Name: Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium onion - diced (about 2 cups); 1 cup carrots - sliced; 1 cup celery - sliced; 1 cup mushrooms - sliced; 3 garlic cloves - minced; 4 cups chopped green cabbage - about half a medium head; 1 pound boneless - skinless chicken thighs, whole; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon kosher salt - plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 bay leaf; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon white miso paste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

There’s something incredibly cozy about a warm bowl of homemade soup that just feels like a big, comforting hug. This Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe is exactly that — packed with tender chicken, vibrant cabbage, and fragrant herbs. It’s the kind of meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying, perfect for any day you want a little extra comfort in your bowl.

A white pot filled with chicken soup, showing clear broth with visible pieces of shredded white chicken, diced orange carrots, chopped green celery, and slices of brown mushrooms. A wooden spoon lifts some soup from the pot, revealing the layered ingredients and herbs mixed throughout. Around the pot, there are pieces of bread on a wooden board to the right, a bowl of similar soup at the top left, and a small white dish with lemon slices at the bottom left, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals, especially when I want something simple but bursting with flavor. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet feels special enough to share with friends or family.

Wholesome Ingredients: Fresh veggies, tender chicken thighs, and fragrant herbs come together for a nourishing boost.
Depth of Flavor: Adding white miso and lemon juice gives this soup a surprising richness and brightness you’ll love.
Simple & Flexible: The recipe works well as-is or lets you customize with whatever you have on hand.
Comfort in a Bowl: It warms you up on chilly days and makes the kitchen smell amazing, guaranteed to lift your spirits.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients team up perfectly to create a harmonious soup. The cabbage adds subtle sweetness and texture, the chicken thighs stay juicy, and the veggies bring layers of aroma. Here’s a little about what makes each one shine—and some shopping tips if you want to get the best results.

Flat lay of a small pat of unsalted butter on a white ceramic dish, a medium diced onion mound, a small white bowl filled with sliced bright orange carrots, another bowl with fresh sliced celery stalks, a white bowl of sliced brown mushrooms, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins, raw boneless skinless chicken thighs arranged neatly, a pile of chopped vibrant green cabbage leaves, small white bowls holding coarse kosher salt, cracked black peppercorns, paprika powder, dried thyme leaves, and dried parsley flakes, a white bowl with golden chicken broth, a fresh whole bay leaf, a small dollop of white miso paste in a bowl, a white bowl containing fresh lemon juice—all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced in symmetrical layout on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Melts to create a rich base without overpowering, letting vegetable flavors blossom.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth; diced small so it softens evenly.
Carrots: Their slight sweetness balances the savory broth beautifully.
Celery: Brings a subtle earthiness and crunch that rounds out the flavor.
Mushrooms: Sliced to contribute umami richness that enhances the soup’s body.
Garlic: Minced fresh to infuse the base with warm, fragrant notes.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender during simmering.
Green cabbage: Chopped well to cook down and sweeten, adding hearty texture.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth—feel free to use smoked paprika if you like.
Dried thyme & parsley: These herbs bring a fresh, earthy component to the mix.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base—homemade or good-quality store-bought works.
Bay leaf: Slowly releases subtle, herbal notes during simmering.
White miso paste: A secret weapon for added depth without heaviness.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the flavors, especially cutting through the cabbage.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love customizing this soup depending on the season and what’s in my fridge. It’s so flexible that you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs—and still end up with a bowl that feels just as hearty and delicious.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken thighs for breasts when I’m in a hurry, and it turns out just as tasty—just watch cooking times so it doesn't dry out.
Seasonal additions: Adding spinach or kale near the end gives a nice pop of color and extra nutrients.
Low sodium tweak: Using reduced-sodium broth and adding seasoning at the end lets you control saltiness perfectly.
Veggie boost: I’ve tossed in diced potatoes or white beans when I want a thicker, more filling soup texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with chicken and vegetable soup sit on a white marbled surface. The soup has clear broth with visible layers of orange carrot chunks, green celery pieces, light brown shredded chicken, and small bits of dark mushrooms. One bowl rests on a wooden board with a silver spoon inside, showing the soup’s texture. Around the bowls are pieces of torn bread, white salt and pepper shakers, and a small white dish with a lemon slice. A soft beige cloth is placed next to the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté your veggies until fragrant and soft

Start by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes until they’re just beginning to soften. Toss in the minced garlic and stir another 30 seconds to release its aroma—watch out so it doesn't burn!

Step 2: Layer the chicken and cabbage with spices

Place the whole, skinless chicken thighs on top of the softened veggies. Scatter the chopped cabbage over everything along with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and parsley. Pour in the chicken broth and tuck the bay leaf in. This layering really lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Simmer gently until chicken is tender

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This slow cook lets all the ingredients become tender and flavorful without overcooking.

Step 4: Shred chicken and stir in miso for depth

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks right in the pot or on a cutting board. Return it to the soup and stir in the tablespoon of white miso paste. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes—this step adds incredible umami without weighing the soup down.

Step 5: Brighten the bowl with fresh lemon juice

Take the pot off heat and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Give it a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. The lemon serves to lift the flavors and helps balance the cabbage’s earthiness.

Top Tip

From making this soup dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. These little touches help ensure your Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe comes out flavorful and comforting every single time.

Don’t rush the sauté: Let your vegetables soften gently in butter before adding broth—it builds a rich flavor base.
Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender, unlike breasts which can dry out if overcooked.
Miso magic: Stir in white miso paste at the end for a deep umami hit that makes your soup taste gourmet.
Balance with lemon: Adding lemon juice right before serving brightens the whole bowl and keeps cabbage from tasting too strong.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe

chicken cabbage soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal flavor. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes for some subtle heat. And of course, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is lovely if you want it extra creamy.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to to soak up every last drop of this soup’s goodness. A warm baguette or a slice of sourdough works perfectly. For a heartier meal, I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to keep things fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini hollowed-out cabbage bowls or rustic bread bowls. It turns an everyday meal into a charming presentation that guests always ask about! A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top also adds a lovely twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool the soup completely and then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove to keep the veggies tender and the chicken juicy, rather than zapping it in the microwave.

Freezing

Freezing works great! Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawing, I recommend moving it to the fridge overnight before reheating slowly on the stove to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much. Just before serving, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice really revives the soup’s brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, but keep an eye on cooking time as breasts can dry out more easily. Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor when simmered.

What if I don’t have white miso paste on hand?

If you don’t have white miso paste, you can skip it or use a splash of soy sauce for a different but still savory depth. The soup will still be delicious without it.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian or vegan, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins like beans or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep in mind the flavor will be different but still very comforting.

How do I prevent the cabbage from tasting too strong?

Adding lemon juice at the end helps balance the cabbage’s natural earthiness. You can also try cooking it a bit longer to soften the flavor or use milder varieties of cabbage to prevent it from overpowering the soup.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe enough—it’s become one of those dishes that makes me feel right at home no matter what’s going on. I hope when you try it, you’ll find it just as comforting and easy to love. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy simple, healthy ingredients with a rich depth of flavor that invites you to slow down and savor each bite.