Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Italian Flair
Warm up with this delicious and comforting Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup, infused with the vibrant flavors of Italian dressing. This easy-to-make soup is not only packed with tender pieces of chicken and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, but it also offers a satisfying blend of textures with optional orzo or rice. Perfect for chilly days or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables into your family’s diet while delivering robust flavors everyone will love. Whether you use reduced sodium chicken broth or any leftover rice you have, this recipe is versatile and adaptable just for you!
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breast
1/2 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
oil
1 teaspoon (for cooking)
chicken broth
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) (reduced sodium recommended)
water
1 1/2 cups (as needed)
assorted fresh vegetables
2 cups (cut up (such as sliced carrots, broccoli florets, and chopped red peppers))
Italian salad dressing mix
1 envelope (2/3 ounces) (dry mix)
instant rice
1/2 cup (uncooked)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are cooked through and no longer pink.
2
Once the chicken is cooked, add in the chicken broth, water, assorted vegetables, and the Italian salad dressing mix. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to soften.
4
After the vegetables have simmered, stir in the instant rice and chopped fresh parsley. Cover the saucepan again and remove it from heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.
5
After the resting period, give the soup a gentle stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup with Italian Flair?
It is a comforting and easy-to-make soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a unique flavor profile from Italian salad dressing mix.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include chicken breast, oil, chicken broth, water, assorted fresh vegetables, dry Italian salad dressing mix, instant rice, and fresh parsley.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe recommends using one 14.5-ounce can of reduced sodium chicken broth.
Which vegetables are suggested?
A blend of carrots, broccoli florets, and chopped red peppers is recommended, totaling 2 cups.
How is the Italian flavor added?
The flavor comes from one envelope (2/3 ounces) of dry Italian salad dressing mix.
What type of rice is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of uncooked instant rice.
Can I use something other than rice?
Yes, the recipe description mentions that orzo is a great alternative to rice.
How much water is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Heat oil in a large saucepan and cook the chicken pieces for 5 minutes.
When do I add the vegetables?
Add the vegetables along with the broth, water, and dressing mix once the chicken is cooked.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
When should the rice be added?
Stir in the instant rice after the soup has finished simmering for 5 minutes.
Do I cook the rice on the stove?
No, you stir the rice in, remove the pan from the heat, and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
What is the role of the fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley is added at the end for flavor and a fresh garnish.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is categorized as a One Dish Meal, requiring only one large saucepan.
Can I use leftover rice?
The recipe description suggests that leftover rice can be used as an adaptation.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is noted as being a hit with both kids and adults.
How should I adjust the seasoning?
After the soup has rested and the rice is cooked, stir and adjust seasonings to your personal taste.
What is the total resting time for the rice?
The soup should sit off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While the recipe specifies fresh vegetables, you can adapt it by using frozen vegetables if needed.
What heat setting is used for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked over medium-high heat.
What heat setting is used for the simmer?
The soup is simmered on a low heat setting.
Is there a specific preparation for the vegetables?
The vegetables should be cut up into small pieces like florets or slices.
What is the weight of the Italian dressing mix?
The dry mix envelope should be approximately 2/3 of an ounce.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, though the rice may continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add more broth when reheating.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, with a 5-minute simmer and 5-minute rest, it is a very fast meal to prepare.
How do I serve the soup?
Serve it hot immediately after the final 5-minute resting period.