Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup
Rainy days call for comfort food, and what better way to warm up than with a hearty bowl of Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup? This uncomplicated recipe takes leftover rotisserie chicken and a few pantry staples to create a soul-soothing dish that’s ready in no time. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients Needed To Make Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 (15 oz) cans Northern beans or cannellini
- 2 cups precooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups Lacinato kale, chopped
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, sage)
- Pinch of chili flake (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup:
- In a large pot, start by sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste, and continue to stir until fragrant.
- Toss in the chicken and beans, then cover with chicken broth and water. Add the bouquet garni, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and add the chopped kale. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Optional step for creamier soup: If you prefer a creamy texture, blend one cup of soup until smooth and pour it back into the pot.
- Serve piping hot with a side of crusty bread for that perfect dunking experience.
Tips:
- Make it Creamy: For a velvety texture, blend a portion of the soup until smooth.
- Play with Spice: Adjust the chili flakes to suit your taste for a bit of heat.
- Leftover Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of kale in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of kale such as curly kale or Red Russian kale if Lacinato kale is not available.
What can I substitute for Northern beans or cannellini beans?
Great Northern beans and cannellini beans can be substituted with navy beans or even chickpeas for a different flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I make the soup spicier?
You can adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
Can I freeze this soup for later?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What are some optional toppings for this soup?
You can garnish the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will need to be soaked and cooked beforehand according to the package instructions.
How can I make this soup even heartier?
You can add in other vegetables like diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for extra heartiness.
What type of bread pairs best with this soup?
A crusty bread like a baguette or a hearty whole-grain bread would be perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.
Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery sticks chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 15 oz cans Northern beans or cannellini
- 2 cups precooked chicken shredded
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups Lacinato kale chopped
- 1 bouquet garni thyme, bay leaves, sage
- Pinch of chili flake optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, start by sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots in olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste, and continue to stir until fragrant.
- Toss in the chicken and beans, then cover with chicken broth and water. Add the bouquet garni, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and add the chopped kale. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with chili flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Optional step for creamier soup: If you prefer a creamy texture, blend one cup of soup until smooth and pour it back into the pot.
- Serve piping hot with a side of crusty bread for that perfect dunking experience.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Chicken White Bean and Kale Soup on those chilly, rainy days. The blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and vibrant kale is sure to warm both body and soul.
This looks so hearty & delicious! We can’t wait to make it!