Chicken and Spring Vegetable Soup with Asparagus and Snow Peas

Name: Chicken and Spring Vegetable Soup with Asparagus and Snow Peas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken, breast, thighs or legs (bone in); 3 quarts pure water; 1 pound asparagus, woody parts of the stems cut off, the rest cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 pound snow peas, cut off tips and remove the tough string; 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 cups watercress, ends cut off; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 tablespoons grass-fed butter; 2 teaspoons sea salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, freshly ground

A nourishing soup featuring tender chicken simmered in herb-infused broth with fresh spring vegetables including asparagus, snow peas, and watercress. The bone-in chicken creates a rich base while the vegetables add vibrant color and crisp texture. Perfect for transitional weather when you crave something light yet satisfying, this soup celebrates seasonal produce at its peak freshness.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 2 hr
Yield: 5 servings
Level: medium
Cuisine: American

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Gluten-Free Nut-Free

Ingredients

5 servings

2 pounds chicken, breast, thighs or legs (bone in)
chicken thighs1:1protein
richer flavor
Full guide →
3 quarts pure water
1 pound asparagus, woody parts of the stems cut off, the rest cut into 1-inch pieces
green beans1:1vegetable
seasonal alternative
Full guide →
½ pound snow peas, cut off tips and remove the tough string
sugar snap peas1:1vegetable
similar texture
½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups watercress, ends cut off
spinach1:1green
milder flavor
Full guide →
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons grass-fed butter
olive oil1:1fatdairy-free
dairy-free option
Full guide →
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, freshly ground

Method

13 steps

1
Warm butter in a large pot over medium heat
2
Add onions and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt
3
Saute for about 5 minutes, stirring as needed to prevent burning
4
Add garlic and cook for another minute
5
Add chicken, water, remaining salt, thyme and black pepper
6
Simmer for 1-1/2 hours
7
While chicken is simmering, prep the asparagus, snow peas, potatoes, and watercress
8
Remove chicken and set aside to cool
9
Pull meat from the bone
10
Chop or shred chicken as desired
11
Add potatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, until almost tender
12
Add asparagus, snow peas, and chicken, simmer for an additional 5 minutes
13
Remove pot from heat and add watercress

Tips

Tip 1

Use bone-in chicken pieces for the richest flavor and most tender meat

Tip 2

Prep all vegetables while the chicken simmers to streamline the cooking process

Tip 3

Add watercress at the end to preserve its peppery bite and bright color

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Can simmer chicken base up to 1 day ahead, add vegetables when ready to serve

Serve With

Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't add watercress too early to avoid wilting

Watch

Remove chicken promptly after simmering to prevent overcooking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter→

olive oil1:1fatdairy-free

dairy-free option

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chicken breast→

chicken thighs1:1protein

richer flavor

Full guide →

snow peas→

sugar snap peas1:1vegetable

similar texture

Full guide →

asparagus→

green beans1:1vegetable

seasonal alternative

Full guide →

watercress→

spinach1:1green

milder flavor

Full guide →

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to 45 minutes and the broth won't be as rich. Consider adding chicken stock for more flavor.

What if I can't find watercress?

Substitute with baby spinach, arugula, or fresh herbs like parsley. Add at the end to preserve color and texture.

How long will this soup keep?

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables may soften slightly but flavor remains excellent.