Good Chicken Soup
A hearty and flavorful chicken soup with butter beans, tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and tender chicken, perfect for comforting family meals or a nourishing lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts in one quart of water until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the water, pick meat off the bones, and set aside.
- Add two cans of butter beans, one can of stewed tomatoes, and one can of tomato sauce to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for a while.
- Add chopped onion, frozen mixed vegetables, and potatoes to the soup.
- Cook on low heat for at least another hour until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while simmering. You can substitute chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for convenience, or use canned chicken if you're short on time. If you prefer, replace butter beans with chickpeas or white beans for a different texture. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly based on your ingredient choices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Salad On Buns for a satisfying lunch option. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor and color. Consider offering a sprinkle of cheese for those who enjoy a creamy touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serve hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Chicken Soup contains roughly 295 calories, with 14g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 968mg per serving (42% 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 breasts instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Just ensure to boil them for a bit longer until fully cooked. It's important to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F for safe consumption.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
In addition to the frozen mixed vegetables, you can add diced carrots, celery, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the butter beans before adding them or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Another option is to add a small amount of instant potato flakes, which will absorb some liquid and give the soup a heartier texture.
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).