Why This Hearty Chicken Bean Soup Recipe is a Must-Try

There’s an undeniable comfort that comes with a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day. Here in regions like Wisconsin, where seasons shift to cooler, shorter days, a collection of reliable and warming soup recipes becomes a kitchen essential. This chicken bean soup recipe isn’t just another option; it’s a standout for several compelling reasons, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

Firstly, its unique tomato base truly elevates the flavor profile. Unlike many clear-broth chicken soups, the pureed tomatoes introduce a savory, slightly sweet, and tangy richness that coats every ingredient, creating a more indulgent and satisfying experience. This robust base also contributes an excellent source of antioxidants, making your comfort food a little healthier.

Secondly, this soup is incredibly hearty and fulfilling. Packed with tender chicken and two types of nutritious beans – cannellini and dark red kidney beans – it’s an excellent source of lean protein and dietary fiber. This combination ensures that a single bowl can easily serve as a complete and satisfying meal, keeping you feeling full and energized for hours. It’s ideal for active families or anyone looking for a wholesome dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Moreover, while many believe soups require hours of simmering, this recipe is designed for efficiency. While it absolutely can be adapted for a slow cooker for even more hands-off preparation, it cooks beautifully and relatively quickly on the stovetop. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort but are short on time. Its simplicity doesn’t equate to a lack of depth; the quick sautéing of aromatics and chicken lays a strong foundation for a flavorful broth.

Finally, this hearty chicken bean soup is a dream for meal prep. Soups generally freeze exceptionally well, and this tomato-based rendition is no exception. Preparing a large batch means you can enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week or stash individual portions in the freezer for convenient, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners months down the line. This forward-thinking approach saves significant time and effort in the kitchen, making healthy eating easier than ever.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Bean Soup

Crafting this flavorful chicken bean soup requires a selection of readily available and wholesome ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of simple staples that come together to create a complex and satisfying taste. You’ll need fresh produce like onions, carrots, and celery to form a classic aromatic base, combined with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein. The distinctive tomato base comes from a can of tomatoes, which we’ll puree for a smooth consistency, complemented by rich chicken broth. Two types of beans – cannellini and dark red kidney beans – add body, fiber, and an extra layer of heartiness. Fresh Italian parsley and a bay leaf round out the flavors, infusing the soup with herbaceous notes.

For a precise list of all measurements and detailed instructions, remember to check out the printable recipe card available at the very end of this blog post. This ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips to make this hearty and delightful soup a success in your kitchen!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Chicken Bean Soup

These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe successfully. For the complete printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and detailed instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large stockpot over medium heat. This initial sautéing step is crucial for building flavor; searing the chicken creates a lovely browned crust, locking in juices and adding a depth of savory taste to the soup. Sauté the cubed chicken until it is no longer pink on the outside. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked chicken to a separate bowl and set it aside for later. This prevents the chicken from overcooking and becoming tough while the vegetables are preparing.
   
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same Dutch oven. This ensures there’s enough fat to properly sauté the vegetables and draw out their natural sweetness and aromatic qualities. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften and lightly brown, which typically takes about fifteen minutes. This browning process, known as caramelization, is key to developing a rich, complex flavor base for your soup, adding layers of deliciousness.
   
   
3. While the vegetables are sautéing, prepare your canned tomatoes. Puree the entire can of tomatoes in a food processor until no large chunks remain and you have a smooth, consistent tomato sauce. This step is essential for achieving the soup’s signature velvety, rich tomato base, ensuring that the tomato flavor is evenly distributed without any unexpected textural variations.
   
4. Once the vegetables are browned, add the pureed tomatoes, chicken broth, both cans of drained cannellini and dark red kidney beans, the chopped fresh Italian parsley, and the bay leaf to the Dutch oven. Stir all the ingredients well to combine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering time is critical for allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and for the vegetables to become perfectly tender. The beans will also absorb some of the rich broth, enhancing their texture and taste.
   
5. Finally, return the sautéed chicken to the Dutch oven. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated through and any raw parts are completely cooked. This shorter final simmer for the chicken ensures it remains moist and tender. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavors are perfectly balanced to your preference. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
   

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bean Soup

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This chicken and bean soup is truly a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinarily flavorful and satisfying dish. Its hearty nature comes from the perfect blend of tender chicken, protein-rich beans, and a vibrant, earthy tomato base. This combination works harmoniously to create a rich and delicious profile that’s both comforting and nourishing. Beyond its delicious taste, the soup is remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Its versatility also means you can easily adapt it by incorporating your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your preference.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful appetizer to kick off a meal or a robust main course to satisfy hungry appetites, this soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s substantial enough to stand on its own as a wholesome meal, especially when paired with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Embrace the warmth and flavor of this incredible chicken bean soup, and make it a staple in your rotation of comforting, easy-to-make recipes!

Explore More Warming and Delicious Soup Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the comforting embrace of this hearty chicken bean soup, then you’re likely a fan of delicious and warming bowls! We have a treasure trove of other fantastic soup recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from light starters to full-bodied meals. Dive into our collection and find your next favorite comfort food:

• If you appreciate the rich depth of tomato-based soups, be sure to also try this fantastic homemade tomato soup recipe, or consider making a batch of creamy roasted red pepper tomato soup for an extra layer of flavor.
• For another incredibly hearty option that’s a true classic, our simple corn chowder is a beloved dish that the entire family will adore, offering a delightful creamy texture and sweet corn kernels.
• Keeping with the theme of cozy fall and winter cooking, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge in a bowl of our rustic garlic potato soup, a simple yet profoundly satisfying creation.
• Our sausage mushroom wild rice soup offers another wonderful autumn dish. The earthy wild rice combined with savory sausage and mushrooms just evokes the cozy feelings of fall!
• Discover how incredibly easy it is to make your own homemade cream of chicken soup using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, far surpassing any canned version.
• With a vibrant array of fresh vegetables simmering in a light, tomato-infused broth, this minestrone soup is both hearty and healthy, a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• For a truly luxurious experience, our rich and elegant lobster bisque is flavored with succulent buttery lobster tails, aromatic garlic, onion, celery, carrot, concentrated tomato paste, a splash of white wine, and a generous blend of exquisite seasonings.

I absolutely love to bake and cook, and my greatest joy is sharing my kitchen experiences and delicious recipes with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for new culinary inspiration can be tough, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a new recipe is posted. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes, making it easier than ever to discover new favorites and enjoy home-cooked meals!

This post originally appeared here on Oct 21, 2015 and has since been updated with new photos and expanded content to provide an even better experience for our readers.