Collard Greens Chicken Vegetable Soup (Printable Version)

Hearty soup featuring shredded chicken, potatoes, and collard greens in a savory broth for a satisfying meal.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large bunch collard greens (about 10.5 oz), 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)

# Directions:

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.
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.
08 - Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free for a health-conscious lifestyle.
  • Packed with nutrient-dense vegetables and lean protein.
  • A simple one-pot meal that requires minimal cleanup.
02 -
  • Shred the chicken while it is still warm to make it easier to pull apart.
  • Do not overcook the greens; simmer just until they are tender to keep their bright color.
  • Sautéing the base vegetables properly ensures a rich foundation of flavor for the broth.
Go Back