Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

This comforting dish layers tender chicken and vibrant kale in a savory broth, topped with spiced crispy chickpeas for texture. The hearty soup combines sautéed vegetables and aromatic herbs with a hint of lemon for brightness. Roasting chickpeas with cumin and smoked paprika adds a delightful crunch that complements the tender ingredients. Ideal for a nourishing meal, this gluten- and dairy-free option warms and satisfies with balanced flavors.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:45:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas: a healthy and fulfilling lunch, ready to enjoy. Save
Steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas: a healthy and fulfilling lunch, ready to enjoy. | whisknjoy.com

A hearty, nourishing soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant kale, and a delightful topping of spiced, crispy chickpeas—perfect for a comforting, healthy meal.

This cozy chicken kale soup became a family favorite as it combines health and flavor effortlessly.

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Broth: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 350 g), cut into bite sized pieces, 1.5 liters (6 cups) low sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks, sliced, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 150 g (5 oz) kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and black pepper, to taste, Juice of ½ lemon
  • Crispy Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g/14 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Line a baking tray with parchment paper
Step 2:
In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, and salt. Spread on the prepared tray and roast for 25 30 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crunchy. Set aside
Step 3:
While chickpeas roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery sauté for 5 6 minutes until softened
Step 4:
Add garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant
Step 5:
Add chicken pieces cook for 3 4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked
Step 6:
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes
Step 7:
Add kale and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and chicken is cooked through
Step 8:
Stir in lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste
Step 9:
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpeas
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Sharing this soup at family dinners always brings warmth and smiles around the table

Required Tools

Large soup pot, Wooden spoon, Baking tray, Parchment paper, Chefs knife, Chopping board

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens (contains legumes) Always check broth and spice labels for hidden gluten or allergens if required

Nutritional Information

Calories 330, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 24 g, Protein 33 g per serving

Close-up of the flavorful Chicken Kale Soup, topped with crunchy chickpeas; a comforting American classic. Save
Close-up of the flavorful Chicken Kale Soup, topped with crunchy chickpeas; a comforting American classic. | whisknjoy.com

This chicken kale soup balances taste and nutrition perfectly for any season

Recipe FAQ

How do you get chickpeas crispy?

Drain and dry chickpeas thoroughly, toss them with olive oil and spices, then roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, shaking occasionally until golden and crunchy.

Can kale be substituted with other greens?

Yes, spinach or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives, but add them closer to the end of cooking as they wilt faster than kale.

What is the best way to cook the chicken pieces evenly?

Brown chicken pieces briefly in olive oil before simmering in broth to ensure they are cooked through while remaining tender and juicy.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken pieces with cubed tofu or hearty vegetables.

How to store leftover crispy chickpeas?

Keep them in an airtight container separate from the soup to maintain their crunch when reheated or served later.

Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

A comforting blend of chicken, kale, and crunchy spiced chickpeas in a savory broth.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Quick Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 4 Portion Count

Dietary considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Chicken & Broth

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 5 ounces kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste
05 Juice of ½ lemon

Crispy Chickpeas

01 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
04 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Prepare Crispy Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Spread evenly on the tray and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Stage 02

Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften.

Stage 03

Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stage 04

Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, browning lightly but not fully cooked.

Stage 05

Simmer Soup: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Stage 06

Add Kale and Finish Cooking: Add chopped kale to the pot and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until kale wilts and chicken is cooked through.

Stage 07

Season and Serve: Stir in lemon juice, then adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpeas.

Necessary tools

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Chef's knife
  • Chopping board

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains legumes (chickpeas). Check broth and spices for hidden allergens or gluten.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 330
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 33 g