SPONSORED POST: Sheep Thrills wines are made to impress. They’re big in flavor, light in cost and ready to adventure. We’ve partnered with them to bring you new adventure ideas inspired by wine.
Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean an outdoor adventure is out of the question. Make a big batch of this warm bean soup, pack it up in a thermos and head out with a blanket and a bottle of wine for a walk in the woods or a stroll in the park.
This delicious hearty winter stew has become one of my husband’s all time favorites. I love it because it can be made very quickly ( 30 minutes) in an Instant Pot (pressure cooker) with 10 minutes of hands on time, and makes good use of all the dried beans in our pantry. Fast and affordable with a short list of ingredients. It’s packable and can be made ahead for the workweek, or packed up in a thermos for outdoor winter adventures.
Highly adaptable, the recipe can be used as template for your own creations. Today I’ve used white beans, but really any other dry bean would work. Use what you have. Chicken breast keeps the stew clean and lean, while savory herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme give it flavor. 
This week we’ve partnered with Sheep Thrills, to create a cozy winter picnic. Sheep Thrills is located on the beautiful hillsides of Abruzzo, Italy where sheepherders and grape growers have lived and worked side-by-side for hundreds of years. They are all about outdoor adventure, no matter what the season.
Pack up the soup in a thermos, along with a bottle of Sheep Thrills wine and take it with you on your next cross-country ski, snowshoe adventure, snowy hike or festive winter picnic. No matter what the adventure… this hearty soup will warm you to your bones!
Vintage stemless glasses make for easy packing…and the wooly plaid blanket and flowers are of course optional but add a nice touch.
Sometimes the simplest of ingredients and a glass of wine can be incredibly nurturing.
Make a hearty, delicious stew that is fast, convenient and affordable. Lean and clean, it’s low in fat and calories while keeping you energized and satisfied all day long! Pack it up with a bottle of affordable wine from Sheep Thrills and head out for a delicious winter picnic!
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Winter Wine Picnic with Chicken and Bean Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Perfect for a chilly day picnic! This hearty soup is easy to transport and tastes even better outdoors.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 1 celery stock
- 4-6 cloves garlic
- 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup (237 ml) dried beans
- 1 lbs (454 g) boneless chicken breast
- 4 cups (946 ml) flavorful chicken stock
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- pepper
- lemon
- fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add oil, onion, celery, and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Add herbs, bay leaf, beans, whole chicken breast, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Set the pressure cooker to 30 minutes on high pressure. If using large beans (lima, corona, or fava), increase time by 10-15 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally or manually release it. Shred the chicken breast using two forks.
- Stir, taste, and adjust salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve with fresh chopped Italian parsley. Sour cream or avocado may be added for richness.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock.
- Soaking the dried beans overnight will significantly reduce cooking time.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw completely before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in the soup?
Yes, you can use any type of dried beans you have on hand, as the recipe is adaptable.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the Instant Pot?
The chicken breast cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, allowing the entire soup to be ready in about 30 minutes.
What herbs pair best with this chicken and bean soup?
Savory herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme enhance the flavor of the soup beautifully.
