean beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

This recipe is extremely forgiving, which makes it great for novice cooks or anyone looking to clean out the fridge in a delicious, wholesome way.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Another huge advantage of this soup is how well it stores. Whether you’re cooking for one or prepping meals for the entire family, it holds up beautifully in the fridge and even better in the freezer.

• Fridge storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it taste even better the next day.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Pro tip: If you plan to add pasta or grains, cook and store them separately so they don’t soak up too much broth during storage.

When and How to Serve

This soup makes a satisfying standalone meal but also pairs well with other sides if you’re planning a bigger spread:

• Serve with a crusty piece of sourdough or multigrain bread to soak up the broth.
• Add a side salad for a crunchy contrast something like arugula with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.
• Top with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for added umami and richness.

Because it’s light yet filling, this soup works well as a lunch, a light dinner, or even as a starter for a multi-course meal.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

One of the challenges for many home cooks is finding meals that please both adults and kids. This soup strikes the perfect balance. It’s mild, colorful, and easy to eat. If you’re serving picky eaters, you can dice the veggies smaller or even blend part of the soup to make a smoother consistency. Either way, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables and protein without any fuss.

Sustainability and Budget-Friendliness

With rising grocery costs, it’s more important than ever to find meals that are both affordable and satisfying. Ground chicken is often more budget-friendly than whole cuts of meat, and the vegetables used in this recipe are common and inexpensive.

Making a large batch of soup allows you to stretch your ingredients further, reducing waste and saving time throughout the week. You can even repurpose leftover soup as a sauce for pasta or grain bowls, getting even more mileage out of one cook session.

Conclusion: A Soup for Every Season and Every Kitchen

Ground Chicken and Vegetable Soup is more than just a meal it’s comfort in a bowl. With its clean ingredients, vibrant colors, and soothing aroma, it has a way of making any day feel better. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight dinner, a nourishing dish to fight off the sniffles, or a make-ahead lunch option that’s actually exciting to eat, this soup delivers.

Its adaptability means you can make it your own every time, and its health benefits ensure that you’re fueling your body the right way. It’s proof that wholesome, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. In fact, sometimes the simplest recipes become the most cherished.

So next time you’re in the mood for something warming, delicious, and nourishing grab a pot, some ground chicken, and your favorite veggies, and let this soup work its magic.