Warm, nourishing bowls of Chicken Cabbage Soup are perfect for chilly nights. This easy recipe is healthy, nutritious, and super delicious.
When I’m craving a warm bowl of healthy chicken soup that’s simple yet satisfying, I reach for two recipes: my Instant Pot Immunity Boosting Chicken Noodle Soup, or this Chicken Cabbage Soup recipe.
Chicken cabbage soup is the choice when you’re in the mood for a lighter, wholesome soup without the noodles in chicken noodle soup. It’s cozy, nourishing, and simple enough to pull together on a weeknight.
This is the soup you make when schedules are packed and energy is low. It’s easy to whip up, and the soup simmering on the stove fills the house with calm.
I love this soup. It’s so simple, warm, and comforting. Just what you want in soup! And, it’s affordable and easy to adapt and customize.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!
This chicken cabbage soup is on repeat in our house, especially during colder months and cold and flu season. Here are some reasons we think you’ll love it, too!
- It comes together with minimal prep and simple steps, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- The recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that are budget-friendly and easy to find in any local grocery store.
- It’s the kind of soup that even tastes better the next day.
- The soup is light yet filling.
- It freezes beautifully for future meals.
Ingredient notes
Tender chicken and soft ribbons of cabbage turn the soup rich and savory without feeling heavy. You probably already have most of the ingredients needed to make this in your fridge, pantry, or freezer.
- Chicken – I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which add richness and more flavor. But you can use chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Cabbage – Definitely use green cabbage instead of red cabbage. The green cabbage softens beautifully in this and soaks up all that delicious broth flavor.
- Carrots and celery – These create a savory, balanced base and lovely texture and added nourishment to the soup.
- Onion and garlic – Essential for depth and warmth, these are the flavor foundation that help build those layers of deliciousness.
- Chicken broth/stock – I use our homemade chicken stock, but if you use store-bought, use low sodium so flavors stay clean and controlled.
- Herbs: Italian seasoning adds depth of flavor and using a seasoning that has different herbs already combined makes it easier. But you can also use a combination of thyme, parsley, oregano, and fresh bay leaves.
Step-by-step instructions
You’ll find the full list of ingredients along with measurements, and more detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here are some step-by-step photos to show you how to make it.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Add the carrots and celery.
- Add the chicken, cabbage, broth/stock, and seasonings. Simmer and cook until the chicken is just cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is cooked remove the chicken pieces and transfer them to a plate or bowl.
5. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Alternatively, you could shred the chicken in a stand mixer.
6. Return the chicken to the pot of soup.
7. Simmer together for a few more minutes. Serve warm.
Marlynn’s Tip
Time-Saving Tip
You can use pre-diced carrots, celery, and onions that you’d find in the produce section of your local grocery store. Or you can use frozen chopped carrots, celery, and onions.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Add it at the end so it stays tender and does not overcook.
Not if added at the right time. It softens while keeping a pleasant bite.
A splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs at the end brightens everything.
Allow the soup to cool down, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to three months.
Serving suggestions
I love to serve this chicken cabbage soup as a main course with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal.
You could also pair it with a simple green salad, add a spoonful of cooked rice or orzo for extra heartiness, and finish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil.
If serving this as a side dish, it would pair well with a main course dinner of Chicken au Poivre or Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Thighs.
🍷 🥂 Wine pairings
Unoaked Chardonnay – clean acidity and soft texture echo the gentle richness of the broth.
Dry Riesling – bright and crisp, it lifts the savory notes while refreshing the palate between bites.
More cabbage recipes
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Cabbage
Side Dishes
Air Fryer Cabbage
Vegan Recipes
Healthy Rainbow Salad Rolls
Filipino Recipes
Authentic Filipino Lumpia Recipe (Filipino Egg Rolls)
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Chicken Cabbage Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ small or medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 3 medium carrots, roughly chopped or sliced into thick slices
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- ½ medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 9-10 cups chicken stock
- 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or other large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until softened.
- Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add the carrots and celery, and sauté for about 6-8 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the cabbage, chicken, chicken stock, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and transfer onto a plate. Shred the chicken with two forks (you can also shred the chicken in a stand mixer).
- Return the shredded chicken to the Dutch oven or pot, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, stir, and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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