Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

Featured in: Asian-Inspired Dishes

This warm, flavorful dish combines bite-sized chicken pieces simmered with aromatic herbs and fresh kale, resulting in a hearty broth. Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with smoky paprika and cumin add a delightful texture and spice contrast. Its easy preparation and balanced ingredients make it a comforting, healthy option suitable for gluten- and dairy-free diets. The hint of lemon juice brightens the rich flavors, creating a perfect meal for any time you desire wholesome nourishment. Variations include swapping chicken for tofu or adding chili flakes for heat.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:44:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas offers a comforting, flavorful meal. Save
A steaming bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with crispy chickpeas offers a comforting, flavorful meal. | gingertaste.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 soup quickly became a family favorite with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

  • Chicken & 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 g/14 oz) chickpeas drained rinsed and patted dry, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare chickpeas:
In a bowl toss chickpeas with olive oil cumin paprika and salt. Spread on the prepared tray and roast for 25–30 minutes shaking halfway until golden and crunchy. Set aside.
Sauté vegetables:
While chickpeas roast heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion carrots and celery sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add seasonings:
Add garlic thyme oregano and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook chicken:
Add chicken pieces cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Simmer broth:
Pour in the chicken broth bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Add kale:
Add kale and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and chicken is cooked through.
Finish soup:
Stir in lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpeas.
Golden, crunchy chickpeas top a vibrant Chicken Kale Soup, ready for a healthy, delicious dinner. Save
Golden, crunchy chickpeas top a vibrant Chicken Kale Soup, ready for a healthy, delicious dinner. | gingertaste.com

This soup always brings everyone together around the dinner table for a warm meal.

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

Calories 330 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 33 g per serving

Chicken Kale Soup with savory herbs and tender chicken, served with a crispy chickpea garnish. Save
Chicken Kale Soup with savory herbs and tender chicken, served with a crispy chickpea garnish. | gingertaste.com

This chicken kale soup is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition you will love making it again and again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve crispy chickpeas?

Drain and dry chickpeas thoroughly, toss with olive oil and spices, then roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness.

Can I substitute the chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works well for a plant-based alternative without compromising flavor.

What is the best way to cook the kale?

Add chopped kale near the end of simmering and cook uncovered for 5 minutes to retain color and texture.

How can I add more heat to the dish?

Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes while sautéing the aromatics or as a topping before serving for a gentle kick.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and spices are certified gluten-free.

What tools are needed to prepare this meal?

Use a large soup pot, wooden spoon, baking tray lined with parchment paper, chefs knife, and chopping board for best results.

Chicken Kale Soup Crispy Chickpeas

A nourishing soup with tender chicken, fresh kale, and crunchy spiced chickpeas topping.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat application time
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Olivia Harper

Classification Asian-Inspired Dishes

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications No dairy, Without gluten

Components

Chicken & Broth

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 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 oz 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

Preparation steps

Phase 01

Prepare chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Spread evenly on the tray and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Add seasonings: Add minced garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 04

Brown chicken: Incorporate the chicken pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.

Phase 05

Simmer broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Phase 06

Add kale and finish cooking: Stir in chopped kale and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until kale is wilted and chicken is fully cooked.

Phase 07

Season and serve: Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpeas.

Necessary tools

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

Potential allergens

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains legumes; no major allergens detected. Verify broth and spice labels for hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Content: 330
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 33 g