📖 Description
This Creamy White Bean Chicken Soup is a rich, hearty, and nourishing one-pot meal made with tender shredded chicken, protein-packed white beans, aromatic herbs, and a light creamy broth. It’s the perfect comfort food recipe for fall and winter, while still fitting into healthy eating plans like high-protein diets, clean eating, and balanced meal prep.
The combination of cannellini beans (or great northern beans) with chicken creates a naturally thick, satisfying texture without needing heavy cream. This makes it a smart choice for those looking for healthy dinner recipes, budget-friendly meals, or easy weeknight dinners.
Because it stores and reheats beautifully, it’s also ideal for meal prep and family-friendly freezer meals.
⏱ Time & Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4–6
🛒 Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
½ cup milk or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Build the Soup Base
Stir in shredded chicken, white beans, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
4️⃣ Create Creaminess
For a thicker texture, blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot. Stir in milk or half-and-half if desired.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Add Parmesan cheese (optional). Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh parsley.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Serve with crusty bread.
Pair with a green salad.
Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
❓ Related Questions (High-Interest Topics)
1. Is white bean chicken soup good for weight loss?
Yes. It’s high in protein and fiber, which helps with satiety and appetite control, making it a strong option for healthy weight management meal plans.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Combine ingredients (except dairy) and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Store in airtight containers up to 3 months. Avoid adding dairy before freezing for best results.
4. What are the best white beans for soup?
Cannellini beans and Great Northern beans both work well due to their creamy texture.
5. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Skip the milk and Parmesan or use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free alternatives.
