Algerian chicken and vegetable soup is a warm, comforting dish that brings the bold, earthy flavors of North Africa into your kitchen. This soup is rich in both taste and tradition, often made with a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender chunks of chicken. It’s the kind of dish that nourishes the body and soothes the soul.
What makes Algerian soup stand out is its unique blend of spices, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and sometimes cinnamon, combined with garlic, onions, and tomatoes to create a deeply flavorful broth. The addition of chickpeas or lentils boosts the protein content and adds a creamy texture, while carrots, celery, zucchini, and sometimes cabbage make it a truly vegetable-forward dish.
Chicken thighs or drumsticks are commonly used for their richness and ability to hold up well during slow simmering. The meat becomes tender and infused with the spiced broth as the soup cooks, giving each spoonful layers of depth. Some versions of the soup also include a touch of harissa for gentle heat, though it can be adjusted based on preference.
This soup is often enjoyed with warm, crusty bread or flatbreads like khobz to soak up every drop. It’s perfect for cold days, post-fasting meals, or when you simply want a homemade dish that fills you up without weighing you down.
The best part? It’s easy to make in one pot, and leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can prepare a big batch and freeze portions for future meals, making it a smart option for busy weeks.
Whether you’re familiar with Algerian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this chicken and vegetable soup offers a wholesome, satisfying introduction. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by tradition and spice, just the kind of meal that brings comfort to the table.

Ingredients
- 1 chicken cut into pieces
- 2 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 potatoes diced
- 2 Bell peppers chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until softened.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and shred the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
One can of diced tomatoes feels random to me… like how much is that, 10 oz? I eyeballed it and it turned out fine, but I wish the recipe was more exact. Still, it’s a solid soup.
I followed it mostly, but I accidentally used 1 tbsp turmeric instead of 1 tsp… it was still okay, just a bit too earthy. Still ate it all though lol.
Algerian? This is just chicken soup. Not too impressed, but it works.
I think you’re missing the spices that make this dish special! It’s not just chicken soup, it’s got a unique flavor profile from the cumin and paprika. Give it another try!
This was okay, but I think it needs more seasoning. The chicken was a bit bland for my taste.
It was soup, it was chicken, it was… alright. Not the best, but not the worst either.
What’s cumin? Sounds like something I’d find in a science lab! Idk if I can make this.
This soup is so good! The flavors are amazing!
Algerian? Sounds fancy. I just mixed everything in one pot and it worked! LOL
Used chicken breast instead of whole chicken. Still tasted great! Thx for the recipe!
I tried it, and I swear the turmeric made it smell like curry powder—like, in a good way. My kids said it was “weird” at first, then went back for seconds 😂
Totally get that! Turmeric can give it that warm curry-ish vibe even without being “curry” yk. Love that your kids came around for seconds 😂
I tried this with boneless chicken breast and it dried out. Probably not your fault—just don’t brown breast for that long. Use thighs or keep the simmer shorter!
Thanks for the tip! I agree—breast is way leaner. I’ll add a note to simmer less time or swap to thighs to avoid drying out.
Really good! I used chicken thighs and it stayed juicy. The shredded chicken thing made the texture super satisfying.
Eh, wasn’t great. Kinda tasteless if ya ask me.
Tasteless? Nah, it actually has a lot of flavor if ya follow the spices right! You sure you made it properly?
I actually loved this recipe! The spices really bring out the flavor. Maybe you just didn’t use enough seasoning?
My grandma used to make a similar soup but she never put in tomatoes. Anyone else think that’s weird?
Not weird at all! Everyone has their own style. My mom’s version is with peas instead of tomatoes. 😊
This soup is delicious! My family loved it. I added some extra spices and it turned out great!
I found it a bit too bland, maybe I should’ve added more spice? Not sure if I’ll try it again.
I thought cumin was a spice for desserts, why is it in soup? I’m confused.
Cumin is actually a pretty versatile spice! It’s not just for desserts. It adds a nice earthy flavor to soups and stews.
I’m skeptical about 2 hours being necessary, but I tried it anyway. The chicken definitely gets tender, so okay… you win this round.
Haha same here—2 hours sounded like overkill. But once it’s simmered that long, the chicken just falls apart. I’m glad you gave it a shot!
Tbh I don’t buy it. I simmer soups like 45 min and it’s fine. Maybe your stove was too low or the chicken was huge? Either way, glad it worked for you.
2 hours? Wow that’s a long time to wait for a soup. I don’t think I have the patience!
Five stars—my family went back for seconds. The shredded chicken makes it feel hearty, like a proper meal.
That’s awesome to hear! I love when the shredded chicken really makes it feel like a full, comforting meal—exactly what this soup’s going for. 😄
Pretty good, but mine came out a little bland until I added more salt. Also I found the broth flavor needed an extra pinch of turmeric. Still, I’d make it again.
This is super good. Simple ingredients, feels real home cooking. Five stars!
Five stars! The shredded chicken makes it feel hearty and filling. I served it with crusty bread and it was perfect for cold weather.
Pretty good overall—took longer than expected for my potatoes to soften, but once they did, the soup was hearty. Next time I’ll cut the veggies smaller.
Glad you liked it! Totally agree—potatoes can be stubborn. Cutting them smaller (or giving them a head start for like 15–20 min) usually speeds things up. How small did you end up cutting yours?
10/10 will make again! Perfect for a cold day.
Took too long. I thought it would be quicker. Next time, I will use a pressure cooker.
I don’t like cumin, so I left it out. Soup was still good, but I think maybe it needed that spice lol.
Cumin does add a nice depth, but glad you enjoyed it anyway!
I tried this recipe, but I think I put too much cumin. It was a bit too strong for my taste.
I didn’t have bell peppers, so I used cabbage instead. Still turned out great! But it look different in color.
Could this be made with beef instead? I don’t like chicken.
I don’t know about this… chicken and veggies? Sounds kinda boring.
Really hearty for a soup. I did add a little extra garlic because why not. The veggies held up nicely and it tastes even better the next day.
Didn’t have parsley, so I used cilantro instead. It still turned out nice!
Cilantro? Really? I thought that was for Mexican dishes. But if it tasted good, then why not! Next time I’ll try that.
Using cilantro sounds interesting! Glad it worked out for you. I’ve heard it can give a different flavor, but I love taking risks in the kitchen.
This soup is AMAZING! So flavorful and comforting. My family loved it!
I’m skeptical about the turmeric amount—1 tsp seems like a lot—but honestly it didn’t ruin anything. Soup had a warm color and smelled amazing.
Yum! I added some chili flakes for an extra kick. Definitely making it again!
Nice recipe but I used beef instead of chicken. Still came out fine! Just saying.
Soup is soup, right? 😂 I used what I had and it still tasted fine. Maybe I added too much garlic though. Still, my family ate it all, so… works.
It’s good, but I wish there were more specific salt amounts. “To taste” is hard when you’re not sure where to start.
I subbed chickpeas for chicken due to a dietary restriction. Turned out well! #veganfriendly
Two hours simmer is a long time—mine reduced more than expected. I had to add extra broth near the end, but it turned out tasty.
Good to hear it still worked out! Yeah, simmer times can vary a lot depending on your pot and how low you keep the heat—adding broth at the end is exactly the move.
The directions are a little vague—like how much salt is “to taste” when I’m not a seasoned cook 😂 But once I salted gradually, it turned out great.
Okay so I followed it but I totally forgot to shred the chicken 😅 still ate it and it was fine. Next time I’ll do the shredding part.
Too many steps for a soup. I just wanted something quick. Next time I’ll just use a can of soup.
Two hours simmer is a lot 😅 but I followed it. Flavor developed, sure. I just found the broth a little too thin for my liking—next time I’ll simmer uncovered to reduce.
Totally agree—2 hours covered does make it feel a bit “soupy.” If you simmer uncovered at the end, you’ll probably get a richer, thicker broth. I do that too.
I mixed up the spices and used thyme instead of cumin 😬 still tasty!
The directions were kinda confusing. I wasn’t sure when to add the chicken back in. But I guess it worked out.
Made this last night—so comforting. The cumin + paprika combo is *chef’s kiss*. I simmered the full 2 hours and the chicken turned out super tender.
Yes!! The cumin + paprika combo is exactly why this hits different. I do 2 hours too and it’s like the flavors all melt together. 😋
I tried it but my chicken was kinda stringy, maybe I didn’t brown it long enough? Also I added too much pepper, oops. Still tastes good though.
The steps are clear, but 2 hours is a lot of time. I did 75 minutes and it was okay, not as tender. Next time I’ll plan ahead.
I tried making this and it turned out a bit bland. Maybe I didn’t add enough salt? Not sure I’ll make it again.
Maybe try adding some more spices next time! I always throw in a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Seems to really help with flavor!
Bland? I thought you supposed to season it while cooking. Did you follow the instructions? 🤔
Simple ingredients, great payoff. Browning the chicken makes a difference. The broth ended up rich without needing any cream, which I appreciate.
5/5 no question. (Also I used what I had—frozen peppers—and it still worked.)
I followed the recipe but it turned out kind of bland. Maybe i didn’t use enough spices?
This is great. A real adventure in flavors! I can’t wait to make it again!
Best soup ever!! It mekes me feel warm inside and out! I put a bit of cheese on top too.
I’m glad you loved it! Cheese on top sounds delicious. I might try that next time.
Meh… it was good, but nothing mindblowing. Also I don’t usually have turmeric on hand so I skipped it and used curry powder instead.
Not sure about the bell peppers—mine turned a bit sweet and I wasn’t feeling it. Next time I’ll use less or add them later.
Soup was okay but took too long. I’m usually in a hurry!
I messed up and forgot the garlic. Didn’t realize until the end… tasted okay anyway, I guess.
Honestly, who needs garlic? I forgot it once too and it still was good! Just add a bit more spices next time!
Garlic is super important! You should try again with it next time, it’ll make a huge difference. But glad it still turned out okay!
Could be good, but 4 cups of broth feels light for that many vegetables. I might add an extra cup next time so it’s more soupy.
I get what you mean—4 cups broth can feel a bit tight with that many veggies. I’d probably add another cup (or even a splash more) to make it more like a proper soup.
This soup is amazing! Full of flavor and perfect for a cozy night. Will definitely make it again.
Just made it and it’s honestly better than it looks. Kinda tastes like a cozy Moroccan-ish soup, if that makes sense lol.
Totally makes sense! The cumin + turmeric combo gives it that warm Moroccan-ish vibe. Glad you loved it 😊
2 hours simmer? I did 90 min and the chicken was fine, but the potatoes were still firm. I think I would follow the full timing next time.
This is basically chicken soup but with a fancy name! Not impressed at all.
I’m not sure about the amount of bell peppers. Mine tasted a little sweet after simmering—next time I’ll use fewer.
Delicious!!! Best soup I’ve had in ages! Will definitely make it again!
I thought it would be more flavorful. Needs more seasoning or something.
This tastes like something my aunt would make. I added a little extra garlic and it didn’t need anything else. Definitely a keeper.
So easy to make! My kids helped with the veggies. It’s a fun recipe!
The steps are easy, but browning the chicken took longer than expected. Still, once it simmered, everything smelled amazing. Would definitely make again!
Is this really how you cook chicken? Seems too simple.
Looks too easy, bet it ain’t as good as it sounds. You sure about that recipe?
I think it’s actually pretty straightforward! Sometimes simple is better, you know?
Pretty solid base recipe, but the flavor felt a little flat until I added more salt. Would recommend seasoning as you go.
Totally agree—soup can taste a bit flat without enough salt. Next time I’ll season in stages instead of waiting until the end.
My spice measurements were messy (I dumped a little extra paprika) and it turned out smoky in a good way. Might just be my taste though.
Too much garlic for my fam! Next time I’ll use just one clove instead of 3. But overall, okay soup!
3 cloves is a lot! I might stick with just 1 too. But you know, garlic is good for you! Just saying.
I actually love garlic! But I get it, not everyone is a fan. Glad you still thought it was okay overall.
Best soup ever! I add some hot sauce for extra kick. Yum!
Couldn’t get the spices to blend well in my pot, and I ended up stirring more than the recipe said. In the end it turned out okay though—just messy.
2 hours is a long time lol. I simmered about 60 minutes and the chicken was kinda tender but not fully—taste was still nice.
Absolutely delicious! The flavors are amazing and my family loved it. Will definitely make this again!
Yummy! ❤️ Best soup I’ve made in a while! So warming and hearty!
This sounds so comforting—cumin + paprika + turmeric is a perfect combo. I love that you simmer it for 2 hours too; that’s when the flavors really melt together.
I tried it and my bell peppers disappeared… like totally. Tasted good though, but I think I diced them way too small. Also I forgot to shred the chicken and just left it chunky lol.
How many carbs are in this? Trying to be low-carb and I’m not sure if this fits.
This soup is amazing! So flavorful and comforting, perfect for cold days.
Not bad, but it felt a bit bland until I added extra cumin and black pepper. Also, my garlic got a little brown even though I sautéed on medium… oops.
I’m skeptical of turmeric in soup, but wow… it didn’t taste weird at all. Just warm and earthy.
Not bad, but I found it a little bland until I doubled the paprika. Also, I accidentally used chicken stock instead of broth and it still worked, so yeah.
Two hours is kinda long, I cooked it for just an hour and it was fine. Not worth the wait.
I think 2 hours is necessary for the flavors to really blend! But if you’re in a hurry, I guess 1 hour works too. Just might not taste as great! 🍲
Yum! Perfect for the cold weather. I added a pinch of cinnamon for an extra twist.
Simple recipe yet so delicious. My family loved it!
This soup is amazing! So flavorful and warming. My whole family loved it!
Honestly, looks like a very ‘dump everything in’ soup and I mean that in a good way. Also love that you brown the chicken first.
I didn’t have all the ingredients, so I used what I had. Still turned out good, but not as tasty as I expected.
I have never made soup before and I found this easy. Thanks!
I’m so glad you found it easy! Soup can be so comforting and rewarding to make. Enjoy your cooking!
Made it last week and it came out great. The 2-hour simmer is key though—don’t rush it or the flavor isn’t as deep.
Honestly, it tastes like regular chicken soup with extra spices. My family said it was fine, but not “wow.”
I was skeptical about the bell peppers, but they add a nice sweetness. Maybe my broth was stronger, because it tasted a little salty—salt to taste is no joke.
Made this last week and it tasted like something my aunt would cook. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it popped. Will definitely make again!
This is basically a chicken vegetable soup, yeah, but the spices make it feel different. The parsley at the end is a nice touch. 10/10 comfort food.
I like the idea, but 2 hours simmer feels a little long? My chicken usually gets tender way sooner. Also I always add salt while it cooks, not only after—maybe that’s just me. Still sounds tasty though.
Agreed! It totally reads like a chicken veggie soup, but the cumin/paprika/turmeric combo is what makes it taste “Algerian” instead of generic. The parsley at the end really brightens it up.
Not bad, but I think it needs acid at the end—like a squeeze of lemon—otherwise it tastes flat. Just my opinion.
Yum! The diced tomatoes plus broth makes it super flavorful. I served it with crusty bread and everyone went back for seconds.
The 2-hour simmer is key, but mine took closer to 2.5 hours because my chicken pieces were huge. Still came out great though.
Made it last week and it tasted like something I’d get from a small family restaurant. My peppers were a little too big but otherwise perfect.
I’m giving it a 4 but only because my veggies took longer to soften than expected. Next time I’ll cut everything a bit smaller. Flavor was still really good.
Totally get that—veggies can definitely need more time depending on how big you cut them. Cutting smaller is smart. Glad the flavor still hit though!
4 is fair. Mine was also kinda slow to soften, but I think it was the bell peppers? Like they stayed firm even after 2 hours. Still tasted good, but next time I’m gonna dice everything reeeal small.
I like the ingredient list, but 2 hours felt long. I did 75 minutes and the chicken was tender enough, though the potatoes were a bit firm. Next time I’ll extend it.
Soup? What soup? haha just kidding, I see it now…
The spice combo is nice, but 2 hours felt long. Next time I’ll check earlier because my potatoes got a bit mushy. Still ate it all though.
I didn’t have bell peppers, so I used zucchini instead. Turned out kinda good, but not the same. Would still make it in a pinch.
Not bad at all, but mine took way longer than 2 hours to get fully tender. Flavor is still solid though. Maybe my potatoes were bigger chunks?
Absolutely delicious! I made this for my family and they loved it. The spices are perfect.
Five stars for the ingredients list alone—there’s like a whole rainbow in here. Only thing is I don’t chop bell peppers evenly so it looks chaotic 😅
Haha fair—my bell peppers look like they went through a storm too 😄 But honestly the soup forgives chaos; once it simmers 2 hours everything evens out. If you want it prettier, just dice them a bit smaller next time.
I made something similar, and it was bland until I added extra cumin and a squeeze of lemon at the end. I’d suggest keeping an eye on seasoning after simmering. Otherwise, good start!
Delicious! 10/10 would eat again.
This sounds super comforting. I love the cumin + paprika combo—definitely making it when I want something hearty but not fussy.
This tasted like the kind of soup my aunt would make. Super filling and the veggies held up nicely. I used chicken thighs and it came out great.
2 hours seems like overkill? I simmered mine for about 60 minutes and the chicken was okay, but not super tender. Still tasty though.
Yeah, 2 hours can be a lot depending on how big your chicken pieces are. I usually go closer to 75–90 minutes (or until the chicken shreds easily). Your result sounds like it just needed a bit more time—still, tasty is a win!
Followed the recipe exactly and it was a disaster. Chicken was tough and veggies mushy. Not sure what went wrong.
Maybe you cooked it for too long? Chicken can dry out easy if left too long. Try checking it sooner next time.
Sorry to hear that! My soup turned out great. I wonder if your chicken was old or something? Just a thought!
I made this for meal prep and it actually got better the next day. The chicken turns super tender. Only tweak: I used less turmeric because I’m not a big fan, still tasted great.
That’s awesome to hear—2 hours to tenderize chicken is the move. Also love that you meal prepped it and it improved overnight!
Interesting about the turmeric—I’ve always been nervous about it making things taste “earthy.” But if it still tasted great with less, I might try your tweak next time.
Made this last night—so cozy and flavorful. The cumin/paprika combo is spot on. I only had sweet potatoes so I swapped them and it still worked great.
So glad it worked with sweet potatoes! 🌟 That cumin/paprika base really does make it cozy. Did you find the sweetness changed the flavor balance much, or did the turmeric/garlic keep it grounded?
I don’t know… turmeric in soup feels kinda odd to me. But I guess if you balance the spices it works. Gonna try with less turmeric first.
Just two words: SO GOOD!
I totally agree! This soup is just the best ever, my family loves it!
Yeah, but I think it’s missing something, maybe a bit more spice?
I love Algerian-style flavors, and this one really hit the spot. The turmeric gives a nice warmth. I added a little extra garlic and it was amazing.
Yes!! The turmeric really makes it cozy and warm. I’ve made Algerian soups before and that spice combo is so good—glad it hit for you too!
I tried this and honestly the garlic can be a little strong if you go too heavy—still tasty though. Next time I’ll keep the extra, but maybe add it earlier with the onions so it mellows.
This sounds like total comfort food. I love the mix of cumin + paprika + turmeric—makes it taste richer than “regular” chicken soup.
Not sure about the amount of spices—1 tbsp cumin and 1 tbsp paprika felt a bit intense for me. I’d half them next time. Texture-wise it was decent though.
Pretty good, but mine came out a bit bland until I salted more at the end. Also wish I’d browned the chicken a little longer—still tasty though.
Pretty solid flavor profile, but I might cut the simmer time a bit. Two hours is a lot when you forget to take the chicken out earlier 😅 Still, it reads delicious.
Wow, this sounds super comforting—cumin + paprika + turmeric is a great combo. I like that you simmer it for 2 hours; that’s how you get real flavor.
I followed the recipe exactly, but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe my spices were old? Not sure.
Okay so i browned the chicken like it says (important!). Soup flavor was really nice, and shredding the chicken was oddly satisfying.
Not bad at all! I was worried about the bell peppers, but they mellowed out nicely. Next time I might cut the potatoes a bit smaller.
Super yummy!! I didn’t have cumin so I used curry powder instead. Still great!
This is a nice base recipe, but I wish there was some heat (like harissa or chili). Without that, it’s more mild than I expected. Still, everyone went back for seconds.
Totally get that—this one’s pretty mild as written. Next time I’d add harissa or chili right at the tomato/spice step (like start with 1 tsp harissa and adjust). Maybe even a pinch of cayenne if you want it hotter. Glad everyone still went back for seconds though!
Not bad, but mine came out a bit bland until I added extra salt and more cumin. Also I forgot to shred the chicken at first—still edible though.
Glad it was still edible! I always think these soups need a little extra seasoning—cumin especially. Next time I’ll try shredding the chicken right away.
Yum! I didn’t have all the ingredients but it was still good. Thanks for the recipe!
Tasty! I used a rotisserie chicken to save time and only simmered the veggies about 30-40 minutes, then stirred in shredded chicken at the end. Flavor was still good.
Love this shortcut idea! Rotisserie chicken + a shorter simmer is totally the move—glad the flavor stayed great.
Made this tonight and it’s super comforting. The cumin + paprika combo is 🔥. My chicken was tender after about 1.5 hours—will definitely make again.
This sounds like pure comfort food. The mix of cumin/paprika/turmeric with all those veggies is exactly my kind of soup. I’m definitely making it for meal prep—2 hours simmering should make the chicken super tender.
Solid recipe! I used chicken thighs instead of cut-up pieces and it was richer. Would add a squeeze of lemon next time for brightness.
I think lemon might mess with the spices? I would just add more paprika and let it simmer longer. Also “squeeze of lemon” is kinda random—when do you add it?
Nice! Chicken thighs make sense—those usually keep the soup extra tender and richer. Lemon would be a great brightness boost too.
Why do you have to simmer it for 2 whole hours? Seems like a lot of time for soup.
Not sure if I did something wrong, because my potatoes kinda broke down into mush after 2 hours. Still edible, just not the texture I expected. Any tips?
Very good, but I think it needs more garlic or maybe extra spices. Mine tasted a little mild until I added a pinch more turmeric and black pepper.
I found it too salty. Next time I’ll skip the salt at the beginning.
I can see how that might happen! Salt can really vary by taste. Maybe try a pinch instead of a tablespoon next time?
Yum! I added some spicy sausage to it, and it was the bomb! Will totally make again!
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about the bell peppers—like won’t they get too soft? But if you’re simmering low and covered, maybe they’ll stay nice. Anyone tried it without peppers?
I love Mediterranean-ish soups, but I think your ingredient list is missing something (maybe cinnamon or a bay leaf?). I tried adding bay leaf anyway and it helped.
I followed it pretty closely, but I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it made the whole thing pop. Definitely will make again.
Love that! Lemon at the end really brightens up soups—makes sense with the cumin/paprika combo.
This soup is amazing! So hearty and flavorful. Even my kids loved it! ❤️
Made this for dinner and it turned out so comforting—especially with the cumin and paprika. I left it simmering closer to 2.5 hours and the chicken was fall-apart tender.
2.5 hours is the sweet spot, I bet! The cumin + paprika combo sounds perfect for comfort-food vibes. I’m definitely trying this.
I forgot the turmeric once and it still tasted okay, but not the same. After trying again with turmeric, it really woke everything up.
Yes!! Turmeric really does make the whole thing pop. I’ve noticed the soup tastes way flatter without it, especially after that long simmer.
2 tbsp olive oil plus 4 cups broth… seems kinda greasy to me? Also, can someone clarify if you shred the chicken before serving or like immediately after 2 hours? I’d love to try, just worried it’ll be off.
The recipe says remove the chicken after simmering, then shred it and put it back in. So: shred right after the 2 hours (once it’s tender), not before.
I totally get the concern—2 tbsp olive oil for 4 cups broth is not super crazy, and a lot of it gets absorbed/evaporates during the long simmer. Mine doesn’t come out greasy after 2 hours.
So comforting and flavorful! The cumin/paprika combo is perfect, and simmering it that long really makes the veggies taste richer. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it was unreal.