Slow-Simmered Chicken and Vegetable Broth with Thyme

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

A gentle, nourishing soup that warms the soul with tender chicken and vegetables, enhanced by the subtle aroma of fresh thyme. This american-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs, low-sodium chicken broth, stalks, thinly sliced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, 8 cups chicken broth, 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 sprigs thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes to develop flavor.
  2. Step 2: After 45 minutes, remove the chicken thighs and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding solids. Return the broth to the pot and add 2 cups sliced carrots, 2 cups sliced celery, and 1/2 cup diced zucchini. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. Step 3: While the vegetables cook, remove skin and bones from the chicken thighs and shred the meat. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes to heat through, then discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 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 low-sodium chicken broth from drying out.

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

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.

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