Chicken Cabbage Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Recipe
On chilly evenings, nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of chicken cabbage soup. It has been my comfort on many winter nights. It offers nourishment and culinary comfort.
This dish combines lean protein, crisp vegetables, and rich flavors into one meal. The chicken cabbage soup turns simple ingredients into a delightful experience. It satisfies hunger and nurtures your body.
It’s perfect for health-conscious food lovers and busy home cooks. This recipe shows that nutritious meals can be quick, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or a hearty meal, this soup is a must-have in your kitchen.
With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you’ll make a vibrant, nutrient-packed soup. It serves up only 280 calories per portion and has 16 grams of protein. Get ready to discover a recipe that will change your mealtime!
Table of Contents
The Perfect Balance of Health and Comfort
Find a healthy soup recipe that’s both nutritious and tasty. Chicken cabbage soup is a great choice for those looking for a low-carb option. It helps with weight loss and boosts overall health.
This soup is packed with nutrients, making it a top pick for health lovers. Each bowl gives you a big nutritional boost:
- Only 133 calories per serving
- High in essential vitamins
- Low in total fat (5 grams)
- Packed with fiber (7 grams)
Understanding the Nutritional Benefits
Choosing this meal is good for your body. It’s full of vitamins, with 90% of daily Vitamin A and 98% of daily Vitamin C. The mix of ingredients gives you a big nutritional punch.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Season
This soup is great all year round. It’s warm and comforting in winter and light in summer. Its broth and veggies make it a favorite for any time of year.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Options
If you’re on a special diet, this soup is perfect. It has only 20 grams of carbs per serving. It’s great for ketogenic and weight loss diets. You can change it up by adding different veggies or proteins to meet your needs.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Cabbage Soup
Making the perfect chicken vegetable soup begins with picking top-notch ingredients. Your cabbage soup recipe will shine with a mix of fresh, tasty parts. These elements come together to make a healthy meal.
To make the tastiest chicken cabbage soup, you’ll need these key ingredients:
- Protein Base: 1 1/2 cups of rotisserie chicken or fresh chicken breast
- Vegetables:
- 1/2 small head of cabbage
- 3 celery stalks
- 4 large carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Liquid Base: 2 quarts of chicken stock or broth
- Optional Additions: 1-2 cups prepared rice
You’ll also need some key seasonings to boost the taste:
| Herb/Spice | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon | Adds earthy flavor |
| Basil | 1 teaspoon | Provides sweet, peppery notes |
| Avocado Oil | 2 tablespoons | Healthy cooking base |
Pro tip for your chicken vegetable soup: Go for fresh, crisp veggies and top-notch chicken for the best taste. Feel free to play with how much of each ingredient you use to match your taste!
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Making a simple soup like chicken cabbage soup needs some basic kitchen tools. The right tools make cooking easier and more fun. Whether you’re new to cooking or have lots of experience, the right cookware and utensils are key to a tasty meal.
Starting your easy soup recipe journey means picking the right kitchen equipment. The tools you pick can really change how your soup turns out.
Essential Cookware
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: The main pot for your soup, needing at least 6 quarts
- Sharp Chef’s Knife for cutting veggies well
- Sturdy Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula for stirring
- Measuring Cups and Spoons for exact ingredient amounts
Optional Kitchen Gadgets
- Slow Cooker: Great for cooking without much effort and getting deep flavors
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker: Shortens cooking time a lot
- Immersion Blender: Good for smooth textures
- Kitchen Scale: For exact ingredient measurements
Good kitchen tools can turn your easy soup recipe into a real treat. Remember, the right tools make cooking better and more fun.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making chicken cabbage soup is easy if you follow these steps. This guide will show you how to make a tasty and healthy meal. It’s simple and fulfilling.
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Chop 1/2 large head of cabbage
- Finely mince 2 garlic cloves
- Drain and rinse 1 can of white beans
- Create the Flavor Base
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot
- Sauté garlic for approximately 1 minute until fragrant
- Add chopped cabbage and cook for 6 minutes
- Build the Soup
- Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium broth
- Add 1 can of fire-roasted tomatoes
- Stir in white beans and fresh thyme
Your chicken cabbage soup will be ready in just 45 minutes. Prep time is only 15 minutes. Each serving has about 242 calories, making it a great, filling meal.
“Cooking is about passion, so it may look slightly temperamental in a way that it’s too assertive to the naked eye.” – Gordon Ramsay
To finish, add fresh parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This will make your soup even more flavorful.
| Cooking Stage | Duration | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes | Ingredient chopping |
| Flavor Base | 8 minutes | Sautéing vegetables |
| Simmering | 22 minutes | Developing soup flavors |
Remember to store your chicken cabbage soup in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or freeze it for 2 months. This way, you’ll always have a tasty meal ready.
Tips for Selecting and Preparing the Cabbage
Creating the perfect cabbage soup recipe begins with picking and preparing your cabbage. The right cabbage and preparation can make your soup truly special.
When picking cabbage, choose heads that are firm and heavy. Green cabbage is best for most recipes. It has a mild flavor and a tender texture.
Choosing the Right Cabbage
- Select cabbage with crisp, vibrant green leaves
- Avoid heads with brown spots or wilted outer leaves
- Check for firmness – a good cabbage should feel solid when gently squeezed
- Freshness is key for the best cabbage soup recipe
Proper Cutting Techniques
Cutting cabbage right is important for even cooking and the best texture. Start by removing the tough outer leaves and rinsing the cabbage well.
- Rinse the cabbage under cold water
- Remove the tough core by cutting around it at an angle
- Slice the cabbage into thin strips or rough chop, depending on your preference
- For a noodle-like texture, cut longer, thinner strips
Pre-cooking Preparation
Prepare your cabbage just before adding it to the soup. This keeps it fresh and full of nutrients. If you want to soften the cabbage a bit, blanching it quickly can help.
Pro tip: Roasting cabbage at 415 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes can add a delightful caramelized flavor to your soup.
Remember, the secret to a great cabbage soup is using fresh, quality ingredients and handling them with care.
Customizing Your Soup with Additional Vegetables
Turn your basic chicken vegetable soup into a work of art by adding new veggies. Your soup can change to fit your taste and health goals.
Make your chicken vegetable soup even better with these tasty veggies:
- Broccoli florets for extra nutrition
- Bell peppers for vibrant color
- Zucchini for a tender texture
- Spinach for iron-rich goodness
- Cauliflower for low-carb variety
Want a vegetarian soup instead? Just swap the chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth. This change makes a hearty, comforting vegetarian soup.
Here are some tips for adding veggies to your soup:
- Cut veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking
- Add delicate veggies like spinach near the end of cooking
- Roast harder veggies beforehand for enhanced flavor
Pro tip: Try seasonal veggies to keep your soup fresh and full of nutrients!
Flavor Enhancing Tips and Seasonings
Turning your chicken cabbage soup into a masterpiece is all about the right seasoning. The perfect mix of herbs, spices, and broth can make it a dish that wows your taste buds.
Herb Combinations That Sing
Choosing the right herbs can make a huge difference in your chicken cabbage soup. Here are some great herb mixes:
- Classic Mediterranean: Dried thyme, oregano, and basil
- Rustic French: Fresh rosemary and parsley
- Spicy Kick: Red pepper flakes with dried sage
Broth Selection Secrets
Your broth is the base of your soup’s flavor. Bone broth adds nutrition and depth, while vegetable or chicken stock can bring amazing tastes. A tip: bloom your spices by heating them in oil before adding liquid to boost their flavor.
Flavor Boosting Techniques
Make your soup even better with these ingredients:
- A splash of white wine for complexity
- Fresh lemon juice for brightness
- Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
- Smoked paprika for subtle smokiness
Seasoning is an art. Start with a little, taste often, and adjust as needed. Your chicken cabbage soup will be grateful for the extra care in flavor.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Keeping your chicken cabbage soup fresh is key. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Here are some tips for storing your soup:
- Cool the soup completely before storing
- Use glass or BPA-free containers
- Maintain refrigerator temperature at 40°F or below
- Leave one inch of headspace when freezing
Freezing your soup needs careful thought. Chicken cabbage soup can be frozen, but veggies might change texture when thawed. Freeze for up to 3 months.
| Storage Method | Duration | Recommended Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Use airtight container |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Label with date and name |
When reheating, boil the soup for 3 minutes to ensure safety. Then, simmer for another 3 minutes to keep the flavor and texture.
Pro tip: Avoid freezing soups with starchy ingredients like rice or pasta, as they can become mushy when thawed.
Making it a Complete Meal: Serving Suggestions
Turn your chicken cabbage soup into a full meal with smart serving ideas. This healthy soup recipe is great for making a balanced and nutritious meal.
Pair your chicken cabbage soup with sides that boost flavor and nutrition. Here are some tasty options:
- Crusty whole grain bread for added texture
- Fresh green salad with light vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables for extra nutrients
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb alternatives
This chicken cabbage soup is perfect for different diets. With 31g of protein per serving, you can adjust it to meet various health goals.
| Serving Option | Calories Added | Protein Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Grain Bread | 100-150 kcal | 3-4g |
| Roasted Vegetables | 50-75 kcal | 2-3g |
| Quinoa Side | 120-180 kcal | 4-6g |
If you’re watching your macros, this chicken cabbage soup is a great choice. It fits into many diets, from weight loss to muscle gain, and is always comforting.
Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations
Your chicken cabbage soup is more than just a tasty meal. It’s packed with nutrients that support your health and wellness. It’s a great choice for those following a low-carb diet or a detox plan.
Cabbage is a key ingredient for weight loss, say nutrition experts. This soup offers a balanced mix of nutrients to help you meet your dietary goals.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each bowl of this soup is full of good stuff with few calories:
- Approximately 50-100 calories per bowl
- 3-5 grams of dietary fiber
- 5 grams of protein
- 13 grams of carbohydrates
- Only 1 gram of fat
Dietary Modifications
This recipe fits many diets:
- Low-Carb Diet: Lowers carb intake
- Paleo Diet: Uses only whole foods
- Detox Plan: Helps with natural cleansing
- Weight Loss Strategy: Low-calorie, full of nutrients
“Cabbage is linked to reduced inflammation and lower cancer risks,” reports the American Institute for Cancer Research.
While this soup can help with short-term weight loss, experts say it’s best as part of a balanced diet. Quick weight loss diets often don’t last. Weight usually comes back soon after.
Conclusion
Your journey into chicken cabbage soup shows a healthy recipe that turns simple ingredients into a nutritious meal. It’s low in calories but full of important nutrients. Each serving has just 120 calories, making it a tasty choice for your health.
This soup is great because you can change it up to fit your diet. It’s perfect for those looking to lose weight or just want a cozy meal. Plus, it’s ready in 45 minutes, ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
Trying new veggies and spices in this soup opens up a world of nutrition. Cabbage, protein, and ingredients like garlic and turmeric boost its health benefits. Begin your cooking journey with chicken cabbage soup today.
Now, you have a versatile, healthy recipe for all seasons. Enjoy the ease, flavors, and health benefits with every spoonful.
