If you’re craving something both comforting and nourishing, you’re going to love this Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, packed with tender shredded chicken, vibrant cabbage, and an irresistible blend of veggies and herbs. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, relying on easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a hearty, flavorful broth that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients for a chicken soup laid out on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl filled with shredded cooked chicken, showing a light beige texture. Next to it are three bright orange carrots with a smooth surface, and several fresh green celery stalks with light green veins. A whole yellow onion with a dry outer skin is placed near the center. To the side, a whole pale green cabbage head with tightly packed leaves is visible. A small white bowl holds a block of yellow butter and a pale yellow mound of minced garlic. There is also a small glass container with a light golden liquid, a black bottle of Italian herbs with mixed green and brown dried leaves, and a yellow jar of organic chicken broth with a colorful label. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the savory depth of the chicken base to the crisp bite of cabbage, these components combine to make a truly satisfying soup.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables without overwhelming the soup’s clean flavors.
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base: Concentrated chicken flavor that makes the broth deeply savory and comforting.
Celery: Offers a fresh, mild crunch that balances the softness of the cooked cabbage and carrots.
Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and lovely color, enhancing the soup’s appeal.
Yellow onion: Finely diced for a subtle sweetness and foundation for the broth’s depth.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
Dried Italian seasoning: A bold mix of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
Minced fresh garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory hit that permeates the soup.
Shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that’s tender, satisfying, and so easy to work with.
Green cabbage: Adds volume, fiber, and a delicate vegetable flavor that shines when simmered.
Vinegar (red wine, white wine, apple cider, or distilled): A splash of acidity that brightens and balances the rich broth.

How to Make Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, celery chunks, and carrot pieces. Sauté gently until the veggies soften and the onions become translucent. This step builds the aromatic base with sweetness and texture that sets the tone for the whole soup.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Stir in the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning, cooking for about a minute to release their fragrances. Then dissolve the Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base in water (following the package instructions for quantity) and pour it into the pot. This forms the heart of your broth, rich and savory, ready to bring everything together.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cabbage

Next, toss in the shredded cooked chicken and the chopped green cabbage. The cabbage may look like a lot, but it wilts nicely and adds wonderful body to the soup. Give everything a good stir to combine and season with kosher salt to taste.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Let the soup come to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 20–25 minutes until the cabbage is tender and all the flavors meld beautifully. Just before serving, stir in a tablespoon of your chosen vinegar. This little touch balances the richness and elevates the whole dish with a subtle zing.

How to Serve Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with clear golden soup containing visible chunks of light orange carrot slices, pale green celery sticks, and white shredded chicken pieces with some soft, pale yellow cabbage leaves floating, sprinkled with small green herbs. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth to the lower right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill add brightness and a pop of green when sprinkled on top just before serving. For a bit of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can make the soup feel extra special, wrapping the flavors in a silky finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crunchy artisan bread or classic crusty rolls for dipping. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the comforting warmth without weighing down your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe in rustic, wide bowls to showcase the chunky vegetables and shredded chicken. For a fun twist, ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls or serve atop cooked grains like farro or brown rice to add heartiness and variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any remaining soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep deliciously for up to 3 days and actually tastes better as the flavors continue to mingle overnight.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To refresh the flavors, add a small splash of vinegar or a pinch of fresh herbs after reheating. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender and the cabbage intact.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer to start with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before shredding and adding to the soup. You can poach chicken breasts in the broth early on for extra flavor or roast and shred your favorite cut.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is classic and mild, perfect for this soup. However, you can use savoy or even napa cabbage if you want a slightly different texture and taste. Just adjust cooking time—napa wilts faster.

Is this soup spicy?

This recipe is not spicy by default, offering gentle, savory flavors. If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken base. The cabbage and vegetables still make a delicious and filling soup.

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker texture, simmer the soup uncovered to reduce the broth, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water near the end of cooking. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup and returning it creates a creamy consistency without cream.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that feels like homemade love in a bowl. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and easily adaptable to your tastes or what you have on hand. I encourage you to try making it soon—it’s the perfect way to enjoy a wholesome meal that warms your heart and soul from the very first spoonful.

Chicken and Cabbage Soup Recipe