Name: Smoky Chicken & Bean Soup – Gluten Free
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ cup tomato sauce; 2 tsp mustard; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce; 2 (398 ml) tins of beans (I used one black beans and one pinto beans); 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; ½ tsp liquid smoke; 4 cups chicken broth; Sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

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This Smoky Chicken & Bean Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal any time of year. Packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, and a smoky kick from chipotle peppers and liquid smoke, this gluten-free soup is rich in flavor and sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly evening or as a wholesome lunch, this easy-to-make soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Smoky Chicken & Bean Soup combines the richness of tender chicken with the heartiness of black beans and pinto beans, creating a satisfying meal that’s also gluten-free. The combination of smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, and liquid smoke gives the soup a smoky, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the tang of apple cider vinegar and the umami of coconut aminos or soy sauce. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and hearty meal that’s quick to make and full of nourishing ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ cup tomato sauce
2 tsp mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
2 (398 ml) tins of beans (I used one black beans and one pinto beans)
3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
½ tsp liquid smoke
4 cups chicken broth
Sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the onions and garlic
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to combine.
Add the spices and sauces
Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the liquid smoke, tomato sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and coconut aminos (or soy sauce). Stir to combine.
Add beans and chicken
Add the beans (both black beans and pinto beans) along with the chopped chipotle peppers. Stir in the cooked chicken and season generously with sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
Simmer the soup
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve
Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with optional toppings such as grated cheese and green onions, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: If you prefer a spicier soup, add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegan option: Substitute the chicken with plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of extra broth if the soup has thickened.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes! Canned beans are a great time-saver. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the flavors have melded together.

Can I use ground chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken in place of cooked chicken. Brown the ground chicken with the onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I adjust the level of smokiness in the soup?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to your taste. If you prefer a less smoky flavor, reduce the amount of liquid smoke.

What can I serve this soup with?

This soup pairs well with crusty gluten-free bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad.

Conclusion

This Smoky Chicken & Bean Soup is the perfect hearty and flavorful meal for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with delicious smoky flavors, and naturally gluten-free. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and spicy chipotle peppers creates a comforting dish that is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s flexible and can be adjusted to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it an ideal addition to your recipe rotation. Enjoy this warm, nourishing soup with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor!