Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 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; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 tablespoon white miso paste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

This might be the coziest, most comforting thing you can cook up on a chilly day. The rich broth mingling with tender chicken and sweet cabbage in this Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe is pure kitchen magic that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

A white pot filled with chicken soup is shown, with a wooden spoon resting inside it. The soup has a clear broth with visible pieces of orange carrot cubes, green celery chunks, sliced mushrooms, and shredded white chicken scattered throughout. The soup's surface reflects light, showing a thin oily layer mixed with herbs that float on top. Around the pot, there are slices of lemon on a small white dish and pieces of ciabatta bread on a wooden board, all placed on a white marbled texture 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
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this soup countless times, and it never fails to impress. Not only is it wonderfully nourishing, but it comes together effortlessly, making it one of my favorite go-to meals. You'll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Let me tell you why this Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe has such a special place in my kitchen.

Simple, wholesome ingredients: The combination of fresh veggies and tender chicken creates a depth of flavor without fuss.
Perfect comfort food: It’s soothing on a cold day, but light enough to enjoy anytime.
Customizable and forgiving: You can tweak vegetables or add herbs and spices based on what you have on hand.
Great for batch cooking: It reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe plays a part in creating layers of flavor and texture that are both filling and bright. I always aim to use fresh veggies and quality broth for the best result.

Flat lay of fresh whole boneless skinless chicken thighs, a small pile of sliced orange carrots, a small pile of sliced light green celery, a small pile of sliced brown mushrooms, a small mound of diced white onion, three whole garlic cloves, a quarter head of chopped green cabbage, a few sprigs of dried thyme, a few sprigs of dried parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl with black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with paprika, a small white ceramic bowl with white miso paste, a small white ceramic bowl with lemon juice, a single fresh bay leaf, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden chicken broth placed 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: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering them.
Onion: The base flavor, bringing sweetness and depth.
Carrots: Sweetness and a pop of color, plus they soften nicely in the broth.
Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic crunch to balance the sweetness.
Mushrooms: Earthy undertones that enhance the meaty flavor of the chicken.
Garlic: A punch of savory warmth that wakes up the palate.
Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender even after simmering.
Green cabbage: Mild and slightly sweet, it softens perfectly and adds a lovely texture.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth without taking over.
Dried thyme & parsley: Herbs that introduce earthy, fresh notes.
Chicken broth: The liquid heart of the soup, rich and savory.
Bay leaf: Subtle aromatic depth that infuses the entire pot as it simmers.
White miso paste: A secret weapon that adds umami and complexity without heaviness.
Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor, cutting through the richness and tying it all together.

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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 tweaking this soup depending on the season or what’s sitting in my fridge. You can easily make it your own without losing that hearty, comforting vibe.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the chicken thighs for breasts if I want something leaner, but I always find thighs give a richer, juicier result.
Vegetable swaps: If you're craving greens, toss in some fresh spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra vitamin boost.
Hearty add-ins: Adding white beans or small diced potatoes can turn it into an even more filling meal.
Spice it up: For a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders without overshadowing the flavors.

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

Two white bowls of chicken soup sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has about four layers: the first is the clear golden broth, the second layer shows shredded chicken in light beige, the third layer has bright orange carrot pieces and green celery chunks, and the fourth layer scattered dark brown mushroom slices and herbs. One bowl has a silver spoon resting inside with shredded chicken on it. Next to the bowls on a wooden board are three pieces of crusty bread with a golden brown crust and soft beige inside. In the top part of the frame are two white salt and pepper shakers, and in the corner is a small white dish holding a slice of lemon. A beige cloth napkin is softly placed near the bottom right edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Once melted, add diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook these, stirring regularly, for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften — not fully cooked, just tender enough to release their aromas. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant. This first step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Seasonings, Then Simmer

Place the whole boneless, skinless chicken thighs right on top of the veggies. Then add the chopped green cabbage, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and parsley right into the pot. Pour 6 cups of chicken broth over everything, and drop in a bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. This slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and infuses the broth with herbal goodness.

Step 3: Shred and Enrich

Remove the chicken thighs carefully and place them on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—this is one of my favorite parts because you can make the soup as chunky or shredded as you like. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and stir in 1 tablespoon of white miso paste. Let it simmer another 5 minutes; this little addition makes all the difference, adding a savory depth without heaviness.

Step 4: Brighten and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the richness from the broth and chicken. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Ladle this Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe into bowls and serve with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks make this soup sing every time. It’s those small touches that nudge it from really good to unforgettable.

Don’t rush the sauté: Taking the time to soften the veggies gently before adding broth creates a richer, more balanced flavor.
Use chicken thighs: Their natural fat keeps the meat tender and imparts a savory boost to the broth.
Add miso paste at the end: It melts easily with gentle heat and deepens umami without overpowering the soup.
Finish with lemon juice: This brightens the whole dish—a splash really wakes up the flavors and cuts through any heavy notes.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with chopped vegetables including orange carrot pieces, green celery slices, sliced brown mushrooms, and small white onion bits. The vegetables are mixed evenly inside the pot, showing a variety of bright and natural colors and textures stacked in one layer. The pot sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like keeping it simple with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add a few torn basil leaves for a subtle sweet herbal note that contrasts nicely with the cabbage's earthiness.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is my go-to—whether it’s a rustic baguette or garlic toast. You could also serve this with a simple green salad on the side for a lighter meal, or some roasted root vegetables if you want something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, I like serving the soup in deep bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat. For special occasions, try finishing with a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of pesto to add an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Just be sure to add lemon juice fresh when reheating, as it loses brightness in the freeze-thaw cycle.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the chicken tender and prevents the broth from becoming cloudy or over-reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this soup?

Absolutely! You can swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily during simmering, so monitor cooking time closely and avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.

What’s the purpose of adding miso paste to chicken cabbage soup?

White miso paste adds a subtle umami depth to the broth, enhancing the savory flavors without making the soup heavy or salty. It melts smoothly with gentle heat and creates a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

How do I make sure the chicken stays tender in this soup?

Using chicken thighs helps because they contain more fat and stay juicier compared to breasts. Also, simmering the soup gently on low heat and avoiding overcooking prevents the meat from drying out. Removing the chicken to shred it and returning it at the end helps maintain tenderness.

Can I add other vegetables to this Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Vegetables like white beans, potatoes, spinach, or kale work perfectly. Add sturdier vegetables earlier in the cooking process and more delicate ones towards the end to avoid overcooking and keep textures balanced.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup Recipe always feels like a little act of kindness toward myself and my family. It’s cozy, satisfying, and packed with flavor but still light enough to enjoy any night of the week. Give it a try—you'll soon see why it’s become such a beloved classic in my kitchen, and I’m betting it will be in yours, too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way