The BEST Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe 

If you’re seeking a flavorful and hearty vegetable soup with cabbage, Chicken Cabbage Soup is a great choice. This dish, which combines tender chicken with a variety of vegetables, creates a satisfying and nourishing meal. In addition, Chicken Cabbage Soup offers a hearty mix of chicken and healthy vegetables, making it both filling and wholesome. Therefore, this soup provides essential proteins and nutrients, ensuring a complete meal that delights the taste buds. It’s perfect for lunch, and it also makes a light dinner option.

Reasons to Prepare This Soup

• Healthful and Nourishing: Packed with protein and fiber, this Chicken Cabbage Soup is rich in essential nutrients. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and free from gluten, supporting various dietary preferences. ​
  
• Satisfying: The combination of fibrous vegetables and protein keeps you feeling full longer than many other soups. As a result, it helps to curb hunger, making it an ideal meal for any time of day.
  
• Simple to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of preparation, this soup comes together swiftly. After chopping the vegetables, the cooking process is straightforward, and dinner is ready in under an hour.​

Ingredients you will need

• 6 quarts of water, divided
• 1 whole chicken, giblets removed
• 5 carrots, chopped
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
• 2 tablespoons dried dill weed
• 1 tablespoon butter, or to taste (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon ground thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground white pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Chicken Cabbage Soup 

Step 1 

Pour 4 quarts of water into a large stockpot and add the chicken. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Let it simmer until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone, which takes around 45 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it with plastic wrap, and set it aside. Then, cover the pot and refrigerate both the chicken and broth for about 40 minutes, or until the meat is cool enough to handle.

Step 2 

Once cooled, remove the chicken meat from the bones and keep it aside. Skim off any excess fat floating on top of the chilled broth.

Step 3 

Return the pot to the stove and pour in 2 more quarts of water. Add the reserved chicken meat along with chopped carrots, celery, onion, and shredded cabbage. Mix in bouillon, fresh dill, butter, parsley, thyme, minced garlic, white pepper, and a few bay leaves. Simmer over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, which should take around 30 minutes.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor 

• Herb Bouquet: Tie herbs like parsley or rosemary in a cheesecloth sachet for easy removal.​
  
• Acidity Balance: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice brightens the soup’s flavors.​
  
• Umami Boost: Incorporate a tablespoon of tomato paste or soy sauce for depth.

Storage and Reheating 

Store Chicken Cabbage Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. While you can freeze it, this may alter the texture of the cabbage and large vegetables. If you decide to freeze it, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. For the best flavor and texture, consume the soup within three months.

To reheat, bring the soup to a boil to ensure it is heated thoroughly before serving

How to Make a Meal

This Chicken Cabbage Soup is a meal on its own. However, you can enhance your table with some great side options:

Salad Try a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad or a creamy Chicken Salad Chick-style recipe to complement your meal with something light and satisfying.

Bread Serve with warm Cottage Cheese Flatbread, or go a step further and make some freshly baked Cottage Cheese Bread for a truly satisfying meal.

Sandwich Serve a half sandwich with a cup of this soup. A Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wrap would be great!

Drinks Pair your meal with a soothing Starbucks Medicine Ball, the perfect blend of honey, lemon, and soothing herbs for a comforting drink

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Many Pounds Can You Lose on the Cabbage Soup Diet?

The cabbage soup diet is a short-term, low-calorie plan that may lead to 5–10 pounds of weight loss in a week, primarily from water weight. However, results vary based on metabolism, activity level, and adherence. For sustainable fat loss, pair this soup with a balanced diet and exercise.

2. What Is the Secret Ingredient in Cabbage Soup?

While recipes differ, the umami-rich depth in the best chicken cabbage soup often comes from:

• Garlic & thyme (for earthy warmth)
• splash of apple cider vinegar (enhances flavor & digestion)
• Bay leaves (adds subtle complexity)

3. What Does Cabbage Soup Do for Your Body?

This nutrient-packed soup supports health by:

• Boosting digestion (high fiber from cabbage)
• Aiding weight loss (low-calorie, high-volume meal)
• Reducing inflammation (antioxidants in veggies & herbs)
• Hydrating & detoxifying (broth-based with electrolytes)

4. What Spices Work Best in Cabbage Soup?

For a flavorful pot, try:

• Classic: Black pepper, garlic powder, parsley
• Herbs: Thyme, dill, bay leaves
• Spicy Kick: Red pepper flakes, paprika
• Brightness: Lemon zest or a dash of vinegar

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