Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

Featured in: Global Comforts

This comforting chicken and kale soup combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with hearty kale for a nutritious meal. Roasted chickpeas add a crunchy texture that complements the smooth broth infused with herbs and garlic. The soup simmers gently to blend flavors, while a touch of lemon juice brightens the dish. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner, it's easy to prepare and full of satisfying taste and texture.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:50:00 GMT
Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas, a comforting bowl filled with tender chicken and vibrant kale. Save
Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas, a comforting bowl filled with tender chicken and vibrant kale. | munchhug.com

A nourishing and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken, hearty kale, and crunchy roasted chickpeas for a healthy twist on classic comfort food.

This soup became a family favorite on chilly evenings. The comforting blend of chicken and kale paired with crispy chickpeas always reminds me of cozy gatherings and laughter around the dinner table.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g), drained and rinsed
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp for chickpeas and 2 tbsp for soup
  • Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
  • Garlic powder: ½ tsp
  • Sea salt: ¼ tsp
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Carrots: 2, peeled and sliced
  • Celery stalks: 2, sliced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Chicken breast or thighs: 1 lb (450 g), boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Chicken broth: 6 cups (1.4 L), low-sodium
  • Kale: 4 cups (100 g), chopped, stems removed
  • Yukon Gold potato: 1 medium, diced, optional
  • Dried thyme: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: ½ tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ¾ tsp, adjust to taste
  • Lemon juice: Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Roast the chickpeas:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Start the soup:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic:
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chicken:
Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes until lightly seared.
Add broth and seasonings:
Pour in chicken broth. Add potatoes (if using), thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Simmer kale:
Add chopped kale and simmer for another 8–10 minutes until kale is tender and chicken cooked through.
Finish and serve:
Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice, taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with crispy chickpeas.
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We love sharing this soup at family Sunday lunches. The kids are always excited to sprinkle extra chickpeas on top, and it's a treat hearing them ask for seconds.

Required Tools

Large pot, baking sheet, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains legumes (chickpeas). Always check packaged ingredients, especially broth, for hidden allergens such as gluten or soy.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 325, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 26 g.

A steaming bowl showcasing delicious Chicken Kale Soup with golden chickpeas, perfect for a cozy dinner. Save
A steaming bowl showcasing delicious Chicken Kale Soup with golden chickpeas, perfect for a cozy dinner. | munchhug.com

Enjoy this soup for lunch or dinner whenever you need comfort and nourishment. The crispy chickpeas make every bowl special!

Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

A comforting blend of tender chicken, kale, and crispy roasted chickpeas packed with wholesome flavors.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences No dairy, No gluten

Components

Crispy Chickpeas

01 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 ½ tsp smoked paprika
04 ½ tsp garlic powder
05 ¼ tsp sea salt

Soup

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
07 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
09 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, diced (optional)
10 1 tsp dried thyme
11 ½ tsp dried oregano
12 1 bay leaf
13 ½ tsp black pepper
14 ¾ tsp salt, adjust to taste
15 Juice of ½ lemon

Method

Phase 01

Roast Chickpeas: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Phase 02

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Phase 03

Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 04

Brown Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly seared.

Phase 05

Simmer Soup: Pour in chicken broth, then add diced potato if using, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Phase 06

Add Kale and Finish Cooking: Stir in chopped kale and continue simmering for 8 to 10 minutes until kale is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Phase 07

Season and Serve: Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning as desired. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy chickpeas.

Tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains legumes (chickpeas).
  • Check packaged ingredients for potential gluten or soy allergens.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 325
  • Lipids: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 26 g