Chicken And Chickpea Soup
A flavorful chicken and chickpea soup with garlic, lime, and cheese, perfect for comforting meals and packed with savory and tangy flavors that suit any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 whole chicken breast ⓘ
- 10 to 12 cloves garlic, peeled ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp peanut oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz) can green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced thin
- 2 scallions, sliced ⓘ
- 4 oz Cheddar cheese, cut in 1/4-inch dices ⓘ
- 1 1/2 limes, cut into quarters ⓘ
- 6 radishes, sliced thin ⓘ
Instructions
- In a soup pot, heat the chicken stock to boiling.
- Add the whole chicken breast and garlic cloves, then simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Take out the chicken breast, allow it to cool, then pick the meat from the bones and slice.
- Return the sliced chicken to the soup.
- Add the drained chickpeas, green chilies, chopped onion, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve the soup topped with sliced avocado, scallions, diced cheddar cheese, sliced radishes, and lime wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or additional chickpeas. You can also use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. If you have leftover garlic from another dish, roasted garlic can add depth to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is fantastic served with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, pair it with warm pita bread or serve alongside Aunt Mary'S Wedding Pilaf Tatorian(Bulghur Wheat) for a heartier spread. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also enhance the flavors.
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 stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Chickpea Soup contains roughly 1832 calories, with 73g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 144g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (149% of the Daily Value), protein (147% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but you will need to increase the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked. Make sure to simmer it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Just be cautious about the additional water released from the chicken as it cooks.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup holds up well in the fridge and can be made in advance. Just add the toppings like avocado and cheese right before serving to keep them fresh. You can also freeze the soup without the toppings for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I add for extra spice?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup while cooking. For a milder heat, you can incorporate some salsa or hot sauce when serving. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes that feature robust flavors.
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).