Enjoy warming your hands with a hot bowl of comforting chicken broth that marries all the classic ingredients of a minestrone.
by Nick Sandler
Ali Allen Copyright © 2015 
This classic chicken ministrone recipe is great to make in big batches for lunch or a weekday dinner. Just pop it in the microwave and you’ve got comfort in a bowl!
Recipe reprinted with permission from The Magic of Broths © 2016 by Nick Sandler, Kyle Books.
This article was originally posted as, “Comforting Chicken Minestrone” on Relish.
Print- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic chicken minestrone combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy cannellini beans in a comforting broth, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken thighs, cut into approx. 1/2-inch dice)
- 3 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 sage leaves (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
- 2 sprigs of thyme (finely chopped)
- 1 can (14-ounces of cannellini beans)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Shaved parmesan (optional, to serve)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the chicken stock, diced chicken thighs, sliced celery, diced carrots, and diced red bell pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the saucepan.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients and heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
This soup can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit the chicken. Add more beans or vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken should I use for Classic Chicken Minestrone?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, as they cook quickly and blend well with the broth.
Can I add other vegetables to the Classic Chicken Minestrone?
Yes, feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini or green beans, but be sure to adjust the cooking time so they don’t become too soft.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
A homemade chicken broth is ideal for depth of flavor, but low-sodium store-bought chicken broth can also work well if you’re short on time.
