Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup Recipe for Cold Days

When it gets cold outside, nothing warms you up like a hot, creamy soup. Our Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup is just what you need. It’s a delicious, nourishing dish that’s great for those chilly days.

This soup has a perfect mix of light broth and creamy texture. It’s filled with tender chicken, healthy veggies, and creamy white beans. It’s easy to make in just 30 minutes, making it a hit for the whole family.

Key Takeaways

• A comforting and creamy soup perfect for cold weather
• Packed with protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled white beans
• Can be made in under an hour with mostly pantry ingredients
• Customizable with different beans, vegetables, and herbs
• Freezes well for easy meal prepping

Why This Cozy Soup Will Become Your Winter Favorite

As winter arrives, nothing is better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This creamy chicken white bean soup is just what you need. It’s filled with tender chicken, fiber-rich beans, and healthy veggies. It’s not only tasty but also super good for you.

Health Benefits of This Hearty Soup

This soup is a nutrient powerhouse. It has lean chicken and white beans for 33 grams of protein per serving. This keeps you full and happy. It also has 8 grams of fiber for better digestion and fullness. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it great for those with dietary needs.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Family Dinners

This soup is not only healthy but also super easy to make. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights. It makes a big batch, so you can prep meals for the week. It’s a hit with families and will be a favorite in your home all winter.

“This creamy chicken white bean soup is a cozy and comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.”

Essential Ingredients for Chicken White Bean Soup

Making the perfect white bean chicken soup, chicken cannellini soup, or chicken navy bean soup begins with the right ingredients. This dish is filled with flavors that come together to make a delicious meal.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are at the core, adding juicy flavor and tender texture. White beans, like cannellini or great northern, make the soup hearty and creamy. Onions, carrots, and celery, or mirepoix, add a rich aroma and flavor to the broth.

Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs like thyme and oregano boost the soup’s savory taste. Chicken broth is the base, and heavy whipping cream adds a creamy touch.

Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables. You can also add butter and all-purpose flour to thicken the soup. A sprinkle of fresh dill brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the soup.

With these ingredients, you can make a white bean chicken soup, chicken cannellini soup, or chicken navy bean soup that will warm your heart and excite your taste buds.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make a delicious chicken white bean soup, you need the right kitchen tools. These tools help get the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s look at the cookware and tools you’ll need for this cozy dish.

Essential Cookware

A large Dutch oven or stock pot is key for soup-making. It lets you sauté veggies, simmer broth, and hold all ingredients. Choose a pot that’s at least 6 quarts to have enough room.

Helpful Tools and Utensils

You’ll also need some important tools and utensils. A sharp chef’s knife and a strong cutting board help chop veggies fast. A wooden spoon or high-heat spatula is great for stirring and scraping the pot. A citrus juicer adds a fresh, acidic touch to the soup.

For serving, you might want bowls and a cheese grater. Use it to sprinkle Parmesan on top of your chicken white bean soup.

“The right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, especially when crafting a comforting soup like this one.”

How to Prepare the Perfect Vegetable Base

The key to a great chicken white bean soup is a well-made vegetable base. Sautéing onions, carrots, and celery creates a flavorful base. This base adds depth and complexity to your soup.

Begin by cutting the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and release their sweetness and aroma. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the mirepoix and sauté for 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft.

Then, add minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute. This step makes the vegetable base even more flavorful.

After sautéing the mirepoix and garlic, you’ve made a great vegetable base for soup. This mirepoix is the flavorful start for your chicken white bean soup. It prepares the way for the chicken and beans.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a tasty easy soup recipe like Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup is easy. It results in a warm, comforting meal in one pot. Just follow these steps to make this delicious soup:

Preparing the Soup Base

Begin by cooking diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery in a big pot or Dutch oven. Use a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook for 4 minutes until the veggies are soft. Then, add diced tomatoes, fresh oregano, and black pepper. Cook for another minute.

Adding Chicken and Beans

Now, add diced chicken breast and cook for 6 minutes until it’s lightly browned. Pour in low-sodium chicken stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add rinsed and drained cannellini beans and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Final Seasoning and Garnishing

Finally, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve the one-pot meal hot. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley or gremolata for extra flavor.

By following these easy steps, you’ll have a comforting easy soup recipe ready in no time. Enjoy this Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup as a cozy dinner or prep it for lunches.

Customization Options and Substitutions

This creamy chicken white bean soup can be made in many ways. You can swap the white beans for kidney or garbanzo beans. Or, try using orzo pasta, gnocchi, or diced potatoes for a different texture.

Using leftover or rotisserie chicken can save you time. If you’re on a dairy-free diet, skip the cream. You can use unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream instead.

Adjust the spices to your liking. If kale isn’t your thing, spinach is a great substitute. This soup is all about making it your own, fitting your dietary needs and taste.

Customizing this soup is all about trying new things. Small changes can make a big difference. It’s a great way to make a dish that’s just right for you.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This creamy chicken white bean soup is a comforting dish. It pairs well with many accompaniments. Try serving it with these options for a complete meal.

Bread and Side Dish Options

Crusty bread, like a baguette or garlic bread, is perfect. It lets you soak up the flavorful broth. For a fuller meal, add a grilled cheese sandwich or a light salad.

Garnish Ideas

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich flavor
• A sprinkle of gremolata, with parsley, lemon zest, and garlic, adds a bright touch
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor and adds a refreshing contrast

These garnishes not only make the soup look better. They also add to its taste and depth. This makes the meal delightful and well-rounded.

By adding these soup pairings and garnish ideas, you can make your creamy chicken white bean soup even better. It becomes a satisfying and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

After enjoying the Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup, it’s crucial to know how to store and reheat leftovers. Meal prep is essential for enjoying this comforting dish all week.

To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. When reheating, use the stovetop or microwave, stirring often. This keeps the soup creamy and prevents it from drying out.

For longer storage, freeze the soup. Cool it down first, then put it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay frozen for 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

With these easy storage and reheating tips, you can meal prep this soup all season. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a nourishing lunch. This versatile soup will be a winter favorite in your home.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken white bean soup is a must-have for winter. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and versatile. It’s sure to become a family favorite during the colder months.

The soup’s tender chicken, creamy beans, and flavorful broth make it satisfying and warming. It’s perfect for a winter meal on a chilly evening or a make-ahead option. Its Mediterranean-inspired seasoning and versatility make it a great addition to your cooking.

So, why not try this delightful soup? It’s simple to prepare, nourishing, and customizable. It’s sure to become a staple in your household this winter. Enjoy the comfort and coziness of this delicious comforting soup recipe and savor the warmth it brings to your table.