Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly or you’re looking for something hearty yet comforting, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup. Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, and it’s perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal when you’re craving something light but nourishing. What makes this soup special? It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it both filling and good for you. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-whether you want to keep it low-carb, toss in extra veggies, or add some spice, this soup adapts beautifully to your personal taste.

Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup combines the rich, savory flavors of chicken broth with the earthiness of cabbage, creating a delicate balance of textures. The chicken adds protein and tenderness, while the cabbage brings a slight crunch and a slight bitterness that works wonderfully in the broth.

Let’s break down how to make this soup, explore some of its key ingredients, and talk about ways to tweak it based on your tastes.

Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup Recipe

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for beginner cooks or those in a rush to make something that doesn’t require hours of prep work. Here’s the recipe for a cozy, delicious bowl of Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breast (boneless and skinless) – 2 medium pieces (roughly 1 lb)
• Cabbage – ½ medium head, roughly chopped
• Carrots – 2 medium, sliced thinly
• Onion – 1 large, diced
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth – 4 cups (low sodium preferred)
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Salt & pepper – To taste
• Herbs (thyme, oregano, or bay leaves) – 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or a few sprigs of fresh thyme
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (optional, for a touch of acidity)
• Parsley or cilantro – Fresh, chopped, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest.
2. Sauté the veggies: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Shred the chicken: While the broth is simmering, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
5. Add the cabbage and chicken: Add the shredded chicken and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir in your chosen herbs (thyme, oregano, or a bay leaf) and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
6. Season and garnish: Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy while it’s still piping hot.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays an essential role in creating a balanced, flavorful, and nourishing dish. Let’s take a look at some key components:

• Chicken breast: Lean and high in protein, chicken breast makes the soup hearty without being too heavy. It also absorbs the flavors from the broth, making each bite rich and satisfying.
• Cabbage: Cabbage is a powerhouse vegetable, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients, making it an excellent addition to any soup. Plus, its slight bitterness perfectly complements the savory chicken broth.
• Carrots: These sweet root vegetables add a pop of color and natural sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the soup. They’re also rich in beta-carotene and other vitamins.
• Chicken broth: The base of any good soup, chicken broth adds depth and richness. Opting for low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level while still keeping the soup flavorful.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and bay leaves elevate the soup, infusing it with aromatic flavors. These herbs also provide subtle earthy notes that complement the other ingredients.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup to the next level? Here are some expert tips to enhance both the flavor and the experience:

• Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to throw in other veggies like zucchini, celery, or bell peppers to add variety and extra nutrients.
• Spice it up: For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a finely diced chili pepper to the soup. It adds an interesting contrast to the cabbage’s mild bitterness.
• Use homemade broth: If you have the time, making your own chicken broth from scratch adds a whole new layer of depth to the soup. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken bones.
• Finishing touches: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can be added right before serving to bring in a creamy element. A sprinkle of Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese can also enhance the flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

One of the best parts about Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup is its versatility. Here are a few variations you can try depending on your taste or dietary needs:

• Low-carb/Keto version: Skip the carrots (they have natural sugars) and go heavy on the cabbage and leafy greens like spinach or kale. This variation makes the soup even lighter but just as tasty.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This makes for a hearty and vegetarian-friendly version of the soup.
• Creamy version: For a more indulgent twist, blend some of the soup once the cabbage is tender, then stir in a bit of cream or coconut milk to create a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness.
• Asian-inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce, a teaspoon of ginger, and some rice noodles to give the soup an Asian flair. You can even top it off with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
• Herb-infused: Add fresh dill or basil as your primary herb, bringing a Mediterranean vibe to the soup. You could even add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta cheese to round it out.

Final Words

Cabbage Chicken Broth Soup is an ideal meal when you’re in need of something healthy, comforting, and customizable. It’s the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins, without feeling heavy. Whether you stick to the original recipe or venture into one of the variations, the flavors are guaranteed to be satisfying and nourishing.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It’s the kind of dish you can make on a busy weeknight when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful and wholesome. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, it’s a great base for experimenting with different ingredients and spices.