Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup

This Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any time of year. Bursting with flavors from tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is both hearty and healthy. Ideal for a family dinner or to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week, this dish promises to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Incorporate the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper into the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the dried thyme, basil, and oregano, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly with the herbs.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Add the shredded chicken, diced potato, and canned tomatoes with their juice to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Add the green beans and corn to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender yet crisp.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.