Fresh chicken soup with tomatoes and green beans

This bright, colorful soup celebrates the best of summer gardens. Ripe tomatoes and crisp green beans combine with tender chicken for a soup that's light yet satisfying - perfect for warm-weather meals when you still want something comforting.

The key is not to overcook the green beans. They should retain a slight crunch, providing contrast to the soft tomatoes and tender chicken. Fresh basil at the end adds an aromatic finish that makes this soup sing.

Selecting Green Beans

  • Firm and snappy - Should break cleanly
  • Bright green - No yellowing or spots
  • Slim beans - More tender than thick ones
  • Fresh is best - Frozen works in a pinch

Best Tomatoes to Use

  • Summer: Fresh garden tomatoes
  • Year-round: Cherry tomatoes have best flavor
  • Canned option: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • San Marzano: For a more saucy soup

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty Italian bread
  • Grated Parmesan on top
  • Fresh torn basil
  • Perfect summer lunch

Chicken Soup with Tomatoes and Green Beans

Bright summer soup with garden-fresh vegetables.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min
Servings: 6

Nutrition per serving

245Calories
28gProtein
16gCarbs
7gFat
4gFiber
6gSugar

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute.
  2. Cook chicken. Add broth and chicken to pot. Bring to a simmer and cook 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and shred.
  3. Add vegetables. Add green beans and tomatoes to broth. Simmer 8 minutes until green beans are crisp-tender - don't overcook.
  4. Finish. Return shredded chicken to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with torn fresh basil leaves.

Recipe Notes

  • Add pasta: Small pasta shapes make this more filling.
  • Italian style: Add white beans for extra protein.
  • Parmesan: Stir in or serve grated on top.
  • Storage: Refrigerate 4 days. Green beans soften over time.