Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

Featured in: Soups & Stews

This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered with fresh kale and herbs, creating a savory base full of comforting flavors. Complemented by oven-roasted chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, this vibrant combination offers both crunch and warmth. The soup is quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy, satisfying meal that balances protein and greens. Simple steps bring layered textures and bright notes, including a splash of lemon to enhance freshness.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:35:00 GMT
Chicken Kale Soup topped with golden chickpeas, a healthy and comforting American meal. Save
Chicken Kale Soup topped with golden chickpeas, a healthy and comforting American meal. | cheerfulchefs.com

A nourishing, hearty soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant kale, and crunchy spiced chickpeas — the perfect healthy comfort food twist.

This recipe combines the perfect blend of flavors and textures for a cozy meal any day.

Ingredients

  • For the Soup: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion diced, 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 medium carrots sliced, 2 celery stalks sliced, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 pound 450 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 6 cups 1.5 L low-sodium chicken broth, 4 cups chopped kale ribs removed, 1 bay leaf, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • For the Crispy Chickpeas: 1 15 oz 425 g can chickpeas drained and rinsed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F 200°C. 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 25–30 minutes shaking halfway until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Step 2:
Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion garlic carrots and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Step 3:
Stir in thyme oregano and if using red pepper flakes cook for 1 minute.
Step 4:
Add chicken breaststhighs chicken broth bay leaf salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Step 5:
Remove chicken shred with two forks and return to the pot.
Step 6:
Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3–4 minutes until wilted. Add lemon juice.
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaf.
Step 8:
Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy chickpeas just before serving.
A steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup, showcasing the tender chicken and vibrant kale colors. Save
A steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup, showcasing the tender chicken and vibrant kale colors. | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe brings comfort and warmth to our family dinners.

Required Tools

Large soup pot Baking sheet Parchment paper optional Chefs knife Cutting board Mixing bowls

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens If using store-bought broth check for potential allergens or gluten Always verify ingredient labels for processed items

Nutritional Information

Calories 350 Total Fat 12 g Carbohydrates 27 g Protein 32 g per serving

Close-up of crispy chickpeas topping a bowl of Chicken Kale Soup for a flavorful gluten-free meal. Save
Close-up of crispy chickpeas topping a bowl of Chicken Kale Soup for a flavorful gluten-free meal. | cheerfulchefs.com

This soup makes a wholesome meal with a delicious crunch topping.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make chickpeas crispy?

Drain and dry chickpeas thoroughly, then toss with olive oil and spices before roasting at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Can I substitute kale with another green?

Yes, hearty greens like Swiss chard or collard greens work well and add different textures and flavors.

What is the best cut of chicken for this soup?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work; thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming bitter when cooking kale?

Adding kale late in the cooking process and simmering briefly helps maintain a mild, fresh taste without bitterness.

Can I prepare the crispy chickpeas in advance?

Yes, store the roasted chickpeas in an airtight container for up to two days to retain their crunch.

Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

A nourishing blend of chicken, kale, and crunchy spiced chickpeas in a hearty, wholesome bowl.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Soups & Stews

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Dairy-Free Option, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

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

01 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Crispy Chickpeas: 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, until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in thyme, oregano, and, if using, crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.

Step 04

Cook Chicken: Add chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until 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 Kale and Finish Soup: Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted. Add lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy chickpeas immediately before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • No major allergens contained; verify store-bought broth for potential allergens or gluten.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams