Hearty Chicken & Cabbage Soup with Dill
This dish is a Hearty Chicken & Cabbage Soup with Dill, a nourishing, rustic soup popular across Eastern Europe and Mediterranean-influenced kitchens. It features tender shredded chicken, soft cabbage, carrots, onions, and a light golden broth, finished with fresh dill for a bright, herbal aroma. It’s comforting, wholesome, and perfect for cold days, light dinners, or when you want something soothing and homemade.
Preparation Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking: 45–50 minutes
Total: ~1 hour
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Main Ingredients
500–700 g (1–1½ lb) bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, or whole chicken pieces)
6 cups water or chicken broth
2 cups cabbage, finely shredded
2 medium carrots, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Seasoning & Flavor
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried thyme or bay leaf (optional)
Fresh Herbs
3–4 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1–2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, add chicken and water or broth. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a separate pan, heat olive oil or butter.
Add onions and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add carrots and garlic; cook for another 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Add the sautéed vegetables to the broth.
Stir in shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme or bay leaf.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cabbage is tender.
Step 5: Add Chicken & Finish
Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Simmer another 5–10 minutes.
Turn off heat and stir in fresh dill and parsley.
How It Works
Cabbage adds body and natural sweetness
Chicken broth creates a light but deeply comforting base
Dill lifts the entire soup with fresh, herbal brightness
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with crusty bread or flatbread
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness
Enjoy as a light main meal or nourishing starter
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days
Freezes well for up to 2 months (add fresh dill after reheating)
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Cabbage Soup with Dill is a timeless, soul-warming recipe—simple, nutritious, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving comfort food, this soup delivers warmth in every spoonful 🍲💛