Chicken and Collard Green Soup is the perfect blend of Southern soul food and nourishing goodness. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful broth, and nutrient-rich collard greens, this recipe is a hug in a bowl that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or need a wholesome dish to feed the whole family, this soup delivers on all fronts.
Let me take you through how to make this delicious, soul-soothing meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
How To Make Chicken And Collard Green Soup?
Recipe Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté The Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown The Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Seasonings And Broth
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer The Soup
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Collard Greens
Stir in the chopped collard greens and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes until the greens are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Season And Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a tangy finish, stir in the lemon juice just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken And Collard Green Soup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Tips And Variations Of Chicken And Collard Green Soup
Swap The Greens
If collard greens aren’t available, you can substitute them with kale or Swiss chard. Both will provide a similar texture and nutritional boost.
Make It Spicy
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.
Use Leftover Chicken
If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred it and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to save time.
Health Benefits Of Chicken And Collard Green Soup
High In Vitamins And Minerals
Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, making this soup a nutritious powerhouse.
Protein-Rich
The chicken in this soup provides a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Immune-Boosting
Garlic and onions are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping to keep you healthy, especially during the colder months.
Special Note
For a gluten-free version of this soup, ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most store-bought varieties are, but it’s always best to double-check the label.
What Is A Good Substitute For Collard Greens In Soup?
A good substitute for collard greens in soup is kale. It has a similar texture and flavor. I also like using spinach or Swiss chard for a milder taste. Mustard greens work too if you want a peppery kick.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Collard Green Soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. The rich flavors of the tender chicken, fresh collard greens, and aromatic vegetables come together in a satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re serving it with cornbread or enjoying it on its own, this soup is a surefire way to bring warmth to your table.
Chicken And Collard Green Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients Â
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch collard greens stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprikahttps://www.simplyrecipes.com/what-is-smoked-paprika-5270603
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon optional for serving
InstructionsÂ
Step 1: Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown The Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Seasonings And Broth
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables with the seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer The Soup
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Collard Greens
- Stir in the chopped collard greens and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes until the greens are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Season And Serve
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a tangy finish, stir in the lemon juice just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.