How to Make Chicken Cabbage Soup (Fast, Filling & Delicious)

When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and healthy, chicken cabbage soup checks all the boxes. It’s light yet filling, packed with lean protein, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth that brings everything together. Whether you’re trying to eat clean, looking for a low-carb weeknight dinner, or need a nourishing meal during cold and flu season, this soup delivers every time.

Made with simple ingredients like shredded chicken, fresh cabbage, carrots, and aromatic herbs, it comes together in one pot—perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep. Best of all, this recipe is super flexible: swap in leftover chicken, go low-carb, or spice it up with your favorite flavors. Get ready to fall in love with a cozy classic that’s as delicious as it is wholesome.

🥄 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cabbage Soup

✅ Quick and Easy

This chicken cabbage soup is perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together in under 40 minutes using everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. With minimal prep and one pot to clean, it’s a no-fuss recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

🥦 Healthy & Nourishing

Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich cabbage, and wholesome vegetables like carrots and celery, this soup is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. It’s a comforting way to nourish your body—whether you’re eating clean, recovering from a cold, or just want something light yet satisfying.

💸 Budget-Friendly

Chicken and cabbage are both inexpensive, nutrient-dense ingredients that stretch a long way. This soup is great for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week without breaking the bank.

🛏️ Comfort in a Bowl

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and soft, simmered vegetables, this recipe brings cozy comfort food vibes—without the heaviness. It’s light enough for lunch, but hearty enough to be dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This soup is made with wholesome, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly comforting. Here’s what you’ll need to make a flavorful pot of chicken cabbage soup:

🍗 Chicken

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—whichever you prefer. For an even faster option, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully and adds extra richness to the broth.

🥬 Cabbage

Green cabbage is the classic choice, offering a slightly sweet flavor and tender texture when cooked. You can also use savoy cabbage for a more delicate leaf and milder taste. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces.

🥕 Vegetables

A hearty mix of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor. These veggies form the aromatic base of the soup and boost its nutritional value.

🧂 Broth & Seasoning

Use chicken broth or bone broth for a rich, savory base. A splash of olive oil helps sauté the vegetables, while herbs like thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper season the soup simply and deliciously.

🌿 Optional Add-ins

To brighten things up, stir in fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. These small additions can take your soup from good to unforgettable.

🍲 Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Cabbage Soup

This recipe is super simple to follow—perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. Here’s how to bring your chicken cabbage soup to life in just a few easy steps:

🔥 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the entire soup.

🥬 Step 2: Add Chicken and Cabbage

Stir in the chopped cabbage and chicken (raw or pre-cooked). Season with thyme, salt, pepper, and any other favorite herbs. Let everything cook together for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

💧 Step 3: Pour in the Broth & Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth or bone broth, and toss in a bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.

🍴 Step 4: Shred Chicken & Serve

If you started with raw chicken, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks, then return it to the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Finish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness, and serve hot!

Tips, Substitutions & Additions

Want to customize your chicken cabbage soup to fit your lifestyle or pantry? These helpful tips and variations make it easy to adjust the recipe without sacrificing flavor:

🥑 Make It Keto or Low-Carb

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, simply use bone broth for added nutrients and skip the carrots to lower the overall carb count. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful, thanks to the cabbage and chicken.

🍚 Add Grains or Beans

If you’re looking for a more filling option, stir in cooked rice, barley, or cannellini beans. These additions give the soup more body and make it a complete meal that sticks to your ribs.

🌶️ Spice It Up

Boost the flavor and health benefits by adding fresh ginger, turmeric, or a pinch of chili flakes. These anti-inflammatory ingredients give the soup a delicious kick and turn it into a great immune-boosting option during cold and flu season.

🧊 Storage Tips

This soup stores beautifully! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave for a quick, comforting meal anytime.

FAQs About Chicken Cabbage Soup ❓

🥣 Is chicken cabbage soup healthy?

Yes! Chicken cabbage soup is naturally low in calories and carbs while being rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. It’s a great choice for clean eating, immune support, or weight management.

🌮 What is in Panera chicken tortilla soup?

Panera’s chicken tortilla soup typically includes chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, spices, and crispy tortilla strips. It has a smoky, slightly spicy flavor and is different from chicken cabbage soup, which is lighter and veggie-forward.

🥬 Why is cabbage soup so healthy?

Cabbage is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and overall health.

🥗 What is the best soup to eat to lose weight?

Soups that are broth-based, high in vegetables, and low in refined carbs—like chicken cabbage soup—are among the best for weight loss. They’re filling, nutrient-dense, and help control hunger.

🔥 Does cabbage burn belly fat?

While cabbage doesn’t directly burn fat, it’s low in calories and high in fiber, which helps keep you full. Including it in meals like this soup can support weight loss and reduce bloating.

📆 What is the 3-day cabbage diet?

The 3-day cabbage diet is a short-term plan where people eat mainly cabbage soup to detox and lose weight quickly. While it may help with water weight loss, it’s not a sustainable long-term approach.

🗓️ How much weight can you lose on the 7-day cabbage soup diet?

Some people report losing 5–10 pounds in a week, mostly from water weight. However, it’s important to note that this type of diet is not recommended for long-term use or balanced nutrition.

⚡ How to lose weight fast?

Focus on eating whole foods like lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Drinking water, cutting out processed foods, and incorporating meals like chicken cabbage soup can help support healthy weight loss.

🥬 Can I eat cabbage every day?

Yes! Cabbage is safe to eat daily and provides many health benefits. Just be sure to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.