This warm and filling soup is packed with juicy chicken and nutritious chickpeas. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering!
I love how this soup is so simple to make. Just toss everything into the pot, let it simmer, and you have a delicious meal ready! Plus, it warms you right up! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great base for sautéing. If you’re out, you can use vegetable or canola oil, though olive oil adds a nice flavor.
Onion: Diced onions bring sweetness and depth. You can swap for shallots or leeks if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a punch! If you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon equals one clove).
Carrots: These add color and sweetness. You can substitute with parsnips or sweet potatoes if you like.
Chickpeas: A fiber-rich protein source. Lentils or black beans can be used instead for variety.
Greens: Fresh spinach or kale is best, but frozen greens are a good backup. Just remember to thaw and drain them first!
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The chicken is a key ingredient in this soup. To ensure it’s tender, using cooked chicken is easy and a great time-saver. You can use leftover roast chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you’re starting with raw chicken, consider poaching it first in the broth for extra flavor.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
- Add it back to the soup towards the end of cooking, just enough to heat it through.
How Can You Make This Soup Even Heartier?
If you want an extra filling soup, adding a grain like pearl barley or brown rice makes it heartier. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as grains can take longer to cook.
- If using brown rice, you may need to cook the soup a bit longer (about 30-40 minutes total).
- This also helps thicken the soup, making it even more satisfying!
Enjoy making this cozy soup! It’s perfect for meal prep too—just store leftovers in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner.
Hearty Chicken and Chickpea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pearl barley or brown rice (optional for extra heartiness)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time. So, in around 50 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the carrots begin to get tender.
2. Add the Spices:
Now, add the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric (if using). Stir everything well, coating the vegetables with the spices. Let it cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant, filling your kitchen with warmth!
3. Combine the Broth Ingredients:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, which will create a lovely base for your soup.
4. Add Grains and Simmer:
If you’ve decided to use pearl barley or brown rice, add them at this point. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the grains are tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Mix in the Chickpeas and Chicken:
Once the grains are cooked, add the drained chickpeas and the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Stir in the Greens:
Finally, toss in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook for just about 2 minutes, or until the greens are wilted. This will add a fresh touch to your hearty soup.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped dill or parsley for an added burst of flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious, hearty chicken and chickpea soup hot and enjoy every warm and comforting spoonful!
This soup is not only hearty and nutritious but also a wonderful way to gather around the table with loved ones. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before shredding it. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian! Just replace the chicken with extra chickpeas or another protein like tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This soup is hearty enough on its own, but you could pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of cheese on top for added flavor!
