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Cabbage Chicken Soup

Cabbage Chicken Soup is warm, comforting, and packed with nutritious ingredients that are perfect for any chilly day!

 

Main image for Cabbage Chicken Soup. Soup is in a bowl ready to serve.

 

Is there anything better than a rich chicken broth, tender chicken, and hearty cabbage? On a cold day? probably not!

It’s also super easy to make and can be on your table in no time!

It’s perfect for a light dinner or when you’re feeling under the weather!

This lemon cabbage soup will quickly become a household favorite!

This soup is loaded with chicken, cabbage, and quinoa, making it a super satisfying meal!

It’s packed with fresh veggies and lean protein! It’s a healthy choice for any meal!

With just a few steps, you can have a delicious soup ready in under 30 minutes.

It stores well and can be made ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week. Meal prep!

 

All ingredients for soup laid out on counter top.

 

What Ingredients Are in Cabbage Chicken Soup?

This hearty soup is made with simple ingredients and is perfect for a low calorie diet!

It’s one of those delicious soup recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the grocery store:

  • Chicken Stock or Broth: The base of the soup, adding rich flavor.
  • Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the soup.
  • Savoy Cabbage: A tender, mild cabbage that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
  • Cooked Chicken: Provides lean protein; you can use rotisserie chicken. Save time!
  • Parsley: Fresh herbs that brighten up the soup.
  • Lemon Slices: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle kick.
  • Quinoa: A healthy grain that adds texture and makes the soup more filling.

Pro Tip: Any leftover juicy chicken will work if you’ve got some.

 

Chicken broth, onion and cabbage in a large pot.

 

How to Make Cabbage Chicken Soup?

This chicken cabbage soup recipe is a great recipe and is super simple too!

The whole recipe card is below but here’s what you need to know:

  1. Bring chicken stock or broth to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add the onion and cabbage. Simmer.
  3. Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
  4. Add the chicken, parsley, and cayenne to the soup.
  5. Add salt, pepper, and lemon slices.
  6. Spoon quinoa into bowls and ladle the soup over the top.

Pro Tips: 

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade stock, broth or bone broth.
  • You’ll need a pretty large stock pot. There’s a lot going into this soup!

 

chicken, parsley and cayenne added to broth and cabbage mixture.

 

Is Cabbage Chicken Soup Healthy?

Yes this low carb soup is a healthy choice! For sure!

It’s low in calories but packed with nutrients from the chicken meat, cabbage, and quinoa.

The soup is also high in protein and fiber. Which can help keep you full longer!

Plus, it’s loaded with fresh herbs and hearty vegetables.

So it’s a great way to get more vegetables into your diet.

This soup is also low in fat! So many good things!

Pick a broth or stock with less sodium if you’re worried about that.

But honestly, this is a pretty healthy soup!

Of course, if you’re on a medically restrictive diet or need very specific nutrient information?

Check with the doctor! I’m just a food blogger who really loves sharing my food with you!

 

Cooked soup in pot.

 

Is Cabbage Chicken Soup Vegan?

This hearty chicken cabbage soup can easily be made vegan.

You’ll need to swap vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

Then leave out the chicken and add some extra veggies.

Medium carrots, celery, or zucchini are all good options.

Quinoa is already plant-based and provides a good source of protein.

So you won’t even miss the chicken!

This vegan version is just as delicious! Promise!

And still provides all the nutrients and flavors you love.

It’s a great option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet.

 

Cooked Quinoa in a soup bowl.

 

How Long Does Cabbage Chicken Soup Last?

This perfect comfort food lasts for about 3-4 days when stored properly.

To keep it fresh, make sure to refrigerate the soup in an airtight container.

But wait until it cools down to room temperature!

It tastes just as great the next time you have it as the first time!

 

 

 

How to Store Cabbage Chicken Soup?

Store your chicken and cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This will keep it fresh. And prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods!

If you’re making the soup ahead of time, you can also portion it out into individual containers.

That makes them easy grab-and-go meals! Score!

Can You Freeze Cabbage Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can freeze cabbage and chicken soup! This is a great way to save it for a rainy day!

Just make sure to cool the soup completely before freezing.

You don’t want any ice crystals forming!

Then portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.

Make sure to leave a little room at the top for expansion.

Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stove.

Just be sure to label your containers with the date so you know when it was made!

I’d hate for you to lose this yummy soup in the freezer!

 

zoomed out image of soup in bowl with no lemon slices.

 

What to Serve with Cabbage Chicken Soup?

Cabbage Chicken Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own!

But it also pairs well with a few side dishes too!

Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are great too!

For a heartier meal, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of quiche. Yum!

This soup is also perfect with a squeeze of lime juice!

Here are some side dish ideas if you need a few:

 

zoomed in image of soup in a bowl with lemon slices.

 

Can You Make Cabbage Chicken Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes, this cabbage chicken soup recipe is perfect for making ahead of time!

You can prepare the soup a day or two in advance.

Then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits actually.

So you may like it even more later!

If you’re planning to freeze the soup, you can do so right after cooking.

Then thaw and reheat when needed.

I recommend adding the quinoa fresh when serving for the best texture though.

Is Cabbage Chicken Soup Good for When You’re Sick?

Cabbage in chicken soup is an excellent choice when you’re feeling under the weather!

It’s warm, soothing, and easy on the stomach.

The chicken provides protein to help keep your strength up.

And the broth helps to keep you hydrated.

Cabbage is rich in vitamins and minerals, which can boost your immune system.

And the addition of cayenne pepper adds a little heat that can help clear congestion.

I’d say it’s a very comforting choice when you’re sick!

 

zoomed in image taken from the top looking down at bowl of soup with lemon slices.

 

Cabbage Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting soup that your whole family will love! It’s good for you and delicious too! Can’t beat that! Enjoy!

 

zoomed in image taken from the top looking down at bowl of soup with lemon slices.

Cabbage Chicken Soup

Yield: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This hearty Cabbage Chicken Soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken, cabbage, and quinoa. Perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

  1. Bring stock or broth to boil.
  2. Add sliced onion rings and chopped cabbage.
  3. Reduce heat, simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. While the cabbage and onions are cooking, start cooking your quinoa according to package directions. It should take you about 15 minutes.
  5. Add the chicken, parsley, and a pinch of cayenne to the stock at the 10 minute mark and then continue to simmer for about 5 more minutes.
  6. Remove from heat.
  7. Add salt and pepper to taste, and lemon slices.
  8. Spoon quinoa into bowls, and ladle soup over the top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 302Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 1905mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 30g
Originally Posted: February 2, 2015

Photos & Text Updated: March 26, 2025

 

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Debra C.

Thursday 12th of January 2017

I love a quick and easy soup and this is so healthy too, YUM!!

Valerie Conlin

Friday 8th of April 2016

Made this for din last night, fam loved it! We added curry powder, garlic twig of rosemary and salt & pepper to taste.

Sarah at Journeys of The Zoo

Wednesday 22nd of April 2015

I made cabbage rolls recently and have some leftover cabbage (the purple kind not savoy, next time). It's currently frozen but do you think it would work in this recipe?

Besos, Sarah Journeys of The Zoo

Michelle Nahom

Wednesday 22nd of April 2015

I've never tried purple cabbage in it, by why not? I'd try it and see what happens! Let me know how it turns out!

felicia

Wednesday 18th of February 2015

This looks so delicious. I would love to have a bowl of this tonight and tomorrow when the temperatures are in the negatives where I live. Thanks for sharing over at the Snickerdoodle Sunday.

Dee

Tuesday 17th of February 2015

I love lemon with chicken, and I just made some lemon garlic chicken the other day. It's so warm here already, otherwise, I would definitely be trying your soup soon. I'll have to pin and enjoy later! Thanks for sharing the recipe! :)

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