Making the Best Chicken Vegetable Soup is straightforward if you follow these clear steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken, and chop all the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Carrots and Celery: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Stir occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Add Remaining Vegetables: Mix in the zucchini and green beans, allowing them to combine well with the chicken and other vegetables.
7. Season: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Add the bay leaf for added flavor.
8. Pour in Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot, ensuring everything is submerged.
9. Bring to a Simmer: Raise the heat and bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
10. Cook Until Done: Allow the soup to simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
11. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the pot, shred them using two forks, and return them to the soup. Discard the bay leaf.
12. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if necessary.
13. Let Rest: Allow the soup to rest for about 5-10 minutes off the heat before serving.

With these steps, you’ll create a delightful chicken vegetable soup that everyone will love.