Illinois Savings Soup
A hearty, budget-friendly soup using affordable pantry staples, inspired by the savings offered by Budget car rentals in Illinois. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken broth, diced potatoes, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup, diced carrots
- 1/2 cup, diced onion
- 1 can (14 oz) canned tomatoes
- 1 tbsp, fresh or 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz, diced chicken breast
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring frequently.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups diced potatoes, 1 cup diced carrots, and 6 oz diced chicken breast to the pot; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, then bring to a gentle simmer; add 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cover and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then ladle into bowls; serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for a vibrant finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Illinois Savings Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Illinois Savings Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken broth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Illinois Savings Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Illinois Savings Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Illinois Savings Soup?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many soups recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
