I Made Chicken Vegetable Soup With NO Water or Broth!

I Made Chicken Vegetable Soup With NO Water or Broth! is a easy American recipe that serves 5. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Crafty Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs 15 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min

Cost: $14.20 total, $2.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Whole Chicken (about 4‑5 lb, cleaned and patted dry)
  • 0.5 head Cabbage (medium head, half sliced into medium pieces)
  • 3 pieces Carrots (medium, cut into chunky pieces)
  • 1 piece Apple (Granny Smith, cored and cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 pieces Tomatoes (medium, chopped roughly, keep chunky)
  • 0.5 piece Yellow Onion (roughly chopped)
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced thinly)
  • 0.25 cup Raisins (adds subtle sweetness)
  • 1 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt (to taste, added after cooking)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
  • 0.5 cup Sour Cream (for serving as garnish)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (snipped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables

    Slice half of the cabbage into medium pieces, cut the carrots into chunks, core and cube the apple, roughly chop the tomatoes, half the yellow onion, and slice a small piece of ginger.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Build the Bed in the Pot

    Place the sliced cabbage at the bottom of the pot to form a bed, then add the carrots, apple pieces, tomatoes, onion, ginger, and raisins around the edges.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Add the Chicken and Cover

    Set the whole chicken on top of the vegetable bed, then cover the bird with a sheet of thin aluminum foil and place the pot lid on top, pressing down gently.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Bring to a Simmer

    Place the pot over medium heat and bring the liquid released by the vegetables to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Slow Simmer

    Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken braise for 2 hours, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become fall‑off‑the‑bone tender.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Low simmer (around 180°F / 82°C)

  6. Rest the Dish

    Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 15 minutes so the juices redistribute.

    Time: PT15M

  7. Season and Garnish

    Remove the foil, sprinkle Himalayan pink salt and black pepper over the chicken, then add a dollop of sour cream and snipped green onion on each serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free if sour cream omitted

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: March 21, 2026

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I Made Chicken Vegetable Soup With NO Water or Broth!

Recipe by Crafty Kitchen

A comforting, one‑pot braised chicken dish packed with cabbage, carrots, sweet apple, juicy tomatoes, raisins and a hint of ginger. The whole bird becomes melt‑in‑the‑bone tender after a gentle two‑hour simmer, and a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy finish. Perfect for a hearty family dinner with minimal cleanup.

EasyAmericanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 50m
Prep
5m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.20
Total cost
$2.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Covering the chicken tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam.
  • Maintaining a low, gentle simmer for the full 2‑hour braise.
  • Checking that the chicken is fork‑tender before serving.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and wash all surfaces thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot pot and foil.
  • Be careful of steam when lifting the lid after simmering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins in American comfort cuisine?

A

This dish is a modern American comfort‑food interpretation that combines classic braising techniques with sweet‑savory ingredients like apple and raisins, reminiscent of colonial-era one‑pot meals that stretched limited resources into hearty family feasts.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of braised chicken with fruit and cabbage exist in United States cuisine?

A

In the Midwest, braised chicken is often paired with apples and cabbage, while Southern versions may add sweet potatoes or corn. Some New England families incorporate maple syrup or dried cranberries instead of raisins.

cultural
Q

How is braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served family‑style directly from the pot, with the broth ladled over the chicken and vegetables. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs is added at the table for extra richness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Because it is a one‑pot, crowd‑pleasing dish, it is popular for Sunday family dinners, holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers, and casual pot‑luck events.

cultural
Q

How does braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?

A

It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos of using simple, affordable ingredients, slow cooking to develop deep flavor, and serving a complete meal in a single vessel that feeds a family.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include a whole bone‑in chicken, green cabbage, carrots, a tart apple (Granny Smith), fresh tomatoes, yellow onion, ginger, raisins, and salt. Substitutes can be savoy cabbage, parsnips for carrots, pears for apple, dried cranberries for raisins, and ground ginger if fresh is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins?

A

Serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, crusty sour‑dough bread, or a simple green salad. A side of cornbread or a warm grain such as wild rice also complements the sweet‑savory flavors.

cultural
Q

What makes braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The combination of sweet apple and raisins with savory braised chicken creates a balanced flavor profile that is both nostalgic and unexpected, highlighting the American tradition of blending fruit with savory dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins?

A

Common errors include boiling the pot instead of simmering, which makes the chicken tough, and not covering the chicken tightly with foil, which lets steam escape and results in dry meat. Also, over‑seasoning before the final taste check can make the broth too salty.

technical
Q

Can I make braised whole chicken with cabbage, carrots, apple & raisins ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the dish improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Crafty Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Crafty Kitchen focuses on easy, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that emphasize wholesome ingredients, one‑pot meals, and practical tips for everyday cooks.

channel

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