Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas (Print view)

Hearty broth with tender chicken, kale, and crunchy spiced chickpeas for a wholesome, flavorful meal.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Soup

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 4 cups chopped kale, ribs removed
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Juice of 1/2 lemon

→ Crispy Chickpeas

15 - 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chickpeas dry with a paper towel. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in dried thyme, dried oregano, and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
04 - Add chicken breasts or thighs, low-sodium chicken broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
05 - Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
06 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until kale is wilted. Add juice of half a lemon and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each serving with crispy chickpeas just before eating.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Hearty and nourishing
  • Crunchy spiced chickpeas add texture
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with white beans and use vegetable broth
  • Crispy chickpeas can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for 2 days
03 -
  • Dry chickpeas thoroughly to ensure crispiness
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference
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