Chicken Kale Soup Crispy

Featured in: Healthy Everyday Eats

This dish combines tender chicken pieces simmered with fresh kale in a flavorful broth, creating a hearty and healthy base. Roasted chickpeas seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika add a crispy texture and smoky depth. The soup is gently spiced with thyme, oregano, and a hint of lemon juice, balancing earthiness and brightness. Easy to prepare, it offers a satisfying, gluten- and dairy-free option suitable for a comforting lunch or dinner.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:24:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas, the perfect cozy gluten-free dinner. Save
Steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas, the perfect cozy gluten-free dinner. | forkta.com

A hearty, nourishing soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant kale, and a delightful topping of spiced, crispy chickpeas—perfect for a comforting, healthy meal.

This cozy chicken kale soup quickly became a family favorite, bringing warmth and robust flavors to our dinner table every chilly evening.

Ingredients

  • Chicken and Broth: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 350 g) cut into bite-sized pieces, 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion diced, 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced, 2 celery stalks sliced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 150 g (5 oz) kale stems removed and leaves chopped
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and black pepper to taste, Juice of ½ lemon
  • Crispy Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g14 oz) chickpeas drained rinsed and patted dry, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Roast Chickpeas:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, paprika, and salt. Spread on the prepared tray and roast for 2530 minutes shaking halfway until golden and crunchy. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 56 minutes until softened.
Add Spices and Chicken:
Add garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken pieces; cook for 34 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Simmer Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Add Kale and Finish:
Add kale and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and chicken is cooked through. Stir in lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with crispy chickpeas.
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Gathering around the table, my family enjoys this soup as a cozy ritual, sharing stories while savoring every comforting spoonful.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, wooden spoon, baking tray, parchment paper, chefs knife, chopping board

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens (contains legumes). Always check broth and spice labels for hidden gluten or allergens if required.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 330, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 24 g, Protein 33 g

Close-up of hearty Chicken Kale Soup, garnished with golden, crunchy chickpeas, ready to enjoy. Save
Close-up of hearty Chicken Kale Soup, garnished with golden, crunchy chickpeas, ready to enjoy. | forkta.com

This chicken kale soup delivers nourishment and comfort in every bowl, making it an essential dish for your recipe collection.

Recipe FAQs

Can the chicken be substituted?

Yes, tofu or other plant-based proteins can replace chicken to maintain the dish's hearty texture.

How do I keep chickpeas crispy?

Store roasted chickpeas separately in an airtight container to preserve their crunch until serving.

What spices add flavor to the soup?

Thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon juice create a balanced, aromatic profile.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are gluten-free, but always check labels on broth and spices to confirm.

Can I add heat to the soup?

A pinch of chili flakes can be included for extra spice without overpowering the flavors.

Chicken Kale Soup Crispy

Nourishing chicken and kale soup topped with crunchy spiced chickpeas for added texture and flavor.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Lactose-Free, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Chicken & Broth

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12.3 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 5 ounces kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried thyme
02 1 teaspoon dried oregano
03 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste
05 Juice of ½ lemon

Crispy Chickpeas

01 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
04 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 ¼ teaspoon sea salt

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Chickpeas: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Spread evenly on the baking tray and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through, until golden and crunchy. Set aside.

Step 03

Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 05

Cook Chicken Partially: Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, browning lightly but not fully cooking through.

Step 06

Simmer Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 07

Add Kale and Finish Cooking: Stir in chopped kale and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until kale is wilted and chicken is cooked through.

Step 08

Season and Serve: Mix in lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a generous topping of crispy chickpeas.

Equipment Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Chef's knife
  • Chopping board

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains legumes; verify broth and spice labels for hidden allergens or gluten.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 330
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 33 g