Italian Chicken and Escarole Soup

Italian chicken and escarole soup is the perfect cozy, nourishing dish that combines tender chicken, a savory broth, and the unique flavor of escarole. This classic Italian soup is as satisfying as it is healthy, offering a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of soup on a cold evening or a light, yet filling meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite.

The base of this soup is a flavorful chicken broth, often made by simmering chicken, garlic, onions, and herbs like bay leaves and thyme. As the broth simmers, the chicken becomes tender and infused with all the aromatic flavors from the vegetables and seasonings. Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces, adding a rich protein component to the soup.

Escarole, a slightly bitter leafy green, is the star of this dish. When cooked in the broth, escarole wilts beautifully, adding a distinct, slightly bitter taste that balances the richness of the chicken and the savory broth. It also adds a nice, hearty texture to the soup, making it feel more filling and substantial. The combination of chicken and escarole brings a depth of flavor that’s both earthy and refreshing.

The soup is often finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adding a touch of nuttiness and creaminess. You can also stir in some pasta, like small shells or ditalini, to make the soup even more hearty and satisfying. If you like, a drizzle of good olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish, cutting through the richness with a little acidity.

Italian chicken and escarole soup is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it based on what you have available. The addition of beans, like cannellini or garbanzo, can make it even more filling and add an extra layer of texture.

This soup is not only comforting and flavorful, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the chicken, escarole, and any other veggies you choose to include. It’s a perfect, wholesome meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a light appetizer.

This soup is not only delicious but also healthy. It is packed with nutritious ingredients such as chicken, escarole, vegetables, and herbs, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the broth-based nature of the soup makes it a lighter option compared to creamy soups, ideal for those looking for a satisfying yet nutritious meal.

Overall, Italian Chicken and Escarole Soup is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely become a favorite in your home kitchen.

Italian Chicken and Escarole Soup

3.75 from 78 votes

A hearty and flavorful soup with Italian chicken and escarole.

Servings 6 people

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 29 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 head escarole chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• parmesan cheese for serving, grated

Instructions

 

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Add the escarole, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
• Serve the soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 37gFat: 9gFiber: 4g

Calories: 289kcal

Meal Type: Soup

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword: chicken soup, italian recipes, soups

Cooking Method: Boiled

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Easy

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