Collard Greens Chicken Vegetable Soup (Printable Version)

Tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and collard greens in a flavorful broth for a wholesome meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 ounces)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large bunch collard greens (approximately 10.5 ounces), stems removed and leaves chopped
03 - 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 medium onion, diced
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Broth & Seasonings

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Finishing

15 - Juice of ½ lemon
16 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
02 - Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
03 - Stir in chicken breasts, potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender.
05 - Remove chicken breasts from the pot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the soup.
06 - Add chopped collard greens. Simmer, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, until greens are tender but still bright.
07 - Stir in lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
08 - Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or lazy lunches
  • The combination of tender potatoes and hearty greens feels like a complete meal in one bowl
  • Everything simmers in one pot, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort
02 -
  • Do not rush the initial vegetable sauté. This step builds the flavor foundation that makes the soup taste like it simmered all day.
  • The collard greens need their full simmering time. Undercooked greens are tough and bitter, while properly cooked ones become silky and sweet.
03 -
  • Chop the collard greens into thin ribbons rather than large pieces. They cook more evenly and are easier to eat.
  • Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the broth to thicken slightly.
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