Save It A hearty, nourishing soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant kale, and a delightful topping of spiced, crispy chickpeas&mdashperfect for a comforting, healthy meal.
This cozy chicken kale soup quickly became a family favorite thanks to its rich flavors and crispy chickpea topping.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Broth: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 350 g), cut into bite-sized pieces, 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks, sliced, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 150 g (5 oz) kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and black pepper, to taste, Juice of ½ lemon
- Crispy Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g/14 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, and salt. Spread on the prepared tray and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crunchy. Set aside.
- Step 3:
- While chickpeas roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery&mdash sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Step 4:
- Add garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Add chicken pieces&mdash cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
- Step 6:
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Add kale and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 8:
- Stir in lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 9:
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpeas.
Save It Every family gathering features this soup as a comforting ritual that brings us all closer together.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, Wooden spoon, Baking tray, Parchment paper, Chefs knife, Chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains legumes but none of the major allergens. Always check broth and spice labels for hidden gluten or allergens if required.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 330, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 24 g, Protein 33 g
Save It This soup is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do you make chickpeas crispy?
Rinse and dry chickpeas thoroughly, then toss with olive oil, cumin, paprika, and salt before roasting at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crunchy.
- → Can I substitute kale with other greens?
Yes, hearty greens like spinach or Swiss chard work well and can be added during the last few minutes of simmering.
- → What is the best way to cook chicken pieces for this dish?
Lightly brown bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil before simmering in broth to develop flavor and ensure tenderness.
- → How do the spices affect the soup?
Thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika add warm earthy and smoky notes that complement the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- → Is it possible to prepare a vegetarian version?
Yes, replace chicken and broth with tofu and vegetable broth to maintain a rich, satisfying texture and flavor.
- → How can I store crispy chickpeas to keep them crunchy?
Store roasted chickpeas separately in an airtight container once cooled to maintain their crispness.