Hearty Tomato-Based Chicken Bean Soup

Welcome to your new favorite comfort food! This incredible chicken bean soup is packed with rich, savory flavors that will warm you from the inside out. With its luscious tomato-based broth and tender chicken, it’s the perfect hearty meal for chilly evenings or any time you crave something truly satisfying. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bean Soup

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. You’ll find yourself returning to this delicious chicken bean soup again and again because:

• Comforting for Cold Weather: It’s the ultimate antidote to a blustery day, offering warmth and flavor.
• Unique Tomato Base: The rich, pureed tomato broth adds an incredible depth that sets this soup apart.
• Quick and Easy Stovetop Recipe: Prepare a fulfilling meal with minimal fuss, right on your stovetop.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with protein and fiber, this soup is a complete meal that truly satisfies.

Understanding the nutritional value of ingredients like beans can help appreciate their role in a balanced diet, as detailed by the National Foundation for Cancer Research on the magical health benefits of beans.

• Excellent for Meal Prepping: Cook a big batch on Sunday and enjoy tasty lunches or dinners all week long.
• Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Store extra portions for those nights you need a homemade meal in a flash.

For those planning to store extra portions, adhering to proper food safety guidelines is crucial to maintain quality and prevent spoilage, as outlined by the USDA’s resources on safe food handling practices when freezing.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your wonderfully hearty tomato-based chicken bean soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 large stalk of celery, sliced
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, do not drain
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained
• ½ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients for your delicious chicken bean soup. For the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully, or shred a rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep. Feel free to swap cannellini and kidney beans for navy beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas. If you’re watching sodium, use a low-sodium chicken broth. For a fresher flavor, substitute canned tomatoes with 3-4 ripe, chopped fresh tomatoes, simmering them longer to break down. Don’t hesitate to add a couple of minced garlic cloves with the aromatics for an extra punch. If using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding to the soup.

Equipment

Making this flavorful chicken bean soup requires just a few basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a Dutch oven or a large stockpot, which is perfect for simmering. A food processor makes pureeing the tomatoes incredibly easy, ensuring a smooth base. Finally, a slotted spoon is handy for removing the chicken and serving the finished soup.

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your comforting and delicious chicken bean soup. This recipe is designed to be simple, making it perfect for beginners.

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in your Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and sauté them until they are no longer pink, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked chicken from the pot and transfer it to a bowl. Set the chicken aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same Dutch oven. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until they soften and begin to brown slightly, which builds a fantastic flavor base for your hearty soup.

Step 3: Prepare Tomatoes

While the vegetables are cooking, open your can of tomatoes. Carefully transfer the canned tomatoes (with their juices) into a food processor. Pulse the tomatoes until they are fully pureed and no large chunks remain. This step creates the smooth, rich tomato base that defines this particular chicken bean soup.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Pour the pureed tomatoes into the Dutch oven with the sautéed aromatics. Stir in the chicken broth, both cans of drained beans (cannellini and kidney), the chopped fresh Italian parsley, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish Soup

Return the reserved, cooked chicken to the pot. Stir it into the simmering soup. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and completely cooked. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Finally, season your delicious chicken bean soup generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed for perfect flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bean Soup

Elevate your chicken bean soup with these simple pro tips. Browning the chicken initially adds a layer of depth and savory flavor that makes a big difference. Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the first step; it will finish cooking in the soup. Pureeing the canned tomatoes ensures a wonderfully smooth and consistent soup texture. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed – a little extra salt or pepper can enhance all the flavors. Using good quality chicken broth forms a better foundation for your hearty soup. For even richer flavor, prepare the soup a day ahead and allow the flavors to meld overnight in the refrigerator.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile chicken bean soup is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your warm and inviting chicken bean soup with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple, fresh green salad makes a wonderful accompaniment, adding a touch of freshness. Offer toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or extra fresh parsley to customize each bowl.

Storage Instructions

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it. Transfer the cooled soup to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it excellent for meal prep. For longer storage, freeze portions of the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.

Variations

Get creative with your chicken bean soup! Add more vegetables like corn, diced zucchini, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering. For a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can easily substitute the chicken with cooked ground beef for a different flavor profile. Stir in a small pasta like ditalini or some cooked rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an even heartier meal. For a creamy finish, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this wholesome chicken bean soup knowing it’s packed with nourishing ingredients. The data below is an estimate per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze chicken bean soup?

Yes, absolutely! This chicken bean soup freezes wonderfully. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Can I make chicken bean soup ahead of time?

You certainly can! In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight. Prepare the soup, cool it, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days.

What kind of chicken is best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Both cut easily into cubes and cook quickly, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the soup.

Conclusion

This Hearty Tomato-Based Chicken Bean Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and comfort, perfectly balanced with rich flavors. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings or weekend meal prep. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and a delightful tomato broth, this soup truly satisfies every time. Don’t wait to bring this cozy bowl of deliciousness to your table; gather your ingredients and enjoy this perfect comfort food with your loved ones tonight!

Hearty Tomato-Based Chicken Bean Soup

This hearty tomato-based chicken and bean soup is a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a chilly day. It features tender chicken, cannellini and kidney beans, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato and chicken broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
• 1 small onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 medium carrots chopped
• 1 large stalk celery sliced
• 1 can tomatoes do not drain
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans drained
• 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans drained
• ½ cup fresh Italian parsley chopped
• 1 leaf bay leaf

Equipment

• Dutch oven or stockpot
• Slotted spoon
• Food processor

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat, then sauté the chicken until no longer pink; remove and set aside.
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the Dutch oven, then sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to brown, about 15 minutes.
3. Puree the canned tomatoes in a food processor until no chunks remain.
4. Add the pureed tomatoes, broth, both cans of beans, parsley, and bay leaf to the Dutch oven; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the soup and simmer until cooked through, 5-10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

This soup is even better the next day! Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.