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Fermented Vegetable Chicken Soup

This chicken soup combines tender shredded chicken and classic vegetables with a tangy twist from fermented vegetables, adding depth and complexity to the broth. The dish is simmered gently to develop layered flavors and finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. It results in a warm, comforting bowl with a slightly sour, savory profile and hearty texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups chicken broth preferably homemade or good quality store-bought
  • 1 cup fermented vegetables such as kimchi or fermented cabbage, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken use leftover roast or cooked chicken
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 lemon lemon for squeezing at the end
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for depth

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients and preheat your large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of oil to the pot, then sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. The onions should be soft and translucent with a sweet aroma filling the kitchen.
  3. Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their aroma, and the vegetables are slightly tender but still hold some crunch.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, stir in the shredded chicken and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the broth to develop depth.
  5. Stir in a spoonful of fermented vegetables, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes. The tangy aroma should intensify, and the broth will take on a lively, complex flavor profile.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon for brightness, then stir to combine.
  7. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the broth to become even more flavorful.
  8. Serve the hot soup in bowls with a fresh squeeze of lemon on top for a bright finish. Enjoy the comforting, tangy, and hearty flavors in every spoonful.