Tangy Smoked Hearty Chicken and Tomato Soup

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Plan for seconds and thirds because this thick, rich, and Hearty Chicken and Tomato soup is absolutely delish! It’s got everything from homemade meatballs to fresh garden vegetables, and zesty fresh herbs. It’s a sophisticated twist on your ultimate childhood soup that is perfect for the whole family.

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Hot soups are probably the only thing that can comfort me on a cold day. A large soup pot with vegetables, meat, and a ton of flavor is perfect for soup season.

I remember loving soup season and especially this chicken and vegetable soup growing up. I always felt everything in that bowl served a purpose. Everything was so delicious.

So, I recreated my favorite Smoked Tomato Chicken and Vegetable soup. And made some slight changes that really take this soup out of this world. It’s a bit more time-consuming, but it is so worth it!

This tangy homemade tomato soup has also become a favorite for my kids. So grab your recipe book, you’ll want to save this soup. And this isn’t something I say often. So you already know this soup is the real deal.

The chicken meatballs are tasty and the broth is fragrant, smooth, and cozy. You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about once you take that first bite. But consider yourself warned: you’ll probably want another bowl of this amazing soup… or two!

Table of Contents

Here is what sets this tangy chicken vegetable soup apart:

Meatballs: Hear me out. I know many people are fine with boiled pieces of chicken in their soups, and that’s okay. But what if I told you that you could add so much more flavor and texture, and just overall goodness by making meatballs instead? Because you can. Ground chicken, onions, boiled rice, salt, and pepper. Boom. A soup to remember, for sure.

Yummy Tomatoes: I love broccoli, celery, and mushrooms in my soup just as much as the next guy or gal. But in this soup, the tomatoes shine. Canned Italian tomatoes add a lovely tanginess that takes this soup over the top making this the best tomato soup you’ve ever tasted.

Easy meal: This hearty soup is made with simple ingredients from the grocery store or farmers’ markets.

Great recipe: This soup is fulfilling and can be enjoyed as a complete meal making it one of my favorite things to make in winter.

Key Ingredients to make a smoky tomato soup:

A spread of ingredients ground chicken, onion, egg, rice, pepper, salt, bay leaf, tomatoes, onion, chicken thighs, dill, potatoes, and carrots.

Onion: For aromatics and to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Italian seasoned tomatoes: Perfect addition to add a kick and tangy flavor to the soup.
Potatoes: Slightly thickens the soup and makes it more creamy and filling.
Medium Carrots: A great aromatic vegetable base for the soup which adds a vibrant color.
Dill: Fresh herbs bring everything together and add a touch of earthiness and freshness to the soup.
Olive oil: This is a great neutral-tasting oil to saute the vegetables in.

Along with this, you’ll need salt and black pepper to taste.

What do I need to make the meatballs?

Chicken thighs: Ground chicken or ground chicken thighs form the base of the meatballs and make for juicy meatballs that have a ton of flavor.
Onion: Adds much flavor and freshness to the meatballs
Egg: Eggs bind the meatballs together and add moisture to soften and tenderize them
White rice: Acts as a binder and also thickens the meatballs.

Along with this, you’ll need salt and black pepper for seasoning.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

What do I need to make the chicken broth?

Chicken: Any pieces of chicken to boil (but you won’t use the chicken in the rest of the soup)
Salt: For seasoning.
Water: For boiling the broth.

How to make the Smoked Tomatoes Chicken Soup with Vegetables

Step 1: Prepare chicken broth

In a large pot add some chicken pieces and fill them up with water, leaving about an inch and a half from the top of the pot add in the salt then boil for 30 mins on medium heat.

Step 2: Drain the bullion

Drain the bullion into a mixing bowl or another pot, this is what you will be using for the soup.

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Step 3: Prepare the meatballs

While your bullion is boiling, add ground chicken, salt, pepper, egg, and grated onion in a small mixing bowl.

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Step 4: Make the rice

In a small pot, boil the rice then drain and add to the ground chicken mixture. Combine well.

Step 5: Prepare the soup base

On a large saucepan on medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion and carrot for 5 minutes or until the onions become soft.

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Step 6: Make the tomato mixture

Add in the can of Italian seasoned tomatoes and sauté all together for 1 minute then turn off heat, and stir in a handful of freshly chopped dill.

Step 7: Add potatoes

After the bullion is done, add potatoes to the bullion and start boiling.

Step 8: Add the chicken meatballs

When potatoes have started boiling, with a teaspoon shape the meatballs and add them into the boiling bullion. (It is important to have the bullion hot, or your meatballs will fall apart.)

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Step 9: Add the vegetable mix and seasoning

After potatoes are tender and cooked through, add in the tomato mixture you sautéed, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 10: Simmer soup then serve

Bring everything to a boil on medium-low heat, then serve with crust bread, cornbread, or rolls.

How to store leftover chicken vegetable soup

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Warm soup on the stove or microwave.
To freeze, allow soup to cool then place in freezer-friendly containers for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, defrost in the refrigerator countertop overnight then warm the soup.

Expert Tips

When you sauté the aromatics and tomato mixture scrap everything at the bottom of the pot as it adds a ton of flavor and moisture to the soup.
If you don’t have a can of Italian-seasoned tomatoes, combine chopped fresh tomatoes with minced cloves of garlic, herbs, and Italian seasoning to make your own homemade tomato can mixture.
You can use the leftovers from the smoked chicken you picked up at the farmers market or grocery store. Roasted cubed chicken and shredded rotisserie chicken are also good options.
To make the chicken broth, you can use chicken thighs, chicken breast, or drumsticks.
If you use your hands to roll the meatballs, wet your hands with water before you roll the meatballs so that the meat won’t stick to your hands.

Recipe FAQs

What to serve with the homemade tomato soup?

You can serve this with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, cornbread, crusty bread, or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can top it with fresh basil or parsley, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.

Can I freeze the smoky tomato soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Make sure it’s cool first then place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then warm the soup. When you thaw the soup some of the vegetables and potatoes may be softer, but the flavor is still there.

Tomatoes are great to have in your diet! Here are some more tomato recipes:

You can make this Easy Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Bake with Tomatoes as a great appetizer!
The Best Tomato Galette Recipe with Fresh Thyme and Cheese has a burst of color and aroma from the roasted tomatoes making this rich, savory galette perfect to eat hot or cold
This Easy Eggplant with Tomato and Garlic Parmesan is a great appetizer or side dish that is tender, cheesy, and easy to prepare.

More Soup Recipes To Try

If you tried this Tangy Smoked Tomatoes Chicken Soup with Vegetables or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you enjoyed it in the📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!