Winter’s chill brings a cozy feeling with homemade chicken cabbage soup. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, filling you with comfort. This soup is perfect for a quick meal or a healthy choice.
It’s made with tender chicken, baby potatoes, and colorful veggies. You can make it in 30 minutes, great for busy nights. Plus, it’s easy to store, so you can enjoy it for days.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Magic of Chicken Cabbage Soup
Chicken cabbage soup is a classic dish that mixes tender chicken with fresh cabbage. It comes from traditional Filipino cuisine, known as Tinola. This soup has evolved, keeping its core as a hearty and healthy meal.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
This soup is not just tasty but also good for you. It has lean chicken and lots of cabbage fiber. This makes it a great meal for weight control. Some people even lose up to 10 pounds in a week on this diet.
Why This Recipe Works
This cabbage and chicken slow cooker recipe is a hit because it’s balanced and flexible. You can add different veggies and meats to it. It’s perfect for those who want a healthy, easy meal or just a comforting soup.
“This cabbage and chicken slow cooker recipe has become a staple in my household. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and the perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into my diet.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Soup
To make the best cabbage chicken soup, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a tender base. Use a savory chicken broth to blend the flavors together.
Add baby yellow potatoes for a creamy texture and green cabbage for a fresh crunch. Include aromatic ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic, celery, and carrots. Don’t forget to add olive oil and season with kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and rosemary.
For a fresh twist, add herbs like parsley, basil, or dill. The secret to a great cabbage chicken soup is using the best ingredients. This way, you’ll make a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Info (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts | 1 lb | Protein: 31g |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Sodium: 395mg |
| Baby yellow potatoes, halved | 1 lb | Carbs: 25g, Dietary Fiber: 5g |
| Green cabbage, shredded | 4 cups | Carbs: 25g, Dietary Fiber: 5g |
| Fresh ginger, minced | 2 tbsp | – |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves | – |
| Celery, sliced | 2 stalks | – |
| Carrots, sliced | 2 medium | – |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Total Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | Sodium: 395mg |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | – |
| Cumin | 1 tsp | – |
| Rosemary | 1 tsp | – |
| Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill) | 1/4 cup, chopped | – |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting cabbage chicken soup. It will delight your senses and warm your soul.
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips
Making the perfect easy soup recipes, like our tasty chicken soup recipes, needs the right tools and prep. Let’s explore the key cookware and smart tips to make your soup simmer to perfection.
Required Cookware
A large, heavy-bottomed stock pot or Dutch oven is at the heart of any great soup. This versatile pot lets you sauté aromatics, simmer the broth, and stew ingredients easily. Use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board for quick veggie prep.
Prep Work Essentials
- Peel and chop carrots, onions, and celery into even, bite-sized pieces.
- Quarter the potatoes to ensure they cook through evenly.
- Shred or thinly slice the cabbage into small, manageable pieces.
Time-Saving Tools
For more efficiency, use a food processor or mandoline slicer to chop veggies quickly and evenly. These tools can cut down prep time, letting you move on to the next steps of cooking.
With the right equipment and some prep, you’ll be on your way to making a delicious chicken soup recipe. It’s sure to warm your soul.
Selecting and Preparing the Chicken
Choosing the right chicken is key for a delicious chicken cabbage soup. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Chicken breasts are leaner but won’t have the same rich taste as thighs.
Make sure to cut the chicken into small pieces before adding it to the soup. This helps it cook evenly and makes the soup easier to eat. If you’re short on time, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save you a lot of prep work.
If you’re using frozen chicken, thaw it first to ensure it cooks evenly. With a bit of prep, your chicken will be tender and full of flavor, making your chicken and cabbage recipes even better.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 43g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fiber | 11g |
The chicken and cabbage recipes need 40 to 60 minutes to cook. This allows the flavors to blend and the chicken to be fully cooked. You can keep the soup in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great meal prep option.
The Art of Chopping Cabbage
Starting your cabbage soup journey begins with chopping cabbage perfectly. This veggie brings amazing flavor and texture to your chicken cabbage soup. With the right chopping techniques, your cabbage will be ready to enhance your dish.
Best Cutting Techniques
To get the right cabbage pieces, cut the cabbage in half through the core. Then, remove the core and throw it away. Slice the cabbage halves into thin, 1-inch strips. For even more precise slices, cut the strips crosswise into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the cabbage in half through the core
- Remove the core and discard it
- Slice the cabbage halves into thin, 1-inch strips
- Cut the strips crosswise into bite-sized pieces
Storage Tips for Fresh Cabbage
To keep your cabbage fresh for your soup, store it right. Wrap any unused cabbage in a plastic bag and refrigerate for up to one week. Or, use pre-shredded cabbage for a quick fix. This saves you time and effort in your soup.
| Cabbage Storage Tips | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Whole cabbage, wrapped in plastic bag | Up to 1 week in the refrigerator |
| Pre-shredded cabbage | Convenient time-saving option |
Mastering cabbage chopping and storage will help you make a tasty cabbage soup. Your taste buds will thank you.
Building Layers of Flavor
Making a tasty chicken and cabbage soup is all about layers of flavor. Start by cooking onions, carrots, garlic, and ginger. This mix creates a base that adds depth to the soup.
Adding ground cumin brings warmth and complexity. It pairs well with the veggies, making the soup balanced.
Choose chicken thighs for a richer soup. They add a velvety texture and a strong chicken flavor that goes well with the cabbage and soup.
Finish with a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh touch.
Adding a bay leaf adds depth and complexity. Its subtle aroma makes the soup even more charming.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions, diced | 2 medium |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 4 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on | 6 |
| Vinegar (apple cider or white wine) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley or dill, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Bay leaves | 3 |
By carefully adding these layers, you’ll make a chicken and cabbage soup that’s both healthy and delicious.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Get ready for a comforting and flavorful homemade chicken cabbage soup. The secret is in the step-by-step cooking process. It brings out the best in each ingredient. Let’s explore how to make the perfect how to make chicken cabbage soup.
Initial Sautéing Phase
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté onions, celery, and carrots for 5-7 minutes. They should be crisp-tender. This step is key for the flavor of your how to make chicken cabbage soup.
Proper Simmering Techniques
After the vegetables soften, add the chicken and brown it for 2-3 minutes. Then, add broth, stewed tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors mix and the vegetables tenderize.
Final Seasoning Adjustments
Add shredded cabbage to the pot. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage is cooked and the chicken is fully cooked. Stir in frozen peas and adjust the seasoning. Your how to make chicken cabbage soup is now ready to enjoy.
The secret to this how to make chicken cabbage soup recipe is in the details. From sautéing to simmering, pay attention. With patience and love, you’ll get a delicious, comforting bowl of homemade chicken cabbage soup.
Customization Options and Variations
This healthy dinner recipes is very versatile. The classic chicken cabbage soup is great, but you can make it your own. You can add a spicy kick or make it more filling.
Want more nutrients? Try adding kale, broccoli, or zucchini. These veggies add flavor and health to your low carb soup.
Looking for a different protein? Swap chicken for Italian sausage or ground chicken. This simple change makes the soup excitingly new.
- Add rice or beans for a filling meal.
- Use cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Try different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for flavor.
- Use riced cauliflower instead of cabbage for a low-carb option.
Customizing this soup is endless. Let your creativity shine and make it your own. It’s perfect for a hearty healthy dinner recipes or a light low carb soup.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 236 |
| Total Carbs | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Net Carbs | 9 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
The Chicken Cabbage Soup is adaptable to your diet and taste. Try different ingredients and flavors to make a soup that’s both delicious and healthy.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Your homemade Chicken and Cabbage Soup is not only tasty, but also super convenient for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. This way, you can enjoy its comforting taste all week long. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. This makes it perfect for meal prep and future cravings.
To reheat your Chicken and Cabbage Soup, just bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer until it’s hot all the way through. This method keeps the flavors together and the veggies’ texture just right. If the soup has gotten thicker, you can add a bit of water or broth to get it back to your liking.
Using this meal prep soup recipes idea with Chicken and Cabbage Soup is a real game-changer. It’s easy to store and reheat, so you can enjoy it multiple times during the week. It’s a great choice for busy days because it’s both convenient and healthy. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting soup, knowing it’s easy to make and enjoy.
Chicken Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small head of cabbage chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, parsley, and smoked paprika. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chopped cabbage and stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.