Chicken & White Bean Soup

4.1

(28)

28 Reviews

Rotisserie chickens can really relieve the dinner-rush pressure—especially in this Italian-inspired soup that cries out for a piece of crusty bread and a glass of red wine.

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Updated on August 7, 2024

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Reviewed by Dietitian

Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD

Cook Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings:

Yield:

Makes 6 servings, 1 1/2 cups each

Nutrition Profile:

Low-Carb Diabetes-Friendly Dairy-Free Healthy Aging Low-Sodium Heart-Healthy High-Protein Gluten-Free Low-Calorie

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage, or 1/4 teaspoon dried
2 (14 ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 (2 pound) roasted chicken, skin discarded, meat removed from bones and shredded (4 cups)

Directions

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in sage and continue cooking until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and water, increase heat to high, cover and bring to a boil. Add beans and chicken and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve hot.

Equipment

Dutch oven

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rotisserie chicken good for you?

Rotisserie chicken can be a real time-saver when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry! And for many, it can be a great source of protein and other nutrients. With that said, many brands inject a saline solution (read: salt) into the chicken and use a salty brine or rub on the outside of the chicken. This adds a ton of flavor but also a ton of sodium. So, if you need to watch your sodium, either use rotisserie chicken sparingly or try our simple Best Poached Chicken recipe.
Are cannellini beans healthy?

Like other legumes, cannellini beans are a great plant-based source of protein and are packed with fiber. They also provide zinc, potassium, B vitamins, iron, manganese and phosphorus, as well as antioxidants. Regularly eating beans can improve gut health, boost immunity and reduce inflammation—which means they help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Beans play a special role in protecting your heart. The fiber helps reduce cholesterol, and the potassium in beans helps keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
Can I use other types of white beans?

Yes, you can! We use cannellini beans for this recipe, but you can use any type of white bean, such as navy beans or Great Northern beans. Look for low-sodium or no-salt-added canned white beans if you're watching sodium intake.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes! This soup is a great way to use up extra vegetables in your refrigerator. You can add any type of chopped vegetables at the beginning of cooking with the leeks, but if you want to use up leftover roasted vegetables, add those with the beans and chicken and cook until heated through.
Can I make Chicken and White Bean Soup ahead?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Jan Valdez

Originally appeared: EatingWell Soups Special Issue April 2016

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

248	Calories
6g	Fat
15g	Carbs
35g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
Calories 248
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 15g	5%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 35g	70%
Total Fat 6g	7%
Saturated Fat 1g	7%
Cholesterol 79mg	26%
Vitamin A 521IU	10%
Vitamin C 4mg	4%
Folate 23mcg	6%
Sodium 244mg	11%
Calcium 41mg	3%
Iron 2mg	11%
Magnesium 38mg	9%
Potassium 408mg	9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.