When the weather takes a chillier turn and the craving for comfort food sets in, there’s nothing like a bowl of warm, hearty soup to soothe your soul. Enter the cabbage and chicken tenderloin soup—a dish that ticks all the boxes for a wholesome, satisfying meal. With its perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, this soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Not only is this soup incredibly flavorful, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make it as nourishing as it is delicious. The combination of chicken and cabbage creates a hearty texture, while the carrots, celery, and herbs add layers of depth and taste. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you need a healthy, fulfilling lunch to power your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium head of cabbage, cored and chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken tenderloin pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Add Seasonings and Chicken: Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot to continue cooking.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Finish with Freshness: Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the juice of one lemon for a burst of brightness. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, herbs, and high-quality chicken will make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate.
- Make It Your Own: Add other vegetables such as potatoes or zucchini for variety, or sprinkle in some chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Why This Soup is Good for You
This cabbage and chicken tenderloin soup isn’t just a comfort food; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, while chicken tenderloin offers a lean source of protein. Carrots and celery add fiber and essential vitamins, making this soup a balanced meal that supports immune health and keeps you full.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re battling a cold or simply seeking a warm, delicious meal to enjoy with your family, this cabbage and chicken tenderloin soup is the answer. Easy to make, nutritious, and absolutely comforting, it’s a recipe that will find its way into your regular rotation—especially when the temperature drops. So grab your pot, prep your ingredients, and let this delightful soup bring warmth to your table!
Cabbage and Chicken Tenderloin Soup
Description
Warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this cabbage and chicken tenderloin soup will have you back for seconds—guaranteed! A heavenly blend of tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and flavorful seasonings come together to create a dish that is both nourishing and delicious. Perfect for cozy nights in or as a hearty lunch, this soup is your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound chicken tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium head of cabbage, cored and chopped
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 bay leaf
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken tenderloin pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and celery.
5. Stir in the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Return the browned chicken to the pot.
6. Cover and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove the bay leaf, add lemon juice, and stir well. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.