Chicken and Vegetable Ribollita is a comforting Italian soup that brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rustic bread in a rich, savory broth. Ribollita, traditionally a Tuscan dish, is known for its deep flavors and satisfying texture. This variation adds lean chicken for extra protein and a perfect balance of flavor, making it a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
The base of Ribollita is a flavorful vegetable medley, including onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. These are sautéed in olive oil to release their natural sweetness and aroma, creating a delicious foundation for the soup. Adding fresh tomatoes, beans (typically cannellini beans), and a touch of broth creates a hearty, warming soup base.
Chicken is added to the mix, either as shredded rotisserie chicken or tender chicken breasts, which is simmered with the vegetables to absorb all the flavors. The dish gets its signature texture by adding cubes of stale or day-old bread, which soak up the liquid and break down into the soup, giving it a creamy yet rustic feel.
A good dose of hearty greens, like kale or Swiss chard, is added to the soup for a nutrient-packed boost, offering both color and flavor. As the soup simmers, all the ingredients meld together, creating a deep, rich flavor that feels both comforting and satisfying. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top add the perfect finishing touches to this warm, soul-satisfying dish.
Chicken and Vegetable Ribollita is not only flavorful but also incredibly nutritious. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the chicken and vegetables, it’s a well-rounded meal in a bowl. It’s perfect for meal prep, as the flavors only get better the next day.
Serve this Ribollita with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, fulfilling meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients
- 1 chicken
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and dried thyme to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the chopped kale.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the kale is wilted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Meh. It was okay, but I think it could use more spices or something… was kind of bland.
What’s ribollita? Is that even a real thing? I just made a soup. Kinda disappointed.
Delicious! My whole family loved it. I might add some more garlic next time though.
The instructions are clear, but 1 chicken with no weight? Like, what size are we talking? Also simmering 1.5-2 hours seems long—still, I bet it’ll get tender.
Yeah that “1 chicken” is super vague 😅 If it’s a whole chicken it’ll take way longer, but if it’s like 1 large chicken breast or thighs—definitely simmer less. I usually go with bone-in pieces and ~1.5 hours seems about right for tender shredding.
Simmer 1.5-2 hours is too much imo… I think the chicken will get dry. Also “1 chicken” lol just say how many lbs or what parts. I’d do like 30-40 minutes for breasts, not all day.
Easy to make! My kids loved it! 🐔🥬❤️
Quick and easy! Perfect for a chilly day. Thanks for sharing!
Looks nice, but I wonder if the chicken can be swapped for something else? I’m a vegetarian.
I made this last night! It was so good, my kids ate all of it! 👏 Thanks for the recipe!
I don’t know if I’m doing it wrong but mine turned out bland. Needs more spices!
I’m not sure this is ribollita though—no bread, no olive oil drizzle at the end, no fancy topping. Tastes good, but the name feels misleading.
Sorry but “bring to a boil” then “simmer for 2 hours” with whole chicken?? That’s gonna be mushy or dry depending. I would’ve seared first or cooked shorter. But hey, maybe that’s the point.
I totally get your concern, but simmering a whole chicken for 1.5–2 hours can actually work if it’s gentle (not a rolling boil) and the pot is covered. Plus shredding later helps it not feel “mushy.” Still, searing first would add flavor though!
Nah, 2 hours is way too long for a chicken unless you like it falling apart. Also ribollita is usually bread/bean soup vibes, not boiled chicken for hours… but I guess you can do whatever. 🙂
Yum! Will make it again! 🔥
So good I ate two bowls. I used low-sodium broth and it still tasted rich. Family asked for it again.
Mine always turns out bland when I use “low-sodium” stuff… but if you still got rich flavor, I’m definitely trying it. Did you adjust salt at all?
Two bowls?! That’s a strong endorsement 😄 Glad low-sodium broth still worked—this recipe really has that rich, cozy vibe.
This sounds super cozy. The combo of cannellini beans + kale is exactly what I want on a chilly night. I might add a splash of lemon at the end for brightness, but otherwise looks spot on.
Yesss cozy is the word. Cannellini + kale is such a good combo, and the lemon idea sounds perfect for cutting through the richness. I might do extra garlic too 😅
I’m not sure about simmering 1.5–2 hours with the chicken—won’t the chicken get kinda dry? Also I’d add kale earlier or it won’t get cooked enough… but maybe I’m wrong. Still, looks tasty.
So yummy! I added my own spices and made it special, turned out great!
Sounds great! I love when people add their own twist. What spices did you use?
Chicken good. Veggies ok. Me and my partner like it.
Sounds delicious! Chicken paired with veggies is always a winner. 😋
I dunno, it sounds kinda plain. Where’s the spice? Maybe add some hot sauce next time?
This was so good! The chicken was super tender and the broth had a nice flavor. Definitely making this again!
My soup turned out a little bland. I think I under-salted. Anyone else? I fixed it by adding salt + a splash of lemon and suddenly it popped.
Chicken and veggies…classic combo! Can’t go wrong!
Super easy to make. My kids loved it!
This was sooo good! The flavors were amazing, and my family loved it! Definitely making it again.
I don’t understand why people put kale in everything! What’s wrong with spinach??
So easy! I love that it uses canned beans. Makes it quick. Plus, it was DELISH! Going to serve to my friends next week.
Simple ingredients, big flavor. The thyme really comes through. Next time I’ll cook the veg a little longer for more sweetness.
I added some chili flakes and wow! Spiced it up real nice.
I didn’t have kale so I used spinach and added it at the end—still felt fresh. Great weeknight comfort food.
Nice! I’ve done the same swap with spinach—glad it still tasted fresh. Also, thanks for confirming it at the end doesn’t get weird or too bitter.
Wait—adding spinach at the end is fine? I usually cook greens longer or they taste raw, so I’m skeptical. Would it still be as hearty without simmering as long?
I tried to make this recipe but I accidentally used beef broth instead of chicken. Oops!
The thyme made the whole pot smell amazing. I let it go closer to 2 hours and the chicken was super tender. Will cook again.
I made something like this before, but I’m confused—ribollita usually doesn’t have chicken, right? Still, I trust the flavors. I’ll try it and see if it works for my family.
Isn’t ribollita supposed to be vegetarian? You might be confusing recipes. Just saying!
Why are you putting beans in soup? That’s just weird. I prefer the old way.
I think the beans add a nice creaminess and texture! Plus, they’re healthy. Give it a try, you might like it!
Nah, beans don’t belong in soup. Stick to just chicken and veg. Old school is the best!
I din’t have kale so I used spinach instead. Tasted alright.
I dunno… it feels like there’s a lot going on in this recipe. Can the chicken be replaced with something else? Maybe tofu for vegetarians?
The ingredient list is a little confusing (like ‘1 chicken’… do they mean a whole chicken? or a breast?); I guessed chicken breast and it worked.
Yeah I was confused by “1 chicken” too. I used about 2 chicken breasts and it still turned out great—next time I’ll probably clarify that in the recipe.
Wait… “1 chicken” doesn’t sound right unless it’s like a whole chicken. I did it with thighs once and it took way longer, so I’m skeptical. Still, flavor was good!
Yum! good stuff
Meh. Didn’t turn out how I expected. The chicken took forever to cook.
This ribollita recipe is a game changer! Rich and hearty, perfect for rainy days. My family loved it!
I followed the recipe but it was too salty for us. Maybe cut down on the broth next time?
I like the idea, but I think the veggies need more than 5 minutes. Mine were still a little crunchy after. I might cook the base longer next time.
Totally agree—5 minutes for the diced carrots/celery/onion sounds way too short. Next time I’d sauté longer or simmer them in the broth before adding the beans/kale.
Tried this yesterday and loved it! The kale added a nice touch. I added some chili flakes for kick.
So glad you liked it! The chili flakes sound like a great addition! I bet it was super tasty!
Meh. Too many vegetables for my taste. I prefer my soup without kale.
I get it, kale isn’t for everyone! You could try making it with just chicken and carrots next time. Still, ribollita can be pretty tasty with the right balance. 🌟
Too much kale, I think. Made it taste weird. Next time I’ll skip the greens.
What’s ribollita? Sounds Italian. Is it just soup? I just can’t understand 🤔
I’ve never heard of ‘ribollita’ but this chicken thing is good.
I tried this recipe and my chicken ended up dry. I think I cooked it too long. 😕 Not sure if I’ll try again.
It happens! Maybe try cooking the chicken for less time or check it often. It’ll come out better next time! 😊
Not bad at all, but 1 chicken for the whole pot feels a little vague—mine was huge and I had to simmer longer. Tastes great though, especially with the shredded chicken.
Good point about the chicken—my “1 chicken” was a normal-sized one, so the simmer time was closer to the low end. If yours is bigger, I’d definitely extend it until it’s fork-tender like you said.
I followed it mostly, but I forgot to shred the chicken until way later… it was still good? Next time I won’t be lazy, lol.
Wait so you didn’t shred until way later and it was still “good”? I’m skeptical 😅 Like the kale wilted fine but the chicken texture would’ve been weird for me. Next time shred right after it cooks through!
Honestly, forgetting to shred it until later would make it a little chunkier, but if it simmered that whole 1.5–2 hours it probably still tenderized. Next time though, shredding earlier really helps it soak up the broth and blend in.
Made this last night and it came out super cozy. The kale timing was perfect—still had a little bite but was definitely wilted. I also added extra pepper and it really popped.
This was delicious! The flavors melded perfectly. Definitely making it again. Thanks!
I’m not much of a cook, but this recipe seems simple. Hope I don’t mess it up! 🤞
Chicken + veggies = successful dinner in my book! Love it. 🥳
Meh, it was okay but kinda bland. I think it needs more spices. 🙁
This is my kind of recipe: throw stuff in a pot, let it simmer, eat happy. My picky eater actually asked for seconds (miracle!).
Very hearty and filling. Perfect for the cold weather. I added some parmesan on top, and it was delicious!
This was super tasty! The chicken was so flavorful and the veggies were perfect. Definitely a 5 star dish!
SUPER easy! I added more garlic cuz love it! My kids actually ate the kale lol!
I’m not a chef, but I tried this. My wife loved it, and I got so many compliments. Who knew chicken and veggies could be this tasty!
That’s awesome to hear! Sometimes simple recipes can surprise us. Glad you and your wife enjoyed it!
I made this for my family and they loved it! I added some chili flakes for a kick.
I followed the recipe but it came out kind of bland… Maybe I missed something? More spices next time for sure.
Yum.
Yuck! This just wasn’t it for me. The chicken didn’t cook right, and the kale was just… meh.
I don’t know about this recipe, it seems a bit bland to me. Maybe add some spice?
Fabulus! I used leftover chicken, not tender, but really adds flavor! A +++!
I didn’t have kale, so I used spinach. Still turned out pretty good!
But kale is sooo important for ribollita! Hope it didn’t change the taste too much.
Spinach is a great substitute! I’m glad it worked out for you. 😊
This dish takes forever to cook. I was hungry ages before it was ready.
5 stars! Easy comfort food. Tastes like it simmered all day even though I didn’t 😅
Yum! Finished it all! Just wish there was more chicken in it. Otherwise very satisfying.
This recipe was complicated. I thought ribollita was supposed to be a soup with bread? Not sure what this is.
I really don’t think this recipe is very good. The ingredients don’t seem to go together at all.
I dunno, it was good but I feel like it coulda used more spices. Addin some red pepper flakes helped tho.
I totally agree! A little heat really brings out the flavors. I’ve been adding chili powder too! So good.
This sounds super cozy. I love ribollita-style soups, and the kale + cannellini combo is perfect. Might add a dash of chili flakes too. 🙂
I think you forgot to mention to use boneless chicken? I used it with bones and it was a mess.
Yeah, I totally agree! Bones make it hard to eat. Boneless would be way better!
Wow, 1.5-2 hours? My patience is thin! 😂
This was amazing! So hearty and full of flavor!
Chicken, vegetables, soup, what else do you need? Perfect dish for lazy days!
Honestly, this is more like chicken soup than ribollita. Where’s the bread/olive oil/butter/whatever makes ribollita ribollita? 😅
Yum!!! Easy to make and perfect for dinner in colder weather. My kids loved it too! Will make again!
Tasted good but took forever to cook! My chicken was still a bit raw after the time mentioned.
Yummm! This is a good recipe if you follow the instructions carefully.
Absolutely! I made this last night and it was delicious. Just make sure to let the chicken simmer long enough.
This ribollita was a hit! My kids loved it and asked for seconds. Will be making it again!
This seems like too much work for soup. I’ll just stick to my usual chicken noodle. 😕
This sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it out. I’m a huge fan of ribollita and adding chicken makes it even better!
I tried a similar ribollita but with no meat, and it was still delicious! Can’t wait to see how this one compares. Good luck!
ugh, this took forever to cook! Even after 2 hours the chicken was a bit tough. But flavor was good.
Zzz… is this soup or salad? Didn’t do much for me. I expected more flavor and it was kinda bland.
I thought the same! It could use more spices, maybe some chili flakes? 🤔
Really easy to make! I just threw everything in the pot and it turned out great. Thanks!
Yummy!!! 😍 Just what I needed for a cold day. Not a big fan of kale tho, might skip that next time.
Kale is really healthy tho! You might like it better if you cook it longer. 😋
I don’t like kale either! Maybe try spinach instead? 😅
Wow, this looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
I tried to keep it healthy and used half the beans. Big mistake—too thin. Adding the full can fixed it.
Totally makes sense—ribollita needs that starchy bean body. Half a can would absolutely thin it out. Glad the full can rescued it!
Not gonna lie, simmering 2 hours for chicken feels like a lot. I did 45 minutes and the chicken was okay but not shreddable. Maybe I cut the cook time wrong.
Yeah 2 hours sounds like a lot at first 😅. I’ve found if you cut the chicken smaller (or use boneless thighs), it shreds way sooner. 45 min can definitely leave you with “okay but not shreddable.”
I always simmer chicken in soups like this for longer, but 2 hours seems extreme—maybe it’s not boiling hard enough? also maybe your chicken was too thick? Next time try thinner pieces or simmer the whole thing at a steady low boil.
I added extra garlic because why not? It came out awesome!
Extra garlic is always a win! Love the flavor it adds. Glad it turned out awesome!
Why would you put kale in soup? That sounds gross.
Can I use beef instead of chicken? Asking for a friend.
I don’t see how this can be called Ribollita. Real Ribollita is made with bread and beans, not just chicken and veggies. Kinda disappointed.
I don’t know about using chicken in ribollita. Seems kinda off. Isn’t it supposed to be vegetarian?
Just made this and it was a disaster. The chicken was dry. 😩
I’m skeptical about simmering that long without thickening—mine was a bit brothy. Still good though, just not as hearty as I expected.
Maybe you didn’t simmer long enough? Mine gets thick like stew, not brothy. I also add a little flour slurry at the end (like 1 tsp). Works every time. 😅
Yeah I feel you. 1.5–2 hours can reduce, but if it never really thickened, it’ll stay kind of brothy. I sometimes mash a ladle of beans before simmering again—helps a lot.
I messed it up – didn’t have canned beans so just used some from the fridge. Still tasted alright tho.
This dish was a hit at my family dinner! So hearty and comforting! Will definitely make again.
My picky eater actually went back for seconds 😂 The kale wilted perfectly. I did add more pepper than it says though—because… why not?
Pretty tasty, but my veggies didn’t get tender in 5 minutes. I simmered longer and it worked out. Also, I added extra black pepper at the end and it really helped.
I cooked this for 3 hours, like in a slow cooker, and it was even better! More flavors come out that way!
Had to swap the chicken for beef and added some corn because that’s what I had. Still turned out pretty good! 🤷♂️
Not bad at all. I used rotisserie chicken just to speed things up and it tasted great. Next time I’ll chop everything smaller so it cooks more evenly.
Yikes! The cooking time seems way too long for chicken. I only did an hour, and it was still juicy. Do we really need 2 hours?
I agree! That sounds way too long. I usually do chicken for just an hour, and it comes out great. Maybe they like it dry? 🤷♀️
But you gotta make sure it’s fully cooked! Chicken can be dangerous if undercooked. I think the 2 hours helps with flavor too.
Very solid and budget-friendly. I used dried thyme because that’s what I had and it came out fine. The broth amount is great—good thickness without being heavy.
Yes! The texture is exactly what I like in ribollita—hearty but not heavy. I’ve never nailed the broth thickness before, so thanks for mentioning that.
Dried thyme too? I always forget to swap seasonings, but glad it still worked. Next time I might add a splash of lemon at the end… or maybe that’s a different soup 😅
Great recipe! Just a little too much garlic for my taste, but other than that, it was a hit with the family.
This is absolutely delicious! The chicken was so tender and the flavors were perfect. Definitely making this again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too. The kale adds such a nice touch, doesn’t it?
Hmmm, sounds good but idk about that long cook time. Isn’t chicken usually done way quicker? Just saying.
I’m confused by the name “ribollita” since this seems more like a chicken/bean soup than the classic Tuscan bread one. Still tasty, but I wouldn’t call it ribollita without bread or leftovers.
Honestly? It was bland until I salted more near the end. Also my kale went dark immediately so I think I chopped it too small or simmered too long—oops. Still ate it all.
Made this last night—so cozy. The shredded chicken + kale combo is honestly perfect. I used a bit more garlic because… why not. 10/10 comfort food.
Made it tonight—turns out pretty tasty. I used chicken thighs and simmered closer to 2.5 hours because I forgot it, and it was still great.
Nice! Glad it still worked—2.5 hours sounds like a happy accident. Chicken thighs are a great call for ribollita vibes.
What is ribollita? Is it a soup or stew? I’m confused. But it looks healthy!
Trying to be healthy so I followed it pretty close. Next time I’ll sauté the garlic a bit longer because mine tasted kinda raw. Other than that, comfort food!