Hearty Home-Style Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), or 4–5 chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
2. Build the Soup Base
   • Remove the chicken and set aside.
   • In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Spices
   • Return the chicken to the pot.
   • Pour in chicken broth and add thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables
   • Add potatoes, green beans, and corn.
   • Continue simmering for another 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken
   • Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it with forks, and return it to the soup.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve
   • Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.