There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? And when it’s both quick and healthy? Even better! This chicken and white bean soup recipe is my absolute go-to when I need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, the ease and flavor of this soup are simply unbeatable. It’s so simple, it practically makes itself! Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients – what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and White Bean Soup

Seriously, you NEED this chicken and white bean soup in your life! Here’s why:

Quick and Easy Chicken and White Bean Soup

Busy weeknights? No problem! This soup comes together so fast – minimal prep, quick cooking. It’s ready before you can say “takeout!”

Flavorful and Healthy Choice

Forget boring diet food! All those fresh herbs? They pack *serious* flavor. And with the chicken and white beans, you’re getting a healthy dose of protein, too!

Comfort in a Bowl

Rainy day? Feeling a little down? This chicken and white bean soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Seriously comforting!

Ingredients for Your Chicken and White Bean Soup

Okay, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this amazing chicken and white bean soup! I always say, having your ingredients prepped and ready to go makes cooking *so* much easier. So, here’s the lowdown:

Essential Ingredients for Chicken and White Bean Soup

Two tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Go for the good stuff here! Extra virgin olive oil adds a richness you just can’t beat.

Two medium leeks, sliced

Make sure you’re only using the white and light green parts. Slice ’em into those little quarter-inch rounds – pretty, right?

One and a half tablespoons chopped fresh sage

Fresh sage is key! Dried just won’t give you the same oomph.

Two teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

Same goes for thyme – fresh is best! Just pluck those little leaves off the stems.

Two teaspoons minced garlic

I’m a garlic fiend, so I usually add a little extra! But two teaspoons is a good starting point.

One eighth teaspoon salt plus one half teaspoon, divided

Yep, you’ll need to measure this out carefully. We’re using it at two different points in the recipe, so keep it separate!

Six cups unsalted chicken broth

Unsalted is important, so you can control the sodium levels yourself.

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One 15 ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed

Make sure they’re no-salt-added, and rinse ’em really well to get rid of any extra sodium.

One 2 pound roasted chicken, shredded

Okay, this is where it gets fun! You’ll want about 4 cups of shredded chicken. Be sure to take the skin off and remove the meat from the bones first. Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store works GREAT here – a real time saver!

One half teaspoon ground pepper

Freshly ground is always better, if you have it!

One tablespoon lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice, if you can swing it! It really brightens up the soup.

How to Make Chicken and White Bean Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this chicken and white bean soup is super easy to throw together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal in no time!

Preparing the Base for Chicken and White Bean Soup

First, grab your Dutch oven (or a big pot – whatever you’ve got!). Heat two tablespoons of that lovely olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, toss in your sliced leeks and cook, stirring now and then, until they’re nice and soft – about 3 minutes should do it.

Next, stir in that sage, thyme, garlic, and that little bit of salt (the one-eighth teaspoon, remember?). Cook it all together, stirring constantly, until it smells amazing – about 30 seconds. Careful not to burn the garlic!

Combining Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken and White Bean Soup

Now, pour in those six cups of unsalted chicken broth. Crank up the heat to high, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to medium.

Stir in your rinsed cannellini beans, shredded chicken, pepper, and the remaining half-teaspoon of salt. Easy peasy!

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Finishing Your Chicken and White Bean Soup

Let the soup cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until everything’s heated through – about 3 minutes. Finally, stir in that tablespoon of lemon juice. It’ll really brighten up the flavors. And that’s it! You’ve made chicken and white bean soup!

Tips for the Best Chicken and White Bean Soup

Want to take your chicken and white bean soup from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share!

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Soup too thin? No problem! Just mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them, or even blend a cup or two of the soup for a creamier texture. Too thick? Add a little more broth until it’s just right!

Enhancing the Flavor of Your Chicken and White Bean Soup

Don’t be afraid to experiment! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Or, stir in some extra fresh herbs – more sage, maybe? A squeeze of extra lemon juice at the end is always a good idea, too!

Choosing the Right Chicken

Leftover roasted chicken is perfect for this! But honestly, my go-to is a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves SO much time and effort. Just shred it up and toss it in!

Chicken and White Bean Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic chicken and white bean soup, and it’s delicious, right? But what if you want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few fun variations to try!

Vegetarian Chicken and White Bean Soup

Skip the chicken altogether! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add some extra veggies like carrots, celery, or spinach. It’s still super hearty and flavorful!

Spicy Chicken and White Bean Soup

Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce! Start small – you can always add more later!

Creamy Chicken and White Bean Soup

For an extra-luxurious soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of coconut milk at the end. It makes it so rich and decadent!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and White Bean Soup

Alright, your chicken and white bean soup is ready to go! But what should you serve with it? Here are a few of my favorite ways to round out the meal!

Bread and Crackers

Seriously, you can’t go wrong with some crusty bread for dipping! Or, if you’re more of a cracker person, those work great, too!

Salad

A simple green salad is the perfect complement to this soup. A little bit of fresh greens balances out the heartiness of the soup perfectly!

Garnish

Don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of fresh herbs (parsley or chives work great!), a drizzle of olive oil, or even a dollop of yogurt can really take it to the next level!

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken and White Bean Soup

Made a big batch? Lucky you! This chicken and white bean soup tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro!

Storing Leftover Soup

Let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Wanna keep it longer? Freeze it! It’ll be good for a couple of months in the freezer. Just make sure to leave a little room in the container, ’cause it’ll expand as it freezes.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop is my favorite way to reheat soup. Just pour it into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot. In a hurry? Microwave it! Just zap it for a few minutes, stirring every now and then, until it’s heated through. Careful, it can get bubbly!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and White Bean Soup

Got questions about making the best chicken and white bean soup ever? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked.

Can I use dried beans in this Chicken and White Bean Soup recipe?

Absolutely! You’ll need about a cup of dried cannellini beans. Just soak them overnight, then cook them until they’re tender before adding them to the soup. It takes a bit longer, but it’s totally worth it!

How long does Chicken and White Bean Soup last in the refrigerator?

If you store it properly in an airtight container, your chicken and white bean soup will be good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Perfect for meal prepping!

Can I freeze Chicken and White Bean Soup?

Yep! Just let it cool completely first, then pop it into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

What can I add to Chicken and White Bean Soup to make it more flavorful?

Oh, so many things! A bay leaf while it simmers, a splash of white wine when you sauté the leeks, or a pinch of smoked paprika can all add amazing depth of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Nutritional Information for Chicken and White Bean Soup

Okay, so you wanna know what you’re getting in each bowl of this deliciousness, right? Here’s a rough estimate: about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 25g of carbs. Keep in mind, these are just estimates! It all depends on your exact ingredients and portion sizes, of course!

Enjoyed This Chicken and White Bean Soup Recipe?

Yay! I’m so glad you gave my chicken and white bean soup a try! Now, I’d LOVE to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends!