This Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup is a light yet hearty dish, perfect for warm-weather meals. Packed with fresh seasonal vegetables and tender chicken, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or craving a wholesome soup, this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 6 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated) 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

• 4–6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup green beans, chopped (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 small zucchini, chopped

• 1 (15-ounce) can white kidney beans (cannellini), drained and rinsed

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (e.g., rotisserie chicken)

• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• Sour cream or plain yogurt, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook until it starts to soften, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil.

4. Add the chopped green beans, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for about 15 minutes.

5. Stir in the corn kernels, chopped zucchini, white kidney beans, and cooked chicken. Cook for another 2 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Add more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

7. Stir in the lime juice, chopped fresh dill, and the green parts of the green onions. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

8. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt if desired.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup)

• Calories: 217

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 416mg

• Cholesterol: 44mg

• Vitamin C: 68mg (75% DV)

• Calcium: 70mg (5% DV)

• Iron: 4mg (20% DV)

• Potassium: 632mg (13% DV)

Why This Soup Is Perfect for Summer

One of the biggest challenges in summer cooking is finding meals that satisfy hunger without feeling too heavy or greasy. Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup answers this challenge by incorporating fresh produce like zucchini, corn, and green beans, which are at their peak in the warmer months. These vegetables bring natural sweetness, crunch, and a refreshing quality to the soup, which contrasts beautifully with the tender, savory chicken.

Moreover, this soup is hydrating due to its broth base, helping to replenish fluids lost in the heat, while the lime juice adds a bright citrusy tang that uplifts the entire dish. The addition of fresh dill further enhances the summery feel with its aromatic and slightly tangy flavor, giving the soup a light, fresh finish.

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

This soup shines not only for its flavor but also for its rich nutritional profile. It combines a lean source of protein—chicken—with fiber-rich vegetables and beans, making it a balanced meal on its own.

• Chicken: A fantastic source of lean protein, chicken helps build and repair tissues, supports immune function, and provides essential vitamins and minerals like B6 and niacin, which play important roles in metabolism and energy production.

• Vegetables (Zucchini, Corn, Green Beans, Bell Pepper): These vegetables are low in calories but rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. For example, bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vitality, while green beans and zucchini contribute valuable fiber for digestion and satiety.

• White Kidney Beans: Beans are an excellent plant-based protein and fiber source. They also provide minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, which support heart health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.

• Olive Oil: This healthy fat adds richness to the soup while contributing monounsaturated fats, which are heart-friendly and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Versatility and Customization

One of the greatest strengths of the Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup is its versatility. The recipe can easily be adapted based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

• Protein Options: While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can substitute with shredded leftover chicken breast, thighs, or even turkey. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra beans or tofu.

• Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to swap in other summer vegetables such as asparagus, peas, or cherry tomatoes. You can even add leafy greens like spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for an added nutrient boost.

• Spices and Herbs: Smoked paprika provides a lovely depth of flavor with a gentle smokiness. If you want to experiment, you can add a pinch of cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can be used in place of dill for variation.

• Broth Choices: Using homemade chicken broth elevates the soup’s flavor, but store-bought low-sodium broth works well too. For a lighter soup, vegetable broth can be used, especially in vegetarian adaptations.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This soup is an excellent candidate for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can store leftovers in airtight containers for quick, nutritious lunches or dinners during a busy week.

If you want to freeze portions, this soup freezes nicely for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

Pairing Suggestions

While the Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup is a complete meal on its own, you can enhance your dining experience with a few complementary sides:

• Bread: A crusty baguette, garlic bread, or warm dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

• Salad: A light summer salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette pairs well.

• Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta can add a delightful salty contrast to the fresh flavors.

• Beverages: Light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon make refreshing beverage choices alongside the soup.

Cultural and Culinary Context

This soup embraces a rustic and wholesome approach reminiscent of Mediterranean and American summer cooking styles. The use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables is common in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its emphasis on health and simplicity. The addition of smoked paprika hints at Spanish culinary influences, lending a subtle smokiness without overpowering the dish.

In American home cooking, soups like this one are beloved for their flexibility, ease, and ability to transform simple ingredients into comforting meals that nourish both body and soul.

Nutritional Highlights and Wellness

In today’s wellness-focused world, meals that combine taste and nutrition are highly sought after. This soup meets those demands beautifully, supporting weight management goals with its moderate calorie count and high protein content. The fiber from beans and vegetables promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Sustainability and Seasonal Eating

Choosing recipes like Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup encourages seasonal eating, which benefits both health and the environment. Using vegetables that are naturally in season means they’re fresher, more flavorful, and often more affordable. It also reduces the carbon footprint associated with out-of-season produce that requires long-distance transportation or energy-intensive growing methods.

Conclusion

Summer Chicken Vegetable Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients combined in a way that’s both nourishing and delicious. Its light broth, vibrant vegetables, and tender chicken create a harmonious dish that suits the summer months perfectly. Easy to customize, store, and reheat, this soup is ideal for busy lifestyles seeking convenient, healthy eating.