Make this cabbage chicken soup recipe for a cozy, healthy meal. Packed with tender chicken, cabbage, and rich broth—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Cabbage Chicken Soup Recipe
Warm, cozy, and nourishing, this cabbage chicken soup recipe blends tender chicken, soft cabbage, and hearty vegetables into a comforting homemade meal.
Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a light yet filling dish, this soup is easy to prepare and budget-friendly. Its rich broth and vibrant vegetables make it a flavorful, wholesome option for the whole family.
Ingredients Overview
| Ingredient | Purpose / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Bone-in chicken | Creates a rich, flavorful broth |
| (or Boneless chicken) | Speeds up cooking while still adding protein |
| Green cabbage | Adds fiber, vitamins, and bulk |
| Carrots | Provide natural sweetness and color |
| Celery | Adds aroma and depth |
| Onion | Builds a savory flavor base |
| Garlic | Enhances aroma and taste |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | Keeps sodium low while enriching flavor |
| Olive oil | For sautéing vegetables and adding richness |
| Bay leaf | Infuses subtle earthy aroma |
| Thyme or parsley | Adds freshness and herbal notes |
| Salt and black pepper | Essential seasoning to balance flavors |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare vegetables: Dice onion, carrot, celery, and mince garlic to create an aromatic base. Slice cabbage thinly for even cooking.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Cook chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot. Brown lightly for flavor, then pour in chicken broth to cover.
4. Simmer gently: Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Add cabbage: Stir in sliced cabbage during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it stays tender-crisp, not mushy.
6. Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred meat with forks, then return it to the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or pepper. Simmer briefly to blend flavors.
8. Serve hot: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
This method ensures deep flavor, juicy chicken, and perfectly tender cabbage, making it a hearty and satisfying homemade soup.
Pro Tips
- Use bone-in chicken to create a rich, flavorful broth for your cabbage chicken soup recipe.
- Cut cabbage into uniform strips so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Sauté vegetables thoroughly to release their natural sweetness and deepen the flavor.
- Skim off foam while simmering chicken to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.
- Add cabbage near the end so it stays slightly crisp, not mushy.
- Let the soup rest 5 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end for perfect balance.
- Add fresh herbs last to keep their aroma vibrant.
- Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
- Garnish with lemon or parsley to brighten the finished soup.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serve hot with fresh parsley or lemon juice for brightness. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container or freeze for 2–3 months. Reheat gently to keep the chicken moist and preserve the fresh flavor of cabbage.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Nutrient / Element | Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| High-quality protein | Lean chicken | Builds and repairs muscles, supports metabolism, keeps you fuller longer |
| Dietary fiber | Cabbage and vegetables | Improves digestion, promotes gut health, and helps control blood sugar |
| Vitamin C | Fresh cabbage | Strengthens the immune system and aids collagen production |
| Vitamin K | Cabbage | Supports bone strength and healthy blood clotting |
| Antioxidants | Cabbage, garlic, herbs | Protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation |
| Low calories & low fat | Lean ingredients, no cream | Ideal for weight management without sacrificing flavor |
| Hydration from broth | Chicken broth | Replenishes fluids and maintains electrolyte balance |
| Meal prep friendly | Keeps well when refrigerated | Easy to store and reheat, perfect for busy schedules |
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this cabbage chicken soup recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Q2: Can I freeze this chicken and cabbage soup?
Absolutely. Cool it completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I use leftover chicken in this soup?
Yes, just stir in shredded cooked chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Q4:Can I prepare this cabbage chicken soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours for a hands-off method.
Q5: How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce while simmering.
Q6: Is this cabbage chicken soup recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
