The Ultimate Chicken Vegetable Soup with Rice (or Noodles)

Welcome to a soul-warming bowl of comfort—the ultimate chicken vegetable soup. This hearty and wholesome recipe is the epitome of delicious simplicity, combining the goodness of tender chicken, a medley of vibrant vegetables, and your choice of rice or noodles. As a bonus, we’ve included notes to customize the stock and vegetables to your liking, making this soup a versatile and personalized delight.

Serves 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 recipe Quick Chicken Stock, including the picked leg meat (see Note above)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into medium dice (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium stalk celery, cut into medium dice (about ½ cup)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup long-grain white rice or 2 cups medium egg noodles
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups kale, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 6 leaves)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a Dutch oven, combine the chicken stock (reserve the meat for later), diced carrots, celery, sliced onion, and rice (or noodles if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the vegetables are almost tender, approximately 15 minutes.
2. Add the torn kale and noodles (if using) to the simmering soup. Continue cooking until all the vegetables and the rice (or noodles) are tender, about 5 minutes more. Stir in the chopped parsley and the reserved chicken meat, warming it through.
3. Season the soup to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now your ultimate chicken vegetable soup is ready to be savored.

NOTES:

• For a more convenient approach, you can use low-sodium canned chicken broth to simmer chicken legs. Once cooked, remove the meat and use the flavorful broth as a base for your soup. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables, ensuring you have around 2½ cups in total.

With its nourishing combination of flavors and textures, this soup is perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re seeking comfort during chilly days or a wholesome meal to lift your spirits, this recipe will not disappoint. So gather your ingredients, prepare your favorite vegetables, and enjoy the heartwarming goodness of the ultimate chicken vegetable soup with rice or noodles.