Chick 'N Bean Soup
A hearty, flavorful chicken and bean soup with tomatoes, carrots, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 (about 14 oz. each) cans chicken broth
- 1 (about 16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 c. picante sauce
- 2 whole chicken breasts (4 pieces), skinned, boned and cut into 3/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. dry small pasta shells or elbow macaroni
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook and stir for 3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, sliced carrots, and picante sauce.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the chicken broth with homemade stock. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts to save time. If you prefer a spicier kick, swap the picante sauce for a spicier salsa. For a heartier meal, add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chick 'N Bean Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside Chicken With Lemon-Wine Sauce for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if necessary. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chick 'N Bean Soup contains roughly 618 calories, with 21g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1081mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or tofu for protein, and include a variety of vegetables to enhance the flavor.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or a regular blender, then return it to the pot. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry or more pasta can help achieve a thicker consistency.
What can I use instead of garbanzo beans?
If you don't have garbanzo beans, you can substitute them with white beans, black beans, or kidney beans. Each will add a different flavor and texture, but they'll still contribute to the heartiness of the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).