Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

Featured in: Herbal & Earthy Comforts

This comforting dish blends tender chicken, hearty kale, and nourishing cannellini beans in a flavorful broth. Aromatic spices and fresh vegetables create a rich base, simmered to deepen the taste. Crispy roasted chickpeas add a delightful crunch on top, elevating texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and packed with fiber, it's perfect for a healthful, satisfying dinner that warms both body and soul.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 08:40:10 GMT
Steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with Crispy Chickpeas, healthy and full of flavor. Save
Steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with Crispy Chickpeas, healthy and full of flavor. | sagekettle.com

A nourishing, high-fiber soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant kale, and crunchy roasted chickpeas for a healthy, comforting meal.

This chicken kale soup quickly became a family favorite because of its hearty flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

  • For the Soup: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 carrots sliced, 2 celery stalks sliced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 pound (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, 8 cups (2 liters) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 bunch kale (about 6 cups) stems removed and leaves chopped, 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can cannellini beans drained and rinsed, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the Crispy Chickpeas: 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can chickpeas drained and rinsed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Chickpeas:
Pat chickpeas dry with a clean towel. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 30 minutes shaking halfway until crisp and golden. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large pot heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add onion carrots and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic:
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook Chicken:
Add chicken chicken broth bay leaf thyme smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Shred Chicken:
Remove chicken to a plate shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Kale and Beans:
Stir in kale and cannellini beans. Simmer for 8 10 minutes until kale is tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with crispy chickpeas.
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This recipe always brings my family together especially on chilly evenings when we crave something warm and nourishing.

Required Tools

Large soup pot Baking sheet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon Tongs or two forks

Allergen Information

Contains legumes (chickpeas beans) No common allergens such as gluten dairy eggs or nuts Always check labels on canned goods and broth for allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 380 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 33 g per serving

A close-up shot of a hearty Chicken Kale Soup with Crispy Chickpeas, ready to eat. Save
A close-up shot of a hearty Chicken Kale Soup with Crispy Chickpeas, ready to eat. | sagekettle.com

This healthy and flavorful soup is perfect as a weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute kale with other greens?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives to kale for a milder flavor and similar nutrition.

How do I make the chickpeas crispy?

Dry the chickpeas thoroughly, toss with oil and spices, then roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispness.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and add extra beans or tofu to maintain protein and texture in the soup.

What spices enhance the soup's flavor?

A combination of smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, and garlic provides a warm, smoky, and aromatic profile.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better after resting; store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

A wholesome bowl with tender chicken, kale, and crunchy roasted chickpeas for a comforting meal.

Setup Time
20 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Total Duration
60 min
Created by Elena Brooks

Classification Herbal & Earthy Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Batch Size 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy, Free of Gluten

Components

Soup

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 medium carrots, sliced
04 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
07 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 1 bay leaf
09 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 1 bunch kale (about 6 cups), stems removed and chopped
12 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
13 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Crispy Chickpeas

01 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Crispy Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat chickpeas dry with a clean towel. Toss with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until chickpeas are crisp and golden. Set aside.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Cook Chicken and Simmer: Add chicken pieces, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 05

Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 06

Add Greens and Beans: Stir in chopped kale and cannellini beans. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until kale is tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each serving with crispy chickpeas.

Tools Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs or two forks

Allergy Alerts

Review every ingredient to spot possible allergens. Consult your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains legumes (chickpeas, cannellini beans).

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are for reference and don't substitute medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 380
  • Lipids: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 33 g