Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas (Printable)

A hearty blend of chicken, kale, and crunchy spiced chickpeas delivering warm, healthy comfort.

# 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

15 - 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chickpeas dry and 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.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 6 minutes.
03 - Stir in dried thyme, oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
04 - Add chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
05 - Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
06 - Stir in chopped kale and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted. Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
07 - Adjust seasoning to taste and remove bay leaf.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy chickpeas before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Healthy and comforting
  • Crispy spiced chickpeas add texture
02 -
  • Chickpeas add a crunchy contrast to the soft soup
  • Optional red pepper flakes bring mild heat
03 -
  • Pat chickpeas very dry for best crispness
  • Adjust kale quantity to preference for texture
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