Easy Clear Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe – Light, Flavorful & Easy Homemade Broth (Quick & Delicious Recipe)
This clear chicken vegetable soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light golden broth in one simple, comforting meal. Delicate, savory, and ready in 45 minutes without cream or heavy thickeners.
Introduction
This clear chicken vegetable soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables and a light golden broth in one simple, comforting meal. Unlike creamy or thick soups, this recipe keeps the broth clear and delicate while still giving you plenty of savory chicken flavor.
One of the main differences between this recipe and a regular chicken vegetable soup is the cooking method. Instead of vigorously boiling everything together, the broth is kept at a gentle simmer and strained before serving to yield a clean, translucent appearance.
Why this is a Great Meal
Why You'll Love This Clear Chicken Vegetable Soup:
• Light & Clear Golden Broth: Gentle simmering and fine-mesh straining yield a transparent, clean broth. • Tender Chicken & Fresh Veggies: Chicken thighs/breasts paired with carrots, celery, green beans, and zucchini. • No Heavy Cream or Starch: Naturally low-carb and light without cream, cornstarch, or pasta. • Simple Everyday Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry and refrigerator staples. • Meal-Prep & Freeze Friendly: Broth and chicken can be prepped in advance for easy lunches.
Instructions
- 01
Slice carrots into rounds, chop celery, quarter the onion, peel garlic, trim green beans, and slice zucchini into half-moons.
- 02
Place chicken, 6 cups water, onion quarters, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a pot. Bring slowly to a gentle simmer over medium heat and skim foam from the surface.
- 03
Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken to a plate to rest before shredding.
- 04
Remove bay leaf and pour broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot, discarding cooked onion and garlic for a crystal-clear liquid.
- 05
Return clear broth to saucepan. Add carrots and celery first, simmer 5 minutes, then add green beans and zucchini for another 4-6 minutes.
- 06
Return shredded chicken to broth for 2-3 minutes. Finish with fresh parsley and optional squeeze of lemon juice. Ladle warm into bowls.
- ✦Never boil aggressively; keep broth at a gentle simmer to prevent cloudiness.
- ✦Start with cold water so fat and proteins rise slowly and can be easily skimmed.
- ✦Strain liquid through a fine-mesh sieve for a clean, sparkling golden finish.
Need Metric or Gram Weights?
Convert cup measurements to grams using ingredient-specific density factors.
Easy Variations
Ginger Chicken Vegetable Broth
Add a 1/2-inch slice of fresh ginger to the broth while simmering for immune-boosting warmth.
Spinach & Clear Chicken Soup
Stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach during the last minute of cooking.
Lemon Herb Clear Soup
Add fresh dill, parsley, and a extra splash of lemon juice right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I keep chicken broth clear instead of cloudy?
A: Simmer gently without boiling, skim foam during early cooking, and strain liquid through a fine-mesh sieve.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Chicken breast gives a leaner, milder soup, while thighs yield a slightly richer broth.
Q: Can I freeze clear chicken vegetable soup?
A: Yes! Freeze the chicken and broth. For best vegetable texture, add fresh vegetables when reheating.
Nutrition
Approximate values — meant as a guide, not a verdict.
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