Got a leftover roast chicken or Thanksgiving turkey taking up space in your fridge? Before you even think about throwing it away, let me show you how to transform it into the most comforting, soul-warming bowl of soup you’ve ever had.
In my kitchen, we have one rule: never waste delicious leftovers. This healthy leftover chicken and vegetable soup recipe is my go-to solution. It’s incredibly easy, packed with nutrients, and tastes like it simmered for hours—even though it’s ready in about 30 minutes.
This isn’t just about saving food; it’s about creating a brand new, delicious meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Let’s get cooking!
📝 Key Takeaways
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is designed specifically for cooked chicken or turkey, making it an ideal post-holiday meal.
- Quick & Easy: You only need one pot and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy & Nutritious: It’s loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and wholesome broth.
- Completely Customizable: Easily swap veggies or add noodles, rice, or beans to make it your own.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
I’ve made dozens of variations of this soup, and what I’ve found works best is a simple, classic approach. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your home:
- It fights food waste: It’s the most delicious way to use up every last bit of your roast dinner.
- It’s a one-pot wonder: Fewer dishes to wash is always a win in my book.
- It’s comfort food, but healthy: You get all the cozy vibes without any of the guilt. It’s light, brothy, and perfect for a chilly day.
- It’s incredibly flavorful: We build layers of flavor by starting with a classic mirepoix and using a good quality broth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about using what you have, so feel free to be flexible!
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 medium Carrots, sliced or diced
- 2 Celery Stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 cups (about 2 litres) Chicken or Turkey Broth: Use a good quality store-bought broth or, even better, your own homemade stock. How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth from a Carcass
- 3 cups cooked Chicken or Turkey, shredded or cubed
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 Bay Leaf
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to see how simple this is? Let’s break it down.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened. This step is key for building the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add the Leftover Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken or turkey. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, just to heat the meat through.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro-Tips for the Best Soup Ever
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have the carcass from your roast, making your own broth will take this soup from great to absolutely unforgettable. It’s easier than you think!
- Don’t Boil the Chicken: Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through. Boiling it can make the meat tough and rubbery.
- Add an Acid: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up all the flavors. Trust me on this one!
- Herb Boost: For even more flavor, tie some fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs together with kitchen twine and toss it in with the bay leaf. Remove it before serving.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is a fantastic base. Here’s how you can customize it:
- Add Grains: Stir in a half-cup of cooked rice, quinoa, or barley with the chicken.
- Add Noodles: Add 1 cup of egg noodles in the last 5-7 minutes of simmering for a classic chicken noodle soup.
- Add Leafy Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of spinach or kale at the very end and let it wilt.
- Make it Creamy: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after you remove it from the heat.
Looking for more ways to use up holiday leftovers? Check out our guide on 10 Creative Recipes for Using Leftover Mashed Potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for leftover turkey. The cooking time and instructions remain exactly the same. It’s my favorite thing to make after Thanksgiving.
2. How long can I store this leftover chicken soup?
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In my experience, the flavor actually gets even better on day two!
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will last for up to 3 months. If you plan to add noodles, it’s best to freeze the soup without them and add fresh noodles when you reheat it.
4. What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other veggies you have on hand! Corn, peas, green beans, mushrooms, or diced potatoes are all excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes with the carrots and celery, and quick-cooking vegetables like peas or corn in the last 5 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying way to give your leftovers a new life. This soup proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make a meal that feels special. It’s a testament to the magic of resourceful cooking.
According to research from institutions like UCLA Health, chicken soup may have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe cold symptoms, making this recipe not just delicious but genuinely good for you.
So next time you have leftover chicken or turkey, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try.
What are your favorite ingredients to add to leftover soup? Share your ideas in the comments below!