Warm Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup: A Comforting Dish

There’s just something about a chilly day that screams for a big bowl of warm, comforting soup, right? And trust me, this Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup is exactly what you need! It’s hearty, it’s delicious, and the best part? You can totally make it your own.

Think tender chicken, yummy potatoes, and a whole bunch of veggies swimming in a flavorful broth that’s got those classic Tuscan vibes. We’re talking garlic, thyme, maybe a little something extra if you’re feeling fancy! This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s *Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup*, and it’s about to become your new go-to.

My family’s been making a version of this soup for ages. We’ve tweaked it, tested it, and argued over the best way to add the kale (seriously, it’s a whole thing!). But after all these years, I think we’ve finally nailed it. So, get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this goodness – you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Look, I get it. Weeknights are crazy! But this soup? You can whip it up in under an hour. Seriously! Everything cooks together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze, too. Win-win!

Hearty and Nourishing

This isn’t some wimpy soup. We’re talking real food here – chicken, potatoes, veggies. It’s packed with goodness to keep you full and happy. Perfect for when you need a little extra comfort.

Customizable to Your Taste

Okay, this is my favorite part. Don’t like kale? Swap it for spinach! Want more carrots? Go for it! This Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup is super flexible, so you can adjust it to whatever you’re craving.

Delicious Tuscan Flavors

Garlic, thyme, olive oil… mmm! Those classic Tuscan flavors just make this soup something special. It’s like a little trip to Italy without leaving your kitchen!

Gluten-Free and Healthy

Yep, you read that right! This soup is naturally gluten-free. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies and lean protein, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. What’s not to love?

Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup. Don’t skimp – good ingredients make all the difference, trust me!

• 1 medium-sized sweet onion, diced (the sweet onion really makes a difference!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (go for the good stuff!)
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste (salt is key!)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (I’m a garlic girl, so I sometimes add even more!)
• 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme (fresh is best, if you can!)
• 2 to 3 carrots, diced 0.5-inch thick (I like ’em chunky!)
• 2 to 3 celery stalks, large diced
• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes of choice, halved (any kind works, really!)
• 5 cups chicken bone broth (this is the flavor base, so pick a good one!)
• 4 cups chopped green curly kale or spinach (kale holds up great in soup!)
• 5 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon!)
• Fresh parsley, for garnishing (a little freshness goes a long way!)

How to Prepare Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of amazing Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup in no time!

Sauté the Aromatics

First, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven and heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and a pinch of salt – this helps the onions soften and release all that yummy flavor. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the onions are nice and translucent. Next, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, add the minced garlic and thyme (fresh sprigs or dried). Stir it all together and cook for just a minute – careful not to burn the garlic! You want those flavors to wake up and get all happy together.

Simmer the Soup

Now, pour in the chicken bone broth. Bring it all to a boil, then turn the heat down to low so it’s just simmering gently. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You want them soft enough to easily pierce with a fork. This is key! No one wants crunchy potatoes in their soup.

Add Chicken and Kale

Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the cooked shredded chicken and chopped kale (or spinach, if you prefer). Give it a good stir to combine everything. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes or so, until the kale is wilted and tender. The chicken will heat through, too. Easy peasy!

Serve and Garnish the Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Alright, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Ladle that Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a generous crack of fresh black pepper. And that’s it! Dig in and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Use High-Quality Chicken Broth

Okay, listen up! The broth is the backbone of this Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup. Don’t skimp on the good stuff! I swear, it makes a world of difference. If you have homemade, even better! But if not, just grab a good quality store-bought one. You’ll thank me later!

Don’t Overcook the Potatoes

Seriously, nobody likes mushy potatoes! Check ’em with a fork after that 20-minute simmer. You want them tender, but still holding their shape. It’s a delicate balance, I know, but you got this!

Adjust Seasoning to Your Liking

Taste, taste, taste! This is *your* soup, so make it your own! Add more salt, pepper, maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Don’t be afraid to experiment! That’s how the magic happens – or how you make it a Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup masterpiece!

Fresh Herbs Make a Difference

Okay, I’m a sucker for fresh herbs. That parsley garnish isn’t just for looks! It adds a burst of freshness that really brightens up the whole soup. So, if you can, definitely use fresh thyme and parsley. It’s worth it!

Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup Variations

The best thing about soup? It’s SO easy to change it up! Here are some ideas to make this Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup totally *you*!

Add Different Vegetables

Zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers… the possibilities are endless! Just toss ’em in with the carrots and celery. Easy peasy!

Use Different Herbs

Thyme is classic Tuscan, but rosemary or oregano would be amazing too! Experiment and find your favorite combo!

Make it Spicy

Feeling a little fiery? A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick! Just be careful not to overdo it!

Creamy Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Want something a little richer? Stir in a splash of cream (or half-and-half) at the end. So decadent!

Serving Suggestions for Your Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup… now what? Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal. Trust me, you’ll love these!

Crusty Bread

Seriously, a slice of crusty bread is a MUST! Perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. Mmm!

Side Salad

A simple side salad adds a little extra freshness and balances out the heartiness of the soup.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese? Yes, please! Adds a little salty, cheesy goodness. My favorite!

Storing and Reheating Your Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup is even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious!

Storage

Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy!

Reheating

You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it for a few minutes. Just be sure to stir it halfway through! Careful, it can splatter!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Sure, you *can* use frozen veggies in this Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup if you’re in a pinch! But honestly, fresh is always better. Frozen veggies can sometimes get a little mushy, and they just don’t have the same flavor punch. But hey, if it saves you a trip to the store, go for it! Just add them towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t get too soft.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You bet! Slow cookers are amazing, right? To adapt this Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup, just toss everything (except the kale and cooked chicken) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. Then, stir in the chicken and kale during the last 30 minutes, until the kale wilts. Easy peasy slow cooker goodness!

Can I freeze this soup?

Yep! This Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little room at the top because the soup will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. So convenient, right?

Nutritional Information for Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Wondering about the nutrition info? Okay, so here’s a rough estimate: each serving of this Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup has about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 25g of carbs. But hey, it’s just an estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup

Alright, you’ve made it! Now go grab a bowl of that amazing Rustic Tuscan Chicken Soup and enjoy! And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment or rate the recipe! I’d love to hear what you think!

Print