Savory Chicken and Cabbage Soup
This Savory Chicken and Cabbage Soup is a cozy one-pot meal made with tender chicken, fresh cabbage, sweet carrots, and flavorful herbs. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough for a relaxing weekend dinner. Fresh dill stirred in at the end gives the soup a bright, refreshing finish.
With plenty of vegetables and shredded chicken in every bowl, this homemade soup is a delicious way to make a satisfying meal from simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Cabbage Soup
- Easy one-pot recipe
- Perfect for chilly evenings
- Uses simple everyday ingredients
- Ready without complicated cooking techniques
- Great way to add more vegetables to dinner
- Fresh dill adds a bright finishing flavor
- Easy to customize with potatoes, spinach, or leftover turkey
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- ½ head cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
How to Make Chicken and Cabbage Soup
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the Vegetables
Stir in the sliced carrots and shredded cabbage. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add the Chicken and Broth
Add the shredded cooked chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
4. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to come together.
5. Add Fresh Dill
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the fresh chopped dill just before serving.
6. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite side.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Cabbage Soup
Use cooked chicken: Shredded leftover chicken makes this recipe especially quick and convenient.
Don’t skip the dill: Fresh dill gives the finished soup a fresh flavor that helps brighten the cabbage and chicken.
Adjust the vegetables: Add diced potatoes or spinach if you want to make the soup even heartier.
Make it creamy: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream after the soup has finished simmering for a richer version.
Easy Variations
Chicken and Potato Soup
Add diced potatoes along with the carrots and cabbage for a more filling bowl.
Creamy Chicken Cabbage Soup
Stir heavy cream into the finished soup for a creamy variation.
Spicy Chicken Cabbage Soup
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Turkey and Cabbage Soup
Replace the cooked chicken with leftover turkey, making this an especially useful recipe after the holidays.
What to Serve With Chicken and Cabbage Soup
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread, warm biscuits, or a fresh green salad. Mashed potatoes or rice can also make the meal more substantial, while a little grated Parmesan on top adds extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes. Cooked shredded chicken works perfectly and makes this a quick way to use leftovers.
Can I use turkey instead?
Yes. Leftover cooked turkey can replace the chicken.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes. Add about 1 cup of heavy cream after simmering for a richer version.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced potatoes and spinach are suggested additions that work well with the chicken and cabbage.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4–6 servings.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Chicken and Cabbage Soup is a simple, comforting one-pot dinner that’s easy to prepare and flexible enough for whatever you have in the kitchen. Tender chicken, cabbage, carrots, and herbs create a flavorful broth, while fresh dill adds the perfect finishing touch.
