This Chicken White Bean Soup is a hearty, wholesome dish brimming with vibrant vegetables, tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and a fragrant medley of herbs and spices. Its zesty, rich broth makes it an irresistible choice for cozy evenings or when you need a warm, nourishing meal. Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this one-pot wonder is as versatile as it is flavorful. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp salad, and you’ll have a balanced meal that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for family or saving leftovers for the week, this soup is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1-2 carrots, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons butter (or olive oil)
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cans white beans (15 ounces each), drained
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can)
- 11 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 10 ounces frozen corn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Set a large 6-8 quart stockpot over medium heat. Add the butter, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the whole chicken breasts, white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, cumin, mustard, ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot with tongs. Shred the chicken into small pieces using two forks.
- Add the frozen corn to the soup and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 195 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Chicken White Bean Soup
When it comes to comfort food, soup has a way of warming both the body and soul. Among the vast variety of soup recipes, Chicken White Bean Soup stands out as a wholesome, hearty, and satisfying dish that checks all the boxes: nutritious, flavorful, and simple to prepare. This recipe is an excellent addition to your cooking repertoire, whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering.
Why Chicken White Bean Soup is a Must-Try
Chicken White Bean Soup combines tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that is not only easy to make but also brimming with nutrients. With ingredients such as protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup offers a balanced meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.
For busy home cooks, the simplicity of the recipe is a major win. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like canned beans, broth, and spices, while the rest are fresh veggies that are easy to find year-round. Plus, it’s highly adaptable swap in your favorite vegetables or use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
The Perfect Meal Prep Option
One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its suitability for meal prepping. The soup can be made in a large batch and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or frozen for up to three months. It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient choice for busy weekdays when you want something nutritious and homemade without the hassle of cooking from scratch. Simply ladle a portion into a microwave-safe container, heat it up, and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup in minutes.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken White Bean Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious it’s packed with nutrients that support overall health. Chicken provides a lean source of protein essential for muscle repair and satiety, while white beans are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, and complex carbohydrates that provide long-lasting energy. The addition of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions boosts the vitamin and mineral content of the soup, contributing to a well-rounded meal.
Moreover, the spices used such as cumin, mustard, and ginger not only enhance the flavor but also offer additional health benefits. Cumin and ginger, for example, are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties, while mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the richness of the broth.
Variations to Suit Every Taste
One of the best things about Chicken White Bean Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
- Make it dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil to make the soup completely dairy-free.
- Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Add more vegetables: Include zucchini, spinach, or kale for even more nutrients and flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Shred it and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Swap the beans: While white beans like cannellini or navy beans work best, you can substitute them with chickpeas or even black beans for a different flavor profile.
- Go gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your chicken broth and spices to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken White Bean Soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness, while crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. If you’re hosting a dinner party or want to create a more indulgent spread, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a charcuterie board for variety.
For dessert, something light like a fruit salad or sorbet pairs well with the warm, savory flavors of the soup. The contrast between the sweet, refreshing dessert and the hearty soup creates a balanced dining experience that leaves everyone satisfied.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy evening at home, Chicken White Bean Soup is a recipe that delivers every time. Its universal appeal makes it a hit with both kids and adults, and its nourishing ingredients make it a guilt-free choice for those watching their diet. The zesty broth and tender chicken will have your guests asking for seconds, while the colorful vegetables and creamy beans create an eye-catching presentation that’s Instagram-worthy.
Tips for the Best Chicken White Bean Soup
To ensure your soup turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Sauté the vegetables: Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onions, carrots, and garlic. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the broth.
- Use quality chicken broth: Since the broth is a key component of the soup, opt for a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Shred the chicken: Shredding the chicken instead of chopping it into chunks creates a better texture and allows the meat to soak up more of the flavorful broth.
- Season as you go: Taste the soup at different stages of cooking and adjust the seasoning accordingly. This ensures a well-balanced flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What truly sets this soup apart is its ability to be both indulgent and health-conscious. It feels like comfort food but is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that support a healthy lifestyle. It’s also economical, with most of the ingredients being affordable and readily available. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and foolproof, making it a great choice for any skill level.
Conclusion:
Chicken White Bean Soup is more than just a recipe it’s a comforting, wholesome meal that brings people together. With its rich, zesty broth, tender chicken, and creamy beans, it’s a dish that satisfies both your hunger and your heart. Perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or even entertaining guests, this soup is as versatile as it is delicious.
Once you’ve tried this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you stick to the original version or experiment with your own variations, the result will always be a bowl of soup that’s bursting with flavor and goodness. So grab your stockpot, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food because there’s nothing quite like homemade Chicken White Bean Soup.