Brothy Chicken & Summer Squash Soup

Ever get home tired from work and think, ugh, I just want something warm, filling, but not heavy?

Brothy Chicken & Summer Squash Soup is my go-to – especially when the fridge is looking kind of sad, but I’ve got some leftover chicken and random squash rolling around.

Sometimes I just want soup that feels like a cozy hug, you know?

You might already love classics like this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, but let me tell you, this one in particular pulls off that perfect mix of light, fresh, and still super satisfying.

So let’s talk about making it, because honestly: soup nights make everything easier.

Got A Soft Spot for Cozy Eats? (Yeah, Me Too…)

Wait, but really – do you ever just crave something a little brothy, not too thick, not too bland, but full of nostalgia (and flavor)?

Brothy Chicken & Summer Squash Soup checks those boxes.

Gosh, the smell of garlic and fresh summer squash simmering actually makes my house feel like a little bistro.

It’s like, I know I should probably order salad but soup feels way more like home.

Okay, confession: I’ll even eat this when it’s ninety degrees out. No regrets!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, this soup is flat-out easy. Throw stuff in a pot, wander off, and bam – dinner. Seriously, you could get distracted (read: doomscroll) and you’d barely mess it up.

Second, it’s crazy adaptable. I’ve swapped chicken for leftover roast, played around with herbs, and never ruined it once.

And my favorite bit? It actually tastes better the next day. My fridge has never been so popular.

The summer squash gets buttery, the chicken stays juicy, and that broth? Five-star restaurant status.

It’s comfort food minus the guilt trip.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy ingredients here. Really, this is a real pantry-clearing kind of meal.

Grab these: chicken (rotisserie or whatever’s easy), lots of summer squash (zucchini works great), onion, a couple carrots, garlic, and chicken broth.

Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if you’re feeling extra.

Honestly, don’t stress – run with what’s in your crisper drawer.

Bonus points for fresh herbs, but dried is just fine.

Sometimes I toss in handfuls of spinach at the end, for color and bragging rights.

Timing

Here’s the scoop – you can get this soup on the table in about 30-40 minutes, start to finish.

Yup, even on a busy Tuesday.

The actual hands-on time is maybe ten minutes.

The rest is mostly simmering and shouting at whoever keeps leaving shoes in the hallway.

If you prep your veggies ahead (I almost never do, but you might), it’s actually faster.

Classic case of low effort, big reward.

Step-by-Step

So, toss a drizzle of olive oil in your biggest pot. Add onions, carrots, and garlic – let that get soft and just a little golden.

In goes diced summer squash. Give it a whiff!

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a nice low boil.

Stir in your shredded or chopped chicken and simmer gently for about fifteen minutes, until squash is tender.

Season with salt, pepper, and a hit of lemon juice if you want.

If you like it, sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

You’ll have a big pot of sunshiney goodness that didn’t take all evening.

Nutritional Information

This soup is honestly pretty virtuous. It’s low in bad stuff, filling without a heavy feeling, and packed with water-rich vegetables. A big bowl is high in protein (thanks to the chicken), but not calorically wild. If you keep the broth low-sodium, it’s especially good for folks watching their salt. I love that it’s so light yet somehow leaves you totally satisfied – which for me, is everything.

Healthier Alternatives

Alright, so maybe you want to be extra healthy. You do you! Try using boneless skinless chicken breasts for even less fat. Sub out some of the carrots or squash for cauliflower, if that’s your vibe. Use a veggie broth and skip the chicken if you want it meatless – still delicious. Sometimes I’ll trick my kids by stirring in a handful of peas right at the end. If you want it extra filling, add some quinoa or brown rice (but cook that separately, trust me).

Serving Suggestions

Make this Brothy Chicken & Summer Squash Soup shine with these easy ideas:

• Crusty bread is basically non-negotiable (my personal rule!)
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy swirl
• Sprinkle fresh herbs, grated cheese, or roasted pepitas on top if you wanna get fancy
• Serve with a big salad on the side and you’ve got a real meal
  It’s also super good with grilled cheese or flatbread – try something like a BBQ Chicken Flatbread if you’re feeling fun.

Common Mistakes

Messing up this chicken & summer squash soup is actually pretty tough, but hey, I’ve managed once or twice. Biggest goof? Overcooking the squash until it’s total mush. Not tasty. Cut the pieces big-ish, and don’t let it boil away forever.

Same for the chicken – add it late, especially if it was already cooked. Taste as you go, and don’t forget salt (I literally forget every. single. time.). If it turns out too bland, try a squeeze of lemon or a glug more broth.

Storing Tips

Soup leftovers are the best leftovers. Let it cool a bit, toss it in airtight containers. Pop it in the fridge and it holds for 3-4 days, easy. You can freeze it too, but the squash might get soft (honestly, I still eat it). Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave. And I swear, it gets better on the second or even third night.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other veggies besides summer squash?
A: Heck yes, use zucchini, yellow squash, or even spinach.

Q: What’s the best chicken to use?
A: I always grab rotisserie if I’m in a rush, but any cooked chicken works fine.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: For sure! Swap chicken broth for veggie stock and load up on more veggies.

Q: What if I want the soup thicker?
A: Throw in some cooked rice or noodles at the end, or mash a few veggies.

Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
A: Yep, but let it cool first. The texture of squash changes just a bit, but it stays tasty.

Soup That’s Actually Worth Your Time

Honestly, Brothy Chicken & Summer Squash Soup sorta saves the day. It’s cozy, fast, and lets you use up whatever needs using – what’s not to love?

If this one hits the spot, you might dig a classic like Garden Vegetable Chicken Soup or explore a zippy Italian Chicken Soup when you need a switch-up.

Home-cooked soup shouldn’t be intimidating, and this one totally isn’t – just simple steps and feel-good flavor (trust me on the extra squeeze of lemon, by the way).

If you ever need more ideas, check out this round-up of soups and stews that are just as easy and rewarding.

Grab those veggies, let your kitchen get steamy, and let me know if you join the soup-for-dinner club.