Begin by gathering all your ingredients for the savory chicken and cabbage soup. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Shred pre-cooked rotisserie chicken into small pieces.

Set a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once heated, toss in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Add the chopped cabbage, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir together and cook for another 5 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded chicken, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Let this simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, add some crushed red pepper, then remove from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped herbs.