Cabbage Soup with Chicken and Pork

This hearty Cabbage Soup with Chicken and Pork is the perfect cozy one-pot meal for cold days, meal prep, or a healthy family dinner. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful pork, cabbage, and vegetables, this soup is filling, comforting, and surprisingly light at the same time. Inspired by rustic homemade soups from Eastern European and American kitchens, it delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• High in protein and loaded with vegetables
• Comforting without feeling too heavy
• Great for meal prep and freezing
• One-pot recipe with easy cleanup
• Naturally gluten-free and low carb

Ingredients

• 16 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 lb boneless country-style pork ribs, chopped
• 8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 large chicken bouillon cube
• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 leeks, chopped (white parts only)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric or Sazon seasoning (optional for color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

You can customize this soup with:

• Potatoes for extra heartiness
• Celery for more flavor
• White beans for added fiber
• Crushed tomatoes for a richer broth
• Chili flakes for heat

How to Make Cabbage Soup with Chicken and Pork

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the pork and chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the water or broth. Add bouillon, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Stir in the cabbage, carrots, leeks, bell pepper, garlic, and turmeric if using.

Step 4: Simmer Slowly

Cover and cook on low heat for 40–45 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the meat is soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

• Let the soup simmer slowly for deeper flavor
• Use chicken thighs if you want richer meat
• Add smoked paprika for a smoky taste
• The soup tastes even better the next day
• Freeze portions for easy future meals

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 217
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 4g

Nutritional values are based on the original recipe sources.

What to Serve with Cabbage Soup

This soup pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread
• Cornbread
• Buttered toast
• Rice
• Simple green salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Can I use only chicken or only pork?

Absolutely. You can use just one protein if preferred.

Is cabbage soup healthy?

Yes. Cabbage soup is packed with vegetables, protein, vitamins, and fiber while staying relatively low in calories.

Can I add noodles or rice?

Yes. Cooked rice or egg noodles make great additions if you want a heartier soup.

For more inspiration, many home cooks online also add smoked meats, tomatoes, or beans to cabbage soup variations for extra depth and comfort flavors.