Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's also packed with flavor and goodness? Look no further than this delicious chicken and bean soup! This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, offering a healthy meal without sacrificing taste. This easy recipe is surprisingly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different beans, vegetables, and spices. 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 cubes
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can of great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 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 minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a delicious base for your soup.
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Brown the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your chicken and bean soup.
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth, add the beans, oregano, basil, and black 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. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Season and serve: Season the soup with salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm and satisfying chicken and bean soup!
Tips for the Best Chicken and Bean Soup:
- For a richer broth: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or corn.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Use different beans: Experiment with other beans like pinto beans, black beans, or cannellini beans.
Variations:
- Mexican Chicken and Bean Soup: Add diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, and cumin.
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Bean Soup: Add the zest and juice of one lemon, and fresh thyme and rosemary.
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Soup: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size but a single serving generally contains around 300-350 calories, 25-30 grams of protein, and plenty of fiber. This makes it a hearty and healthy addition to your diet plan. This delicious and nutritious soup is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, making it an excellent choice for healthy meals throughout the week.
This easy recipe for chicken and bean soup offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it a truly delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the wonderful aromas and the satisfying feeling of a homemade meal well done!