Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish to warm you up, this chicken and bean soup is a fantastic option. With tender chicken breasts and nutritious beans simmered in zesty salsa verde, it’s a flavorful delight that’s easy to make. Ideal for chilly evenings, this recipe combines savory ingredients to produce a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup diced sweet onion
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
16 ounces salsa verde
15 ounces cannellini beans or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
32 ounces chicken broth or stock
2 tablespoons olive oil
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
This chicken and bean soup is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors and nutrients. Enjoy it garnished with sour cream or fresh herbs to elevate your dining experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Spices
Add the dried cilantro, cumin, salt, and ground black pepper to the onions. Stir and cook for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Salsa Verde
Pour in the salsa verde and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the drained and rinsed beans, shredded cooked chicken, and chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring the soup to a simmer.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the soup hot, garnished with sour cream, fresh cilantro, chives, or green onions as desired.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
You can use leftover cooked chicken or poach the chicken breasts in water or broth until fully cooked, then shred them for immediate use.
Bean Alternatives
You can substitute cannellini beans with other white beans, such as Great Northern beans or navy beans, based on availability.
Adjusting Consistency
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth or let the soup simmer longer with the lid off to allow for evaporation.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Sauteing
Sauteing involves cooking the diced sweet onion in olive oil over medium heat until softened. This technique enhances the flavors of the onion, making it a great base for the soup.
Seasoning
Adding dried cilantro, cumin, salt, and ground black pepper to the sautéed onions allows the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This step is crucial for a well-seasoned dish.
Simmering
Simmering the salsa verde with the spices activates the flavors and prepares the sauce before adding the other ingredients. It helps to meld the ingredients together, creating a cohesive flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Adding the drained beans, shredded cooked chicken, and chicken broth to the saucepan allows all components to blend harmoniously. This step is essential for creating a hearty soup.
Tasting and Adjusting
Tasting the soup before serving ensures that the seasoning is just right. Adjusting with additional salt and pepper guarantees a well-balanced flavor.
Garnishing
Garnishing the soup with sour cream, fresh cilantro, chives, or green onions adds not only flavor but also visual appeal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
FAQ
Can I use different beans?
Yes, you can use other types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans depending on your preference.
What can I substitute for salsa verde?
If you don’t have salsa verde, you can use regular salsa or a homemade green sauce as an alternative.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or using a spicy salsa verde.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a convenient, set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.
Conclusion
This flavorful chicken soup, enriched with the refreshing taste of salsa verde and the creaminess of beans, makes for a comforting and nutritious meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for any occasion and can be customized to your liking.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tacos
Use the same chicken mixture as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Top with fresh avocados, diced tomatoes, and crumbled cheese for a delicious meal.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll the chicken mixture in tortillas, place in a baking dish, cover with additional salsa verde and cheese, and bake until bubbly.
White Bean Chicken Chili
Omit the salsa verde and add green chilies along with some corn for a different flavor profile, creating a delicious white chili.
Rustic Chicken and Bean Salad
Chill the chicken mixture and serve over a bed of greens, adding tomatoes, avocados, and a lime vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Spicy Chicken Bean Soup
Increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the onion mixture and incorporating some shredded cheese for a hearty, spicy twist.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Layer the chicken mixture over rice or quinoa, adding ingredients like corn, diced onions, avocado, and lime wedges for a satisfying burrito bowl experience.
