Slow-Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetable Broth with Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply aromatic soup featuring tender chicken and earthy root vegetables, gently simmered with fresh thyme for a nourishing comfort food experience. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 45 minutes pairs Chicken breast, Carrots, Celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 12 oz chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes and cook in a large pot over medium-high heat for 4 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the browned chicken to the pot, add 1 cup diced carrots, 4 cups chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme, then bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until carrots are fork-tender and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetable Broth with Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Slow-Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetable Broth with Thyme?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetable Broth with Thyme?

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 Slow-Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetable Broth with Thyme 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 Slow-Simmered Chicken and Root Vegetable Broth with Thyme?

American whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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