Nutritious chicken kale soup

Chicken soup with kale is comfort food that's actually good for you. This nutrient-packed soup combines tender chicken, hearty kale, and creamy white beans for a meal that's as satisfying as it is healthy. Kale holds up beautifully in soup, becoming tender while maintaining its texture.

Kale is a nutrition powerhouse - loaded with vitamins A, K, and C, plus antioxidants and fiber. Combined with protein-rich chicken and beans, this soup is a complete, balanced meal that will keep you energized.

Kale Varieties

  • Curly kale: Most common, slightly bitter
  • Lacinato (Tuscan): Sweeter, more tender
  • Red Russian: Mild, colorful
  • Baby kale: Most tender, quick cooking

Preparing Kale

  • Remove tough stems
  • Tear or chop leaves
  • Massage raw kale to soften (optional)
  • Add near end of cooking

Serving Suggestions

  • Shaved Parmesan on top
  • Red pepper flakes for heat
  • Crusty bread
  • Perfect for healthy eating

Chicken Soup with Kale

Nutritious soup packed with superfood kale and protein.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 40 min
Servings: 6

Nutrition per serving

245Calories
28gProtein
14gCarbs
9gFat
3gFiber
2gSugar

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots. Cook 5 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute.
  2. Cook chicken. Add broth and chicken breast. Bring to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and shred.
  3. Add kale and beans. Add kale and white beans to the pot. Simmer 5-7 minutes until kale is tender but still bright green.
  4. Finish. Return shredded chicken to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

Recipe Notes

  • Use lacinato kale: More tender and slightly sweeter than curly.
  • Add sausage: Italian sausage makes this heartier.
  • More greens: Mix kale with spinach or Swiss chard.
  • Storage: Refrigerate 5 days. Kale holds up well in leftovers.