Green Minestrone with Chicken

This green minestrone soup with chicken is satiating and restorative. A mix of vibrant green vegetables provide fiber and glutathione which have anti-aging benefits. The chicken will provide satiety and blood sugar balance.

What is Minestrone Soup?

Traditional minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup typically made with a tomato-based broth and pasta. My “green minestrone” take on this classic recipe is rich with green vegetables. I also add chicken to make it satiating and a complete meal.

Is Green Minestrone with Chicken Healthy?

My interpretation of minestrone soup is nourishing with alkalizing properties. The green vegetables boost glutathione. Glutathione is involved in tissue-building and repair. It also reduces oxidative stress in your body and supports your skin health. Green vegetables also oxygenate the blood.

I add chicken to make this a protein-rich meal. Getting sufficient protein is critical especially for women over 35 in order to help support muscle building and maintain overall muscle mass.

Green Minestrone Ingredients and Substitutions

• Broth – You can use low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. Use low sodium varieties and add additional salt to taste. Use bone broth to give this soup even more restorative properties.
• Leeks – Use the white parts only. Here is an article about how to clean leeks.
• Garlic – Garlic offers an immune system boost to fight off viruses. Pro-tip – chop the garlic and let rest for 15 minutes before adding to the soup to boost its bio-actives.
• Celery – Celery is a classic base for most soups.
• Broccoli – You can use regular broccoli florets or broccolini. Pro-tip – (if you remember) chop your broccoli 30-45 minutes in advance which increases the concentration of sulforaphane, a chemical compound that can protect the body against cancer-causing agents.
• Green beans – Have anti-aging and gut healthy polyphenols. Green beans are on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list so I recommend buying organic if possible.
• Baby spinach – I love the tenderness of baby spinach but you can also try kale. You should also consider buying organic.
• Peas – You can use fresh or frozen.
• Parsley and basil – You can also use mint. Do not skip! These add brightness and flavor to the dish.
• Lemon zest – Adding a squeeze of lemon and the lemon zest at the end add a bit of acid to the dish.
• Chicken – Shred baked or grilled chicken or save time by using a pre-made rotisserie chicken. Replace with white beans to make vegan or vegetarian.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: In a large ceramic or cast iron post, heat the oil over medium low heat. Add the leek, celery and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Add the broccoli and zucchini and stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the broth and then raise heat to medium to bring to a slow boil. Decrease the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the green beans and simmer for 5 minutes until the vegetables are JUST tender but still green.

Step 5: Add the baby spinach, peas, parsley, basil and lemon zest and simmer until baby spinach is wilted and peas are cooked (about 3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Remove soup from heat. Add in shredded chicken and stir.

Expert Tips for Green Minestrone

• Add your favorite protein. I like to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time but this soup would also taste good with shrimp.
• Make it vegan/vegetarian. Replace the chicken with white beans.
• Swap the vegetables. As long as you keep the same measurements, you can swap out one vegetable for another.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Let cool and store in a large glass or ceramic container. Soup will stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Let cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 month. Let thaw in the refrigerator a day in advance.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a pot on the stovetop or in a glass or ceramic bowl in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Recipes You May Like

• Peach Salsa Chicken
• Kale, White Bean and Orzo Soup with Plant-Based or Turkey Sausage
• Greek Marinade for Chicken or Fish
• Healthy Turkey Chili (Loaded with Vegetables!)

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