Go Back

High Protein White Bean Soup

High protein white bean soup simmers chicken breasts, cannellini beans, and vegetables in chicken broth for a hearty, protein-rich meal. Mashed beans give the broth a creamy texture, while spinach and lemon juice add a fresh finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 39 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 59 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion medium, diced
  • 2 carrots medium, diced
  • 2 celery ribs diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 can (15 oz) cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart Dutch oven or soup pot

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, then add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  2. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Add the broth, chicken breasts, and bay leaf, then bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 22 minutes, until the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches 165°F.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and remove and discard the bay leaf.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  7. Mash 1 cup of the beans with a fork, then stir the mashed beans and remaining whole beans into the pot and simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. Shred the chicken with two forks, then stir it into the soup with the spinach and lemon juice and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.

Notes

Mash the beans well to help thicken the broth. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; freeze for up to 3 months. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free chicken broth.