Zesty Black Bean & Chicken Soup (Vegan Option, too)

An All Season Fave in My House

This vibrant, hearty soup is packed with flavor, nutrition, and versatility. It’s a quick, 30-minute recipe from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And it's a return to over and over favorite in my kitchen because it's easy, phenomenally flavored, and a one-pot meal if you want to keep it super simple.

At the heart of this dish are black beans, legumes with incredible health benefits. Rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like iron and folate, legumes are a powerful addition to any diet. They support digestion, help balance blood sugar, and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Several studies have found that without changing anything else in your diet but adding 1/2 cup of legumes a couple of times a week, you could improve blood sugar, metabolism, and weight.

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a meal but also pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, a warm slice of cornbread, or a roasted squash dish. Customize it to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy a comforting, nutrient-dense bowl of goodness.

A vibrant and hearty soup with bold flavors and customizable toppings. Perfect for cozy nights or meal prep, this dish is easily adaptable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

This recipe will serve 4.

You'll Need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (skip for-vegetarian/vegan version)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; If omitting the chicken, use 2 cans of black beans. You can also use kidney beans or white beans for variety.
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (14.5-ounce) container reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen or fresh organic corn
• 1 red onion, minced
• 1 red pepper cut into small pieces
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2-1 tablespoon adobo chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Recommended toppings:
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro per bowl
  • A squeeze of fresh lime
  • Avocado slices or diced green onions
• Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded toasted corn tortillas or tortilla chips
  • Plain yogurt or crumbled feta cheese

To Prepare:

1. Cook the Chicken (If Using):
   Add oil to a large ceramic, stainless steel, or or cast iron saucepan over medium heat and heat for 1 minute. Saute the onion and red pepper for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink.(For vegetarian or vegan versions, skip this step and move to Step 3.)
3. Build the Soup Base:
   Add broth, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, jalapeño, cilantro, chili powder, and cumin to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer for Flavor:
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve and Garnish
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top as desired with shredded toasted corn tortillas, plain yogurt or feta, avocado slices, and diced green onions. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

This family favorite Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Soup is a versatile, comforting recipe with a bright kick of lime and fresh cilantro to tie it all together. Whether you keep it classic or make it vegan, it’s sure to warm you up and leave you satisfied. Enjoy and time of year!