Collard Greens Chicken Vegetable Soup

Featured in: Everyday Easy Dishes

This comforting soup combines tender shredded chicken with wholesome vegetables including potatoes, carrots, celery, and vitamin-rich collard greens. Simmered in a seasoned chicken broth with thyme and oregano, this hearty bowl comes together in just one hour.

The collard greens add earthy flavor and essential nutrients while potatoes make it satisfying. Perfect for cold weather or when you need nourishing comfort food that's naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Updated on Wed, 28 Jan 2026 02:31:45 GMT
Steaming bowl of Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup garnished with fresh herbs. Pin It
Steaming bowl of Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup garnished with fresh herbs. | fordish.com

Warm your soul with this hearty Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup. It’s a nourishing blend of tender shredded chicken, diced potatoes, and vitamin-rich collard greens simmered in a savory, aromatic broth. This meal is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, designed to satisfy the whole family.

Steaming bowl of Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup garnished with fresh herbs. Pin It
Steaming bowl of Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup garnished with fresh herbs. | fordish.com

This soup relies on basic pantry staples and fresh produce to create a deep, layered flavor profile. By simmering the chicken directly in the broth with herbs like thyme and oregano, every bite is infused with savory goodness. It is an ideal dish for meal prepping or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), or 3 thighs
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until softened.
Step 2
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pot, followed by the potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks.
Step 6
Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Add the chopped collard greens and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the greens are tender.
Step 7
Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, be sure to remove the tough center stems from the collard greens before chopping. Simmering the soup uncovered allows the broth to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors of the vegetables and poultry.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute collard greens with kale or Swiss chard depending on what is available. For a heartier version, consider adding 1/2 cup of cooked white beans or corn during the final 10 minutes of simmering.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup in rustic bowls with a side of crusty bread. For a bright finish, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes just before serving to enhance the aromatic herbs.

Savory Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup served in rustic bowls with crusty bread. Pin It
Savory Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup served in rustic bowls with crusty bread. | fordish.com

Whether you're looking for a vitamin-packed lunch or a comforting dinner, this Collard Greens, Chicken and Vegetable Soup delivers a wholesome and delicious experience in every spoonful. Enjoy the simplicity of fresh ingredients cooked to perfection.

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Recipe FAQs

How do I prepare collard greens for soup?

Remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half and cutting along the stem. Stack the leaves and chop into bite-sized pieces. The greens will cook down significantly in the hot broth.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely. Skip steps 4 and 5, add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering just to heat through. This reduces total cooking time to about 30 minutes.

What vegetables work well as substitutes?

Kale or Swiss chard can replace collard greens. Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added sweetness. Add diced tomatoes or green beans for extra variety and nutrition.

How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

How can I make this soup more filling?

Add cooked white beans, corn, or small pasta shapes during the last 10 minutes. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal that will satisfy even heartier appetites.

Collard Greens Chicken Vegetable Soup

A nourishing bowl of tender chicken, potatoes, and collard greens in a savory broth.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Result 6 Portion Size

Dietary Details No Dairy, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Poultry

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz) or 3 thighs

Vegetables

01 1 large yellow onion, diced
02 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
03 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
05 4 cups collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
06 3 garlic cloves, minced

Broth & Seasonings

01 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
02 1 bay leaf
03 1 teaspoon dried thyme
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Oil

01 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 02

Bloom garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Build broth base: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot, followed by the diced potatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 04

Simmer chicken: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 05

Shred chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks.

Step 06

Add greens: Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Add the chopped collard greens and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes until the greens are tender.

Step 07

Finish and season: Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains no top 8 major allergens

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 210
  • Lipids: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 20 g