Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (2024)

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Healthy and hearty – this Chicken Black Bean Soup is made in one pot with just nine ingredients and ready in under 25 minutes. Featuring plump black beans simmered in a flavorful salsa infused broth with plenty of tender white meat chicken, this soup recipe is quick and easy to prepare – without sacrificing flavor!

Featured comment: Our family loves your soup recipe!” -Melissa

Read on to get all of my tips for making your black bean soup with chicken perfectly flavorful, plus some of our favorite ways to use it!

Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (1)

Update: This post was originally published in January 2017. I made edits to the photos and added a step-by-step recipe video to show you JUST how easy this black bean soup with chicken is to make at home!

Hello, friends! Happy second week of the New Year! A friend recently reminded me that January is National Soup Month. This is excellent news because I happen to have a whole bunch of cozy, warming, belly-filling soups to share with you guys. And, we are going to start this soup party with one of my personal favorite soups of all time – black beans soup with chicken. YUM!

Table of Contents

  • About this black bean chicken soup
    • Why you’ll love this soup recipe!
  • What is chicken and black bean soup?
  • Ingredients in black beans chicken soup
    • Recipe variations
  • Tips for the best black beans chicken soup
  • Serving chicken soup with black beans
  • More soup recipes with beans!
  • Black Bean Soup with Chicken
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

About this black bean chicken soup

Make that super SPEEDY and ridiculously EASY black bean and chicken soup. This recipe is ready, from prep to finish in 25 minutes or less. And, made in just one pot. Did you just lose your mind? Don’t worry about finding it, because YES, you absolutely read all that correctly. This black beans chicken soup is ridiculous in the very best way.

Featuring smoky, earthy, savory and cozy comforting flavors, this crazy easy soup has a silky, salsa-broth base with chunks of chicken and heaps of black beans.

If you want to take things to the next level of yum (because ummm who DOESN’T?), I highly suggest you load it up with ALL the toppings – diced avocado, sliced green onions, shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, sliced jalapenos and a dollop (or three) of sour cream.

Hearty, yet healthy and loaded with flavor, this black bean and chicken soup has swiftly become my family’s cozy soup favorite.

Why you’ll love this soup recipe!

  • Ridiculously quick. Move aside 30 minute meals, this soup is ready in under 25.
  • Ridiculously easy. One pot and simple ingredients are all you need to get this bean and chicken soup on the table.
  • And, ridiculously delicious. This recipe has been duplicated many times, but never perfectly replicated. Get the original here!

If you’re looking for more simple and deliciously easy chicken soup recipes to keep you warm this winter, try these fan-favorites next: Chicken Soup with Wild Rice,Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup in Crockpot, Corn Chicken Chowder, Chicken Noodle Soup Thai Style,Chicken Soup with Tortellini.

Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (2)

What is chicken and black bean soup?

Black bean soup is a simple soup traditionally made with black beans, broth or stock, flavorful spices and fresh aromatics. It’s an easy and economical soup recipe to prepare at home and you can use either canned or dry beans.

Variations include this chicken and black beans soup, which involves the addition of tender white meat chicken and diced tomatoes (salsa).

Ingredients in black beans chicken soup

The ingredients for this black beans chicken soup are super simple to find. In fact, you may already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. If not, don’t worry. You can locate all these ingredients in any well-stocked grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Oil – You’ll just need your regular olive oil for sautéing.
  • Aromatics – A medium yellow onion and fresh garlic cloves lend a depth of flavor.
  • Spices A combination of cumin, chili powder, kosher salt and ground black pepper all provide flavor.
  • Black beans – Black beans are the start of this soup recipe. You can use either dried beans that you have cooked at home, or a can of black beans, depending upon your preference.
  • Chicken – This recipe calls for cooked chicken breast. However, chicken thighs work fine as well. Thighs are more flavorful and tend to be slightly cheaper, depending upon where you do your grocery shopping.
  • Salsa – This easy soup skips the prepwork of de-seeding and dicing fresh tomatoes. Instead, you’ll just need to pop open a can of tomato salsa. I recommend chunky salsas for the best results.
    • Substitution: Feel free to seed and dice fresh tomatoes instead.
  • Stock – Low-sodium stock lends a richer mouthfeel than broth, which is why this recipe calls for vegetable or chicken stock.
    • Substitution: A bullion cube is the best substitution here; however, chicken broth and veggie broth are fine too.
  • Herbs – Fresh cilantro adds a touch of vibrant freshness that finishes this soup perfectly.
    • Substitution: If you’re averse to cilantro, swap in fresh parsley.

Recipe variations

  • Spice it up: If you like your soup with a little heat, try using a hot or medium salsa instead of mild.
  • Spicy Peppers – This black bean soup has a Southwestern-flare so it lends its self well to spicy flavors. Another way to turn up the spicy heat is by throwing adding in chile peppers. Diced jalapeno peppers, poblano peppers, or even serrano peppers work great.
    • How to add it to recipe – Add the peppers along with the onions in step one of the recipe.
  • All the flavor – I encourage you to play around with this chicken bean soup recipe and make it your own. Earthy spices and seasonings such as ground coriander and oregano pair well here.
  • Veggies – Fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels and red bell peppers are one of my favorite additions to this soup.
    • How to add it to recipe – Add the corn and bell pepper along with the black beans in step 2 of the recipe.

Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (3)

Tips for the best black beans chicken soup

  1. Salsa: I highly recommend you use a chunky salsa in this chicken black bean soup recipe. Also, the salsa lends robust flavor to this soup, so make sure you are using a store-bought or homemade recipe you love. If I’m buying salsa for this soup recipe I like tend to use Tostitos Cantina Roasted Garlic. I’m not getting paid to say that, I’m just being honest.
  2. Chicken: This southwest chicken and black bean soup calls for cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked chicken, or leftover cooked chicken breasts are your easiest option. Or, you can do I what I do for meal prepping and slow cook or poach a bunch of chicken breasts to have on hand for easy meals like this soup.
  3. Dry Beans: You can swap out the can of beans for dried black beans instead. However, you’ll need to soak and cook them in advance.
  4. Adjust to taste: I always recommend playing around with the recipe and making it your own. Try new seasonings, swap out the chicken breast for dark meat chicken thigh, and play around with your toppings to customize this black beans soup to your specific tastes.

Serving chicken soup with black beans

This chicken and black bean soup is hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone meal, especially if you load it up with toppings. However, it pairs great with bread, leafy salads, and more. Below are some of my family’s favorite dishes to accompany this soup.

  • All the toppings. Garnishes add color, texture, and delicious flavor to a soup. Basically, toppings can make a soup go from good to exceptional. A dollop of sour cream or Greek whipped yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, grated Mexican cheese, jalapeno coins, and avocado are all perfect toppers for a bowl of this piping hot soup.
  • Chips, Dip and Guac: Since this black bean and chicken soup has a distinct Mexican-flare, salty chips, pico de gallo and a bowl of guacamole are always a welcome pairing option.
  • Bread: I’m partial to cheesy jalapeno cornbread here; however, any crusty bread, like this roasted garlic baguette, works well with soup.
  • Salads:Anything from your favorite simple side salad, jalapeno coleslaw, or coleslaw Mexican, to Mexican corn salad, Mexican beans salad, cucumber and avocado salad, and tomato salad work perfectly here.
  • Beans: Make it a bean celebration and pair your soup with more beans! These recipes get my vote: Black Taco Beans, Cuban style black beans, Black Bean Veggie Burger, and/orSalmon Tostadas with Black Beans.

Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (4)

Cozy, comforting, quick and easy, this Black Bean & Chicken Soup is the perfect way to celebrate National Soup Month.

Until next week friends, cheers! To soup-erb eats!

Cheyanne

Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness onFacebook,PinterestandInstagram!

More soup recipes with beans!

  • Tuscan Bean Soup
  • Easy Chickpea Soup
  • 3 Bean Chili
  • Navy Bean with Ham Soup
  • White Bean Soup with Tomatoes and Garlic

Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (5)

One Pot Easy Chicken & Black Bean Soup Recipe. (Plus, step-by-step video!) 👇

Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (6)

Black Bean Soup with Chicken

5 from 11 votes

Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

Total Time: 25 minutes mins

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Healthy and hearty - this Black Beans Chicken Soup is made in one pot with just nine ingredients and ready in under 25 minutes. Featuring plump black beans simmered in a flavorful salsa infused broth with plenty of tender white meat chicken, this soup recipe is quick and easy to prepare - without sacrificing flavor!

Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 TBS Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion – diced (SEE NOTES)
  • 2 cloves Garlic - minced
  • 2 tsp EACH: Ground Cumin & Chili Powder
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans Black Beans – rinsed and drained
  • 2 Cups Chunky Salsa (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 Cups Low Sodium Vegetable Stock
  • 3 Cups Cooked Chicken – shredded or chopped
  • 1/3 Cup Fresh Cilantro – chopped, plus more for garnish
  • Kosher Salt and Pepper
  • Optional Garnishes: Diced Avocado, Sliced Green Onions, Sour Cream, Sliced Jalapeños, Shredded Cheese, Tortilla Strips

Instructions

  • Saute onions and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the onions to the pot and season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

    Add in garlic, ground cumin and chili powder. Sauté, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

    Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (7)

  • Add in remaining ingredients, except cilantro: Add the black beans, salsa, stock and cooked chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and then increase heat to high to bring the soup to a boil.

    Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (8)

  • Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (9)

  • Add herbs, adjust taste: Add in the fresh cilantro and stir to combine. Taste the black bean chicken soup and adjust for seasoning.

    Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (10)

  • Serve: Ladle the warm soup into serving bowls and top with optional garnishes. Serve immediately and enjoy.

    Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (11)

Video

Notes

  1. Salsa: I highly recommend you use a salsa on the chunky side and if you are purchasing it, versus making it, buy one you love. The salsa is a large part of this recipe, so just make sure you are using one you adore. If I’m buying my salsa for this soup I like this brand and flavor – Tostitos Cantina Roasted Garlic. I’m not getting paid to say that, I’m just being honest. 😉
  2. Chicken: For the chicken, you can make your own or purchase cooked chicken. And, you can either use chicken breast or dark meat in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken comes in handy here. Or, you can do what I do and slow cook, or sous vide, a bunch of chicken breasts to have on hand for easy meals like these.
  3. Spicy soup: If you like your soup with a little heat, you can either use a spicy salsa, or you can add a diced jalapeno to the soup at the same time you add the onion.

Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal Carbohydrates: 44g Protein: 46g Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 89mg Sodium: 1937mg Potassium: 1123mg Fiber: 13g Sugar: 8g Vitamin A: 1235IU Vitamin C: 5.4mg Calcium: 98mg Iron: 4.3mg

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American, Mexican

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Chicken Black Bean Soup (Quick + Easy 25 Minute Soup Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to soak black beans before making soup? ›

In the course of his testing, Yonan found that soaking only cut down cooking time by 25 to 30%, and it also had real drawbacks. "You lose a lot of flavors when you soak them," Yonan says. "I've never had a pot of black beans as good soaking as when I don't soak them.

How can I thicken my black bean soup? ›

Stir together cornstarch and water in small bowl until combined, then gradually stir about half of the cornstarch mixture into the soup; bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to fully thicken.

How to make chicken soup without drying out the chicken? ›

Cold-poaching the chicken breasts, then removing them until the end of the cooking process, guarantees a perfectly tender and juicy texture. Using stock reinforces the flavor of the broth, creating a more deeply flavorful soup.

How to make homemade soup better? ›

7 Easy Ways to Make Any Soup Better
  1. Brown or Sear the Meat.
  2. Roast the the Veggies.
  3. Mix up the Texture.
  4. Use Homemade Stock Whenever Possible.
  5. Put Your Cheese Rinds to Work.
  6. Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples.
  7. Add Fresh Herbs or Dairy When Serving.
  8. Recipes Pictured.

Do I drain canned black beans for soup? ›

Nutrition aside, the other main consideration is texture. For soups, stews and anything else liquidy, feel free to use the whole can — just keep in mind that you'll be adding more liquid than if the recipe calls for drained and rinsed beans.

What happens if you don't soak black beans before cooking? ›

Short answer: They take longer to cook. Long answer: Many people claim that soaking beans is not necessary. The argument for this method is while it does take longer to cook, unsoaked beans end up having better flavor.

What if my bean soup needs more flavor? ›

A few great choices are thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and rosemary. 4. Try adding some acidity. A splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of white wine vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup.

Can you simmer soup too long? ›

Does simmering soup longer make it taste better? If you're simmering a thing for hours, you will intensify the flavor by cooking off some of the liquid. This might make it taste better, but if cooked too long, it may end up too salty or otherwise be over-seasoned.

What does cornstarch do to soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

What can I add to my chicken soup to give it flavor? ›

Thyme, Bay leaves and parsley: All three are classic flavors for chicken soup.

Do you simmer chicken soup covered or uncovered? ›

Leaving the lid off will make liquid evaporate faster, potentially creating a thicker and more flavorful soup. Leaving the lid on reduces the rate of evaporation, and it's good when the soup ingredients are done cooking but the broth isn't quite rich (co-mingled) enough for your liking.

How do you make chicken soup taste richer? ›

You might consider using more umami-forward vegetables, such as mushrooms, that also pair well with chicken to tie together the richer flavors in the dish. Alternatively, vegetables like corn, peas, and tomatoes will bring out some sweeter notes to the soup.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What not to do when making soup? ›

The 7 Biggest Mistakes You Make Cooking Soup
  1. Boiling instead of simmering. You want a small bubble or two to rise to the surface of the liquid every few seconds. ...
  2. Not using enough salt. ...
  3. Ignoring water. ...
  4. Overcooking the vegetables. ...
  5. Adding tomatoes at the beginning. ...
  6. Neglecting to garnish. ...
  7. Not trying a pressure cooker.
Nov 19, 2014

What spice adds flavor to soup? ›

"Use fresh or dried basil in tomato-based recipes or fresh parsley to add freshness to clear broth soups," says Sofia Norton, RD. You can also go with more heat and spices. "Ground paprika, turmeric, nutmeg, ground ginger, and other powdered spices add a touch of color and spiciness to broths," she says.

Can you make bean soup without soaking beans? ›

Just take your favorite beans (pinto, black eyed peas, chickpeas, lima beans) and cover them with your favorite broth or stock or even water seasoned with salt, spices, herbs and other aromatics like onion and garlic, and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.

How long should I soak black beans before cooking? ›

First, rinse and sort the dry black beans. Remove any debris such as stones. If soaking, cover black beans in water by about 4″ and soak for 8-24 hours.

How long should you soak black beans before cooking them? ›

Step 1Rinse beans and check for stones and debris. Add beans to a large bowl and add water to cover by at least 4 inches. Cover and let soak for at least 6 hours and up to overnight. Step 2Drain beans and return to pot.

Can you put dried beans directly into soup? ›

Let's get this straight: You do not have to soak dry beans for soups and stews. Dried beans are just as easy to cook as canned; they just take more time. Simply toss them into the pot with lots of vegetables and seasonings, cover with water or stock, and let them simmer away on their own while you go about your day.

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