Collard Greens Chicken and Vegetable Soup (Print Version)

Hearty soup with shredded chicken, potatoes, and collard greens in a rich, savory broth perfect for wholesome meals.

# 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 Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic oils.
03 - Add chicken breasts, diced potatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, or until chicken is completely cooked through and potatoes are fork-tender.
05 - Remove cooked chicken breasts from the pot and transfer to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return shredded chicken to the soup pot.
06 - Stir chopped collard greens into the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until greens are tender but retain their vibrant color.
07 - Add fresh lemon juice and stir well. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
08 - Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The collard greens hold their texture beautifully, never turning mushy even after a day in the fridge
  • Smoked paprika adds this incredible depth that makes people think you cooked it all day
02 -
  • The collards will seem like too much at first, but they wilt down significantly as they cook
  • This soup actually tastes better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it ahead
03 -
  • Don't rush removing the stems from the collards, or the texture will be tough and unpleasant
  • Taste the soup before adding the lemon juice, then taste again afterward to see how it transforms everything
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