Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup Recipe
There is nothing quite as comforting on a chilly day as a big bowl of Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup. This vibrant and nourishing soup blends tender turkey or chicken with a garden’s bounty of vegetables, bright herbs, and zesty lemon to create a flavor-packed meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re using up Thanksgiving leftovers or craving a wholesome, homemade dinner, this soup delivers layers of satisfying texture and fresh, vibrant tastes that feel like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making a homemade soup that feels effortlessly soulful. Each item plays a critical role, from building the base with aromatic vegetables to lending brightness and color with fresh herbs and lemon.
- Olive oil or butter: This adds a luscious richness and helps soften the veggies perfectly.
- Onion (white or yellow): The sweet, savory foundation that deepens every spoonful.
- Leeks (white part only): Adds a subtle onion-like flavor but with a gentler, sweeter touch.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory broth beautifully.
- Celery stalks: Brings an earthy crunch and base flavor that supports the soup.
- Garlic cloves: Just enough to provide a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Cooked turkey or chicken: The hearty protein star that makes this soup truly filling.
- Chicken stock: Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the warm, comforting liquid that ties everything together.
- Spinach: Adds lush green color and tender leafy texture.
- Fresh dill: A fragrant herb that lifts the soup with its bright, slightly tangy notes.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a clean, grassy freshness to every bite.
- Lemon juice: A splash of acidity that wakes up all the savory flavors and adds a sunny finish.
- Salt and pepper: To season just right and enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by melting olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. The fragrant sizzle as you add diced onion, leeks, carrots, celery, and minced garlic will fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of home cooking. Stir these together and let them cook gently for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onions turn glossy. Keep an eye on the heat—if the veggies look like they’re drying out, add a splash of oil, and lower the flame if they start to brown. This step creates the flavorful base to build your soup.
Step 2: Add Turkey (or Chicken) and Stock
Next, stir in your shredded turkey or chicken along with the chicken stock. Turn the heat up to medium high and bring everything to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook for 15 minutes. This rest period allows the flavors to mingle beautifully and the broth to absorb the savory goodness of the meat and softened vegetables. It’s the stage where your soup really starts to sing!
Step 3: Finish with Greens and Herbs
Turn off the heat and toss in the fresh spinach, dill, parsley, and the juice of half a lemon. The greens wilt lightly in the warmth while the herbs add fresh bursts of flavor and the lemon juice brightens the entire pot with its vibrant tang. Stir everything together, then taste and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. Adjust seasoning to your liking, keeping in mind that the saltiness depends largely on your stock choice.
How to Serve Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs or a few grinds of black pepper on top makes all the difference. If you want to get a bit indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the textures and flavors wonderfully. Crispy croutons or a tiny handful of toasted nuts bring a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s heartiness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with simple, crusty bread that soaks up every flavorful drop. A fresh green salad adds a crisp contrast to the warm bowl. For a more filling meal, try serving the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a soft, warm flatbread brushed lightly with garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup in individual bread bowls for an inviting, rustic presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of grated parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor adventure. If you’re entertaining, guests will love a “build your own” garnish bar with options like lemon wedges, chopped herbs, grated cheese, and hot sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent any fridge odors from mingling. When ready to enjoy again, a gentle reheat will bring back the comforting richness as though it were freshly made.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep its taste and texture for up to 3 months. When thawing, place it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it has thickened in the fridge. Avoid boiling to keep the delicate herbs and spinach bright and fresh in flavor. You’ll be amazed how just a little reheating brings this soup right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand like zucchini, green beans, or peas. Just adjust cooking times if needed to keep them tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the turkey or chicken for hearty beans like cannellini or chickpeas, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The fresh herbs and lemon will still give it wonderful flavor.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add spinach and herbs at the end to keep them fresh.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dry herbs work well here too—use about a third of the amount fresh called for. Add them earlier in the cooking process so they have time to infuse their flavor.
How do I adjust the soup for more spice?
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the veggie sauté step or a dash of hot sauce just before serving. A little cayenne pepper can also add a gentle heat boost.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, welcoming friend on a plate. With its rich layers of tender meat, fresh veggies, and fragrant herbs, it’s truly a soul-soothing meal you’ll want to make again and again. Dive in, experiment with your favorite mix-ins, and enjoy creating a bowl full of comfort that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of your cherished staples for any season.
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Hearty Turkey (or chicken) & Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Hearty Turkey (or Chicken) & Vegetable Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish blending tender shredded turkey or chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. This wholesome soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day or for a nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small to medium onion, white or yellow, diced
- 2 leeks, white part only, rinsed, cut lengthwise and sliced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Broth
- 2 – 3 cups cooked turkey or chicken, shredded or chopped
- 8 cups chicken stock, homemade or store bought (low or no sodium)
Greens and Herbs
- 2 cups spinach, baby or regular with tough stems removed
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped or 4 tsp dry
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Additional Flavor
- Juice of half a lemon, or about 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Melt 3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, leeks, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Stir continuously and cook until the vegetables become soft and onions turn glossy, about 10 minutes. If the vegetables begin to dry out, add a small splash more oil and reduce the heat if they start to brown.
- Add Meat and Broth: Incorporate the shredded cooked turkey or chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat to medium-high until the soup comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let cook uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish with Greens and Herbs: Turn off the heat and add the spinach, chopped dill, parsley, and fresh lemon juice to the soup. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the fresh flavors. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of your stock. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use low-sodium or homemade chicken stock to control salt levels.
- For a richer flavor, substitute butter for olive oil.
- Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like zucchini or green beans.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the chicken stock used does not contain gluten-containing additives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Turkey soup, chicken soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup recipe, comforting soup, low fat soup
