Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Build the Soup Base:
- Add the chickpeas to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits left from the chicken. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Cream and Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the heavy cream (or coconut milk if using). Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, until the soup is heated through and the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Net Carbs: 13g
- Protein: 30g
- WW Points: 6-7 (depending on the amount of cream used)
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Chickpea Soup:
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is packed with protein from the chicken and chickpeas, making it a great choice for a filling, well-rounded meal.
- Creamy and Comforting: The addition of heavy cream or coconut milk gives the soup a velvety smooth texture that’s rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
- Packed with Flavor: The rosemary and garlic infuse the soup with an aromatic, savory depth, while the lemon juice adds a bright finish that elevates the whole dish.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup to fit your dietary needs. Swap the heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or use vegetable broth and tofu for a plant-based version.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or additional chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring a bit of heat to the soup. This pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture and savory flavors.
- Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added nutrients and color.
- For a Thicker Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (about half the chickpeas and some of the broth) to create a thicker, creamier texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer some of the soup to a blender, blend, and then return it to the pot.
- Lemon Zest: For extra brightness, you can add a little lemon zest along with the lemon juice.
This Creamy Chicken and Chickpea Soup with Rosemary & Garlic is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and hearty nutrition. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, it’s sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it your own based on what you have on hand! Enjoy!
