Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas (Print Version)

A hearty blend of chicken, kale, and crispy roasted chickpeas with warm spices and bright lemon juice.

# Components:

→ Crispy Chickpeas

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
04 - ½ tsp garlic powder
05 - ¼ tsp sea salt

→ Soup

06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
08 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
09 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
14 - 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, diced (optional)
15 - 1 tsp dried thyme
16 - ½ tsp dried oregano
17 - 1 bay leaf
18 - ½ tsp black pepper
19 - ¾ tsp salt, adjust to taste
20 - Juice of ½ lemon

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chickpeas 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 crispy. Set aside.
02 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly seared.
05 - Pour in chicken broth. Add diced potatoes if using, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
06 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until kale is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
07 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as desired. Ladle into bowls and top with crispy chickpeas.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Packed with lean protein and leafy greens for a wholesome meal
  • Crispy chickpea topping adds delightful texture and extra nutrition
02 -
  • This soup is naturally dairy-free and high in protein
  • Omit chicken and use vegetable broth plus white beans for a vegetarian variation
03 -
  • Roast the chickpeas until they are deeply golden for maximum crunch
  • Lemon juice added just before serving boosts freshness and flavor
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