Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a delightful bowl of Navy Bean and Chicken Soup! This hearty American classic combines tender chicken, creamy navy beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a little prep time and a simmering pot, you can transform simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece that will leave your family asking for seconds. Ready to discover the secrets to this delicious soup? Let’s dive into the recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup navy beans, soaked overnight
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing the navy beans that have been soaked overnight. Drain the beans and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until the exterior turns white and begins to brown slightly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, about 6-7 minutes.
- Incorporate sliced carrots and celery into the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the pre-soaked navy beans. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the mixture.
- Bring the soup to a full boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer gently for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Soak Your Beans: For the best texture and flavor, soak your navy beans overnight. This not only helps them cook evenly but also reduces cooking time.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions until they’re translucent and slightly golden enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables make a significant difference in taste. Opt for fresh carrots and celery for the best results.
- Adjust the Seasoning: After simmering, taste your soup and don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish significantly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
