Craving a warm, hearty, and healthy meal that’s also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious chicken bean soup recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a winner for the whole family. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but requires minimal effort. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a delicious foundation of flavor for your soup.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Don't overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, great northern beans, kidney beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded. For a richer, deeper flavor, let it simmer longer—up to an hour!
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This homemade cooking masterpiece is best served hot, but tastes great the next day as leftovers, too!
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Bean Soup:
- For a thicker soup: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use bone-in chicken: For an even richer broth, use bone-in chicken thighs. Just remember to increase the simmering time to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chicken Bean Soup: Replace the chicken with 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Chicken Bean Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Protein: 25-30 grams Fat: 5-7 grams Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
This healthy meal is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to make, even for beginners. The recipe is flexible and adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Enjoy your homemade chicken bean soup! It's a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and nutritious. This is truly one of the best recipes for a comforting and flavorful meal.