Hearty White Bean Chicken Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty white bean chicken soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Tender chicken and creamy white beans dance together in a rich, aromatic broth that whispers home-cooked goodness.

Each spoonful tells a story of slow-simmered flavors and nourishing ingredients.

Herbs and spices weave their magic through the soup, creating a melody of taste that soothes and delights.

The kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that draws people closer, eager to savor this wholesome meal.

Packed with protein and soul-warming goodness, this soup transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Grab a ladle and let this comforting classic become your new favorite winter companion.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this soup its hearty flavor?

The combination of chicken, beans, and a mix of vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and chard create a rich, satisfying taste profile that makes this soup deeply comforting.

• Is this soup spicy?

The jalapeno adds a mild heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level by removing the seeds or using less pepper to make it more mild.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and swap chicken for extra beans or tofu to maintain the protein content and heartiness of the soup.

• How nutritious is this soup?

Packed with protein from chicken and beans, plus vitamins from multiple vegetables, this soup offers a balanced and healthy meal that supports overall wellness.

Hearty Comfort Soup Main Attractions

• Whip Up Quickly: This soup comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and vitamin-loaded vegetables, this soup delivers a complete health punch in every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge – use different greens, proteins, or add extra spices to make it uniquely yours.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this soup wraps you in comfort like a cozy blanket, making it ideal for chilly days or when you need some culinary TLC.

Hearty Comfort Soup Ingredient List

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the hearty soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that provides a rich, aromatic foundation.
• Jalapeno: Adds a gentle kick of heat and depth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Chard: Brings fresh, green nutrients and a vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Stock: Creates the soup's flavorful liquid base and helps blend ingredients.
• Beans: Adds protein, texture, and thickness to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavors.
• Dill: Offers a light, fresh herb note that complements the soup's ingredients.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy element to lift the soup's flavor.

• Parmesan: Adds a salty, umami finish to the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle, complex herbal note during cooking.

Step-by-Step for Comfort Soup

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Jalapeño
• Bay leaf

Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to bloom and release their delicious essence.

Step 2: Create Robust Soup Foundation

• White beans
• Shredded chicken
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh dill

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently.

Allow the soup to develop deep, comforting flavors for about 15 minutes, letting the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Enhance and Brighten

Introduce chopped Swiss chard into the simmering soup.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice to add a bright, zesty note.

Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes until the vegetables reach perfect tenderness and the flavors are fully integrated.

Step 4: Elevate and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls.

Sprinkle with additional fresh dill and grated Parmesan cheese.

For an extra burst of citrus, offer a wedge of lemon on the side.

Serve immediately and savor the warmth and complexity of this nourishing soup.

Tips for Best Hearty Comfort Soup

• Toast spices and herbs before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the soup's overall taste profile.
• Mash some beans against the pot's side to create a thicker, creamier consistency without adding extra cream.
• Add chard at the very end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and prevent wilting or overcooking.
• Chop vegetables and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress during meal preparation.
• Swap chicken with tofu, white fish, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Creative Variations for Comfort Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Soup: Replace chicken with tofu or additional beans, use vegetable stock for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt, use low-sodium stock, and enhance flavor with herbs like thyme and rosemary.
• Spicy Southwest Soup: Add cumin, swap dill for cilantro, include roasted green chiles, and top with crushed tortilla chips.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free, especially stock and any added seasonings, and serve with gluten-free crackers.

Serving Hearty Comfort Soup Warm

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or whole grain bread, toasted and rubbed with garlic, perfect for dipping into the rich soup broth.
• Cozy Cheese Topper: Sprinkle extra sharp Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese on top for a tangy, creamy layer that melts beautifully into the warm soup.
• Herbal Fresh Finish: Garnish with fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives right before serving to add a bright, zesty punch of color and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a side of grilled chicken strips or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein, making the soup even more filling and satisfying for hearty appetites.

How to Store Comfort Soup Safely

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain the soup's original texture.
• When reheating, add a splash of fresh stock if the soup seems too thick, helping to restore its original consistency and prevent drying out.

White Bean Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white bean chicken soup delivers comfort and warmth in one delightful bowl. Packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and aromatic herbs, this soul-satisfying recipe promises to nourish and delight you.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 cups chicken stock
• 2–3 cups shredded chicken
• 2 (14-ounces/400 grams) cans cannellini beans, drained
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (1 cup)
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor base by gently sautéing aromatic vegetables in oil over medium heat. Combine onions, carrots, celery, jalapeño, and bay leaf, cooking until they soften and release their natural sweetness, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to enhance the depth of flavor.
2. Elevate the soup by incorporating chicken stock, white beans, shredded chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
3. Introduce vibrant chard leaves and a splash of bright lemon juice to the simmering soup. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, ensuring vegetables reach a tender consistency and flavors integrate completely.
4. Present the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with delicate fresh dill sprigs, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and an optional extra drizzle of lemon juice to add a final zesty touch.

Notes

• Swap protein sources easily by using tofu, tempeh, or white fish instead of chicken for varied dietary needs.
• Boost nutrition by adding quinoa or barley during simmering for extra protein and fiber.
• Use low-sodium stock to control salt intake and enhance personal flavor preferences.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity or removing seeds for milder versions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg