Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Garden Soup is a wholesome, nourishing dish packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for any time of the year, this light yet hearty soup brings comforting flavors to your table while being easy to prepare.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and good for you.
Quick and simple: Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for a weeknight meal.
Customizable: Use seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand for added flexibility.
Family-friendly: A flavorful, light soup that appeals to both kids and adults.
Great for leftovers: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

What Is Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Garden Soup is a light yet hearty soup made with shredded chicken, garden vegetables, and fresh herbs. This nutritious and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or to boost immunity during colder months.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery sticks, sliced
1 leek, trimmed and finely chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
300g (10 oz) cooked chicken, shredded (or use raw chicken breast)
1.2 liters (5 cups) chicken stock
100g (3.5 oz) green beans, chopped
100g (3.5 oz) peas (fresh or frozen)
1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and leek. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Chicken Stock

Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken stock.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Green Vegetables

If using raw chicken breast, add it to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through. Remove, shred with two forks, and return to the soup.
If using pre-cooked chicken, stir the shredded chicken directly into the pot.
Add the chopped green beans and peas, cooking for another 5 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Seasoning

Stir in the parsley, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup

Pair with crusty bread: Ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad adds a refreshing touch.
Include cooked grains: Stir in rice, quinoa, or barley for a heartier soup.
Top with grated Parmesan: Adds richness and extra depth of flavor.
Add a dollop of pesto: Swirl in some fresh pesto for a burst of herbaceous flavor.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup

Use homemade stock: For the best flavor, prepare a homemade chicken stock.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Cook the green beans and peas just until tender to keep their color and texture.
Add fresh herbs at the end: Stir in herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Customize the vegetables: Use any seasonal veggies, such as zucchini, spinach, or kale.
Add protein: Boost the soup with cooked chickpeas, lentils, or an extra serving of chicken.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup

Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of double cream or coconut milk for a velvety texture.
Add grains: Include cooked rice, quinoa, or barley for a heartier meal.
Use leftover roast chicken: A great way to repurpose leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
Add spice: Include chili flakes or a dash of paprika for a subtle kick.
Go vegetarian: Swap chicken for white beans or lentils and use vegetable stock instead.

How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup?

Refrigerate properly: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Garden Soup?

Reheat on the stove: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Use the microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even reheating.
Add extra stock: If the soup thickens during storage, add a little extra chicken stock or water while reheating.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 280
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 5g

FAQs

How do I make chicken garden soup more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of chicken garden soup, use homemade chicken stock, sauté the vegetables until golden, and add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley at the end. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.

Can I use raw chicken in chicken garden soup?

Yes, raw chicken can be used. Add it to the stock and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, then shred it with two forks before returning it to the soup.

What vegetables work best in chicken garden soup?

The best vegetables for chicken garden soup include carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, peas, leeks, and spinach. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or kale can also be added.

Can chicken garden soup be frozen?

Yes, chicken garden soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, store it in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove before serving.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Garden Soup is a nourishing, vibrant dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it’s a recipe the whole family will love. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a light starter, this soup brings warmth and comfort to your table. Give it a try today!