BBQ Chicken Soup
Embark on a culinary journey with this Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish that perfectly marries the comforting essence of a homemade soup with the bold, tangy kick of barbecue. Tender chicken, smoked spices, and a medley of colorful vegetables simmered in a rich broth create an incredibly satisfying meal. It's the perfect bowl of warmth for any day, offering a unique twist on classic comfort food.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
45-50 minutes
Servings
Approximately 6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Explodes with bold, smoky BBQ flavors, making traditional chicken soup exciting.
- Remarkably quick to prepare, on the table in under an hour for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Packed with tender chicken, wholesome beans, and vibrant vegetables for a truly hearty bowl.
- Perfectly comforting and warm, ideal for cozy evenings or a pick-me-up on a chilly day.
- Highly customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce and optional toppings to suit any palate.
Ingredients
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil, divided
- 680 g (1 ½ lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) dried oregano
- 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 1.25 g (¼ teaspoon) ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced (approximately 150g)
- 1 medium carrot, diced (approximately 60g)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (approximately 150g)
- 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (200g / 7 oz) sweetcorn, drained and rinsed
- 960 ml (4 cups) chicken stock
- 15-20 g (½ cup) fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend, setting the foundation for its rich flavor.
- Heat half of the olive oil (15 ml or 1 tablespoon) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned and caramelized. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a clean plate.
- Add the remaining olive oil (15 ml or 1 tablespoon) to the same pot. Introduce the diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness, building the aromatic base for the soup.
- Stir in the roughly chopped garlic. Continue to cook for just one more minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- Return the browned chicken to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the BBQ sauce, stirring well to ensure all the chicken and vegetables are generously coated. Allow it to simmer with the vegetables for a minute or two, letting the flavors meld.
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to finish cooking through, becoming incredibly tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley, which adds a bright, herbaceous note. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup hot into bowls, optionally garnished with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chopped red onion for an added crunch and burst of flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Soup ladle
Essential Success Tips
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a beautiful sear and prevent steaming.
- Use a high-quality BBQ sauce that you genuinely enjoy, as its flavor will be prominent in the soup.
- Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to your preference; for an extra smoky kick, consider a pinch more.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, even a splash more BBQ sauce) just before serving, as flavors can mellow during simmering.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock or a good quality low-sodium store-bought variety.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the smoky profile even further, a very small amount of liquid smoke (1/4 teaspoon) can be added with the BBQ sauce, but use sparingly as it's potent. Alternatively, use smoked chicken stock.
- For a richer mouthfeel, whisk in a tablespoon of butter or a swirl of heavy cream at the very end, just before serving, to slightly thicken and enrich the broth.
- Charring the red bell pepper slightly before dicing and adding it to the soup will infuse a deeper, more complex roasted flavor, complementing the BBQ notes beautifully.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach (stir in at the end), or diced sweet potatoes for added nutrition and texture. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño with the aromatics.
- Garnishes: Beyond fresh parsley and red onion, consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, or crushed corn chips for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can replace the chicken with extra pinto beans, black beans, or even diced smoked tofu for a similar texture and smoky flavor.
How can I make the soup spicier?
For an added kick, you can include a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onions and bell peppers. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end will also do the trick.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
While boneless, skinless chicken breast is recommended for ease, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. You would need to cook them longer in the simmering stage until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, then remove them, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 420, Protein: 40g, Fat: 15g, Carbs: 32g (Estimates per serving, actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Allergy Information
Contains chicken. Depending on the brand, BBQ sauce and chicken stock may contain gluten, soy, or other common allergens. Always check product labels if you have specific dietary concerns. For a gluten-free option, ensure your BBQ sauce and chicken stock are certified gluten-free.
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