Rating: 3.72
(178)

Chicken and Vegetable Ribollita

June 12, 2024

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.

Chicken and Vegetable Ribollita
Chicken and Vegetable Ribollita
3.72 from 178 votes
A hearty and flavorful Italian stew made with chicken and vegetables.
Servings 6 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 10gFiber: 6g
Calories: 320kcal
Meal Type: Soup
Keyword: chicken, ribollita, stew, vegetable
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: >45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar erin.macejkovic69 says:

    2 stars
    Meh. It was okay, but I think it could use more spices or something… was kind of bland.

  2. User avatar corinne.marquardt says:

    2 stars
    What’s ribollita? Is that even a real thing? I just made a soup. Kinda disappointed.

  3. User avatar trina.runolfsdottir90 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! My whole family loved it. I might add some more garlic next time though.

  4. User avatar cleo.senger1995 says:

    3 stars
    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.

    1. User avatar Steve Kessler V says:

      4 stars
      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.

    2. User avatar keren.konopelski1987 says:

      2 stars
      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.

  5. User avatar sammy.reinger says:

    5 stars
    Easy to make! My kids loved it! 🐔🥬❤️

  6. 4 stars
    Quick and easy! Perfect for a chilly day. Thanks for sharing!

    1. 3 stars
      Looks nice, but I wonder if the chicken can be swapped for something else? I’m a vegetarian.

    2. User avatar elda.ortiz41 says:

      5 stars
      I made this last night! It was so good, my kids ate all of it! 👏 Thanks for the recipe!

  7. User avatar annalisa.medhurst13 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know if I’m doing it wrong but mine turned out bland. Needs more spices!

  8. User avatar andrea.herman2015 says:

    3 stars
    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.

  9. User avatar cortez.macgyver says:

    2 stars
    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.

    1. 4 stars
      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!

    2. User avatar ervin.brown says:

      2 stars
      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. 🙂

  10. User avatar Draugr Death Overlord says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Will make it again! 🔥

  11. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    5 stars
    So good I ate two bowls. I used low-sodium broth and it still tasted rich. Family asked for it again.

    1. User avatar jayson.rutherford says:

      4 stars
      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?

    2. User avatar willie.ledner23 says:

      5 stars
      Two bowls?! That’s a strong endorsement 😄 Glad low-sodium broth still worked—this recipe really has that rich, cozy vibe.

  12. 5 stars
    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.

    1. 5 stars
      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 😅

    2. User avatar alethea.swift says:

      3 stars
      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.

  13. 4 stars
    Five stars because it uses kale and beans 😅. Also, garlic amount seems right—my kitchen smelled like a restaurant. Will make again.

  14. User avatar sacha.corwin89 says:

    5 stars
    So yummy! I added my own spices and made it special, turned out great!

    1. 5 stars
      Sounds great! I love when people add their own twist. What spices did you use?

  15. User avatar janel.zboncak30 says:

    4 stars
    Chicken good. Veggies ok. Me and my partner like it.

    1. User avatar dominick.cummings60 says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! Chicken paired with veggies is always a winner. 😋

    2. 2 stars
      I dunno, it sounds kinda plain. Where’s the spice? Maybe add some hot sauce next time?

  16. User avatar romeo.rath says:

    5 stars
    This was so good! The chicken was super tender and the broth had a nice flavor. Definitely making this again!

  17. 2 stars
    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.

  18. 5 stars
    Chicken and veggies…classic combo! Can’t go wrong!

  19. User avatar trena.sawayn1960 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make. My kids loved it!

  20. 5 stars
    This was sooo good! The flavors were amazing, and my family loved it! Definitely making it again.

  21. User avatar Heimerdinger says:

    1 star
    I don’t understand why people put kale in everything! What’s wrong with spinach??

  22. User avatar marlyn.schaefer2018 says:

    2 stars
    Ribollita without bread?? I mean I know it’s a soup, but I expected more of that classic thick, rustic thing. Tastes good, but it feels like just a chicken bean stew.

  23. User avatar Flame Atronach says:

    4 stars
    So easy! I love that it uses canned beans. Makes it quick. Plus, it was DELISH! Going to serve to my friends next week.

  24. 4 stars
    Simple ingredients, big flavor. The thyme really comes through. Next time I’ll cook the veg a little longer for more sweetness.

  25. User avatar gus.rath1985 says:

    4 stars
    I added some chili flakes and wow! Spiced it up real nice.

  26. User avatar alexis.collins says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have kale so I used spinach and added it at the end—still felt fresh. Great weeknight comfort food.

    1. User avatar glennis.leannon1971 says:

      5 stars
      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.

    2. User avatar liberal.hero says:

      3 stars
      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?

  27. 3 stars
    I tried to make this recipe but I accidentally used beef broth instead of chicken. Oops!

  28. 5 stars
    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.

  29. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

    4 stars
    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.

  30. User avatar denyse.effertz says:

    2 stars
    Isn’t ribollita supposed to be vegetarian? You might be confusing recipes. Just saying!

  31. User avatar zachary.gottlieb56 says:

    2 stars
    Why are you putting beans in soup? That’s just weird. I prefer the old way.

    1. 4 stars
      I think the beans add a nice creaminess and texture! Plus, they’re healthy. Give it a try, you might like it!

    2. User avatar rae.lind55 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, beans don’t belong in soup. Stick to just chicken and veg. Old school is the best!

  32. User avatar madelyn.kuhn says:

    3 stars
    I din’t have kale so I used spinach instead. Tasted alright.

  33. 3 stars
    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?

  34. User avatar Restless Draugr says:

    3 stars
    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.

    1. 5 stars
      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.

    2. User avatar freida.durgan91 says:

      3 stars
      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!

  35. User avatar ricardo.towne86 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! good stuff

  36. 3 stars
    Meh. Didn’t turn out how I expected. The chicken took forever to cook.

  37. 5 stars
    This ribollita recipe is a game changer! Rich and hearty, perfect for rainy days. My family loved it!

  38. 3 stars
    I followed the recipe but it was too salty for us. Maybe cut down on the broth next time?

  39. User avatar deandre.pfeffer says:

    3 stars
    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.

    1. User avatar dorsey.mclaughlin15 says:

      4 stars
      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.

  40. 4 stars
    Tried this yesterday and loved it! The kale added a nice touch. I added some chili flakes for kick.

    1. User avatar Oolon Colluphid says:

      5 stars
      So glad you liked it! The chili flakes sound like a great addition! I bet it was super tasty!

  41. User avatar racheal.hintz50 says:

    1 star
    Meh. Too many vegetables for my taste. I prefer my soup without kale.

    1. 4 stars
      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. 🌟

  42. User avatar Errol Price says:

    2 stars
    Too much kale, I think. Made it taste weird. Next time I’ll skip the greens.

  43. 1 star
    What’s ribollita? Sounds Italian. Is it just soup? I just can’t understand 🤔

  44. User avatar ramon.carter78 says:

    4 stars
    I’ve never heard of ‘ribollita’ but this chicken thing is good.

  45. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    2 stars
    I tried this recipe and my chicken ended up dry. I think I cooked it too long. 😕 Not sure if I’ll try again.

    1. User avatar theo.bins5 says:

      4 stars
      It happens! Maybe try cooking the chicken for less time or check it often. It’ll come out better next time! 😊

  46. User avatar Mr. Viki Brekke says:

    4 stars
    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.

    1. User avatar johnathon.windler80 says:

      5 stars
      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.

  47. 4 stars
    This was pretty good, but mine turned out a bit bland until I added more salt and pepper at the end. Also, 1 chicken is vague—could’ve used a size/weight. Still, the flavors came together nicely after simmering.

  48. 4 stars
    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.

    1. User avatar mervin.stroman13 says:

      3 stars
      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!

    2. User avatar brendon.haley47 says:

      5 stars
      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.

  49. User avatar mohamed.hills32 says:

    5 stars
    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.

  50. User avatar horacio.rowe says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious! The flavors melded perfectly. Definitely making it again. Thanks!

  51. User avatar santo.lehner87 says:

    4 stars
    I’m not much of a cook, but this recipe seems simple. Hope I don’t mess it up! 🤞

  52. User avatar beverly.berge56 says:

    5 stars
    Chicken + veggies = successful dinner in my book! Love it. 🥳

  53. User avatar rolland.zemlak says:

    3 stars
    Meh, it was okay but kinda bland. I think it needs more spices. 🙁

  54. 5 stars
    This is my kind of recipe: throw stuff in a pot, let it simmer, eat happy. My picky eater actually asked for seconds (miracle!).

  55. User avatar San Shenlong says:

    4 stars
    Very hearty and filling. Perfect for the cold weather. I added some parmesan on top, and it was delicious!

  56. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    5 stars
    This was super tasty! The chicken was so flavorful and the veggies were perfect. Definitely a 5 star dish!

  57. User avatar anja.abshire says:

    5 stars
    SUPER easy! I added more garlic cuz love it! My kids actually ate the kale lol!

  58. User avatar marty.crona16 says:

    5 stars
    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!

    1. User avatar elli.treutel1967 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome to hear! Sometimes simple recipes can surprise us. Glad you and your wife enjoyed it!

  59. User avatar cynthia.mann says:

    4 stars
    I made this for my family and they loved it! I added some chili flakes for a kick.

  60. 3 stars
    I followed the recipe but it came out kind of bland… Maybe I missed something? More spices next time for sure.

  61. User avatar Hanna Hirthe MD says:

    5 stars
    Yum.

  62. User avatar Beau Gaylord says:

    1 star
    Yuck! This just wasn’t it for me. The chicken didn’t cook right, and the kale was just… meh.

  63. User avatar Bombers says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this recipe, it seems a bit bland to me. Maybe add some spice?

  64. User avatar Kindred says:

    5 stars
    Fabulus! I used leftover chicken, not tender, but really adds flavor! A +++!

  65. 4 stars
    I didn’t have kale, so I used spinach. Still turned out pretty good!

    1. User avatar nicole.torp1992 says:

      3 stars
      But kale is sooo important for ribollita! Hope it didn’t change the taste too much.

    2. 5 stars
      Spinach is a great substitute! I’m glad it worked out for you. 😊

  66. 2 stars
    This dish takes forever to cook. I was hungry ages before it was ready.

  67. User avatar Selma Balistreri PhD says:

    5 stars
    5 stars! Easy comfort food. Tastes like it simmered all day even though I didn’t 😅

  68. User avatar tijuana.buckridge53 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! Finished it all! Just wish there was more chicken in it. Otherwise very satisfying.

  69. User avatar coleman.mueller98 says:

    1 star
    This recipe was complicated. I thought ribollita was supposed to be a soup with bread? Not sure what this is.

  70. User avatar hyman.klocko says:

    2 stars
    I really don’t think this recipe is very good. The ingredients don’t seem to go together at all.

  71. User avatar agripina.oberbrunner says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, it was good but I feel like it coulda used more spices. Addin some red pepper flakes helped tho.

    1. User avatar Hal E. Luya says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! A little heat really brings out the flavors. I’ve been adding chili powder too! So good.

  72. User avatar Mason Jarr says:

    5 stars
    This sounds super cozy. I love ribollita-style soups, and the kale + cannellini combo is perfect. Might add a dash of chili flakes too. 🙂

  73. User avatar Grunthos the Flatulent says:

    2 stars
    I think you forgot to mention to use boneless chicken? I used it with bones and it was a mess.

    1. User avatar Dwarven Centurion says:

      5 stars
      Yeah, I totally agree! Bones make it hard to eat. Boneless would be way better!

  74. User avatar Felicita Jakubowski says:

    1 star
    Wow, 1.5-2 hours? My patience is thin! 😂

  75. User avatar Yooden Vranx says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night—so cozy. The kale wilted perfectly and the cannellini beans made it super filling. I used rotisserie chicken to save time and it still tasted great. Definitely adding to my weeknight rotation!

    1. User avatar annabell.hauck2019 says:

      4 stars
      I love ribollita but I’m curious—if you use rotisserie chicken, wouldn’t it be better to shorten the simmer? Still, glad it worked out!

    2. User avatar liana.hahn2009 says:

      5 stars
      Yesss—this sounds like exactly the kind of cozy, hearty bowl I need on a busy weeknight. Kale + cannellini is such a great combo.

  76. User avatar wade.becker45 says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! So hearty and full of flavor!

  77. User avatar freeman.turner says:

    5 stars
    Chicken, vegetables, soup, what else do you need? Perfect dish for lazy days!

  78. 2 stars
    Honestly, this is more like chicken soup than ribollita. Where’s the bread/olive oil/butter/whatever makes ribollita ribollita? 😅

  79. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

    4 stars
    Yum!!! Easy to make and perfect for dinner in colder weather. My kids loved it too! Will make again!

  80. User avatar roseanna.goldner90 says:

    3 stars
    Tasted good but took forever to cook! My chicken was still a bit raw after the time mentioned.

3.72 from 178 votes
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