Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe moment I took my first spoonful of BBQ Chicken Soup, I felt like I had been wrapped in a warm, welcoming hug. This comforting dish perfectly melds the smoky, savory flavors reminiscent of a backyard BBQ with the coziness of a hearty soup, making it ideal for any weeknight dinner. With its quick prep time and the flexibility to use your favorite BBQ sauce, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Imagine gathering around the table, ladling out bowls of this delicious concoction while the aroma wafts through your home, inviting everyone to indulge. Are you ready to dive into this smoky delight? Let’s get cooking! Why is BBQ Chicken Soup a must-try? Comforting, warm flavors: Every spoonful is like a hug that radiates warmth and joy. Quick and easy: Perfect for busy nights, this recipe comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones. Versatile and adaptable: Change up the beans or swap BBQ sauces to personalize your soup – the possibilities are endless! Hearty and satisfying: Packed with protein and veggies, it fills you up while providing all the comforts of home-cooked goodness. Pair it with a side of Pesto Chicken Broccoli for an unforgettable meal! BBQ Chicken Soup Ingredients For the Soup • Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quick cooking and tenderness. • Spices – A flavorful mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; ensure you include smoked paprika for the BBQ essence. • Veggies – Diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper add sweetness and texture; chop them small for faster cooking. • BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite brand or homemade variety for a rich flavor; versatility lets you pick between sweet or spicy options. • Beans – Pinto beans are perfect for heartiness, but feel free to swap in kidney or black beans based on preference. • Sweetcorn – Canned sweetcorn is convenient; frozen corn works well for an alternative with the same sweetness. • Chicken Stock – Low-sodium chicken stock enhances the flavors beautifully; it also helps control saltiness in the dish. • Fresh Parsley – Chopped fresh parsley gives a burst of brightness; swap it out for other herbs based on your taste. For Optional Toppings • Sour Cream – A dollop adds creaminess that complements the smoky flavors of the soup. • Sliced Red Onion – Provides a crunchy contrast and additional zest. • Crusty Bread or Cornbread – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth! Your BBQ Chicken Soup adventure is about to begin! You will absolutely love how comforting and filling this dish is as it brings everyone to the table. 🌟 Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Soup Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken Begin by seasoning boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken and brown it for about 5-7 minutes on each side, achieving a golden crust. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and toss in the diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Sauté these colorful veggies for approximately 5 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and turn fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing its aroma to permeate the air before removing the pot from heat. Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Soup Return the browned chicken to the pot and stir in your favorite BBQ sauce, pinto beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock. Ensure all ingredients are well-combined, creating a rich medley of flavors. Bring this hearty mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat, watching for bubbles to form on the surface. Step 4: Simmer the Soup Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the BBQ Chicken Soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken finishes cooking. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the soup thickens slightly, creating a satisfying texture. Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley and Adjust Seasoning After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and stir in a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish. Taste the soup and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors. It should be warm, inviting, and ready to serve with your desired toppings! Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Ladle the BBQ Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, slices of red onion, or additional parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up that delicious flavor. Gather your loved ones around the table, savoring every warm bite of this comforting dish. What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Soup Indulging in BBQ Chicken Soup creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for mealtime gatherings, and pairing it with delightful sides can elevate the experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery goodness contrasts beautifully with the smoky soup, adding a level of comfort not to be missed. Cheddar Cornbread Muffins: These sweet, fluffy muffins soak up the soup perfectly and provide a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. Garlic Breadsticks: A crispy, doughy complement that enriches the dining experience with a satisfying crunch, perfect for dipping! Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy slaw adds a delightful crunch and refreshing contrast, enhancing the heartiness of the soup. Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, these add not just spice, but a zesty kick that pairs well with the BBQ flavors. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing side that provides a sweet contrast to the savory soup, making for a delightful palate cleanser. Iced Sweet Tea: This classic drink evokes a summer BBQ vibe, providing a sweet and refreshing sip alongside your meal. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note; these warm cookies bring nostalgia and joy that perfectly rounds off the comforting experience. BBQ Chicken Soup Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make this BBQ Chicken Soup your own with these fun and tasty variations! Bean Swap: Switching pinto beans for kidney or black beans adds new flavor and texture. Each bean brings its unique charm to the soup! BBQ Sauce Exploration: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like spicy chipotle or tropical pineapples for a delicious twist. Each option lets your creativity shine and keeps the soup exciting! Veggie Boost: Throw in any leftover vegetables from your fridge, like zucchini or spinach. Not only will this enhance nutrition, but it also creates a colorful medley that’s too good to miss. Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream in place of sour cream for a dairy-free version with a subtly sweet finish. It adds a velvety richness that perfectly complements the smoky flavors. Spice It Up: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while sautéing the veggies. This will ignite your taste buds and elevate the comfort level! Herb Substitution: Replace fresh parsley with cilantro or basil to add a completely different flavor profile. Each herb creates a delightful new take on this comforting classic! Sweetener Adjustment: Drizzle in a bit of honey or maple syrup if you prefer your soup on the sweeter side. It’s an excellent balancing act against the savoriness from the BBQ sauce. Feeling inspired? Check out other comforting dishes like Poblano Chicken Tacos or Chicken Dumplings Cozy for more delightful recipes that allow for creativity and customization! Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Soup • Smoky Flavor Boost: For a more intense smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the soup for that authentic BBQ taste. • Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones to enhance the flavor profile. You can adjust the amounts based on personal preference. • Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently; this step melds the flavors beautifully and ensures the chicken is tender. • Customize Ingredients: Feel free to substitute pinto beans with kidney or black beans based on your taste. This flexibility makes the BBQ Chicken Soup uniquely yours. • Storage Savvy: Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for 3 months. Remember to cool it off before storage! Make Ahead Options Preparing your BBQ Chicken Soup ahead of time is a fantastic way to save precious minutes on busy weeknights! You can chop the veggies (onion, carrot, and red bell pepper) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The chicken can also be seasoned and browned up to 1 day ahead; just allow it to cool before refrigerating. When you’re ready to finish the BBQ Chicken Soup, combine the prepped ingredients, add your BBQ sauce, beans, corn, and stock, then simmer for about 10 minutes. With these make-ahead steps, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to serve with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chicken Soup Fridge: Store the BBQ Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: To freeze, transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Quality Tip: For maximum flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a splash of extra BBQ sauce when reheating your BBQ Chicken Soup! BBQ Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for BBQ Chicken Soup? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and remain tender in the soup. If you prefer, chicken thighs can also be used, which add a rich flavor and moisture. How can I tell if my vegetables are ripe enough for this soup? Look for vibrant colors and firm textures in your onions, carrots, and red bell peppers. Avoid those with dark spots or wrinkles, as these may indicate overripeness. Fresh veggies enhance the overall flavor and texture of your BBQ Chicken Soup! What is the best way to store leftover BBQ Chicken Soup? After enjoying this delicious dish, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to label your container with the date for easy tracking! Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Soup for later enjoyment? Absolutely! To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion. BBQ Chicken Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stove. What should I do if my BBQ Chicken Soup is too thick after cooking? If your soup is thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a little chicken stock or water, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Keep it on low heat while stirring to evenly blend the additional liquid without compromising flavor. Can I make this soup vegan-friendly? Certainly! To create a vegan version of BBQ Chicken Soup, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy the smoky flavors without the meat! BBQ Chicken Soup: Heartwarming Comfort in Every Spoonful BBQ Chicken Soup is a comforting dish that combines smoky, savory flavors with the coziness of a hearty soup. Perfect for any weeknight dinner! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: SoupCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Recommended for quick cooking and tenderness.1 tsp Garlic Powder1 tsp Smoked Paprika Essential for BBQ essence.1 tsp Oregano1 tsp Salt1 tsp Pepper1 cup Diced Onion Chopped small for faster cooking.1 cup Diced Carrot Chopped small for faster cooking.1 cup Diced Red Bell Pepper Chopped small for faster cooking.1 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite brand or homemade variety.1 can Pinto Beans Can substitute with kidney or black beans.1 cup Canned Sweetcorn Frozen corn works as an alternative.4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock Enhances flavors beautifully.1 bunch Fresh Parsley Chopped for a burst of brightness.For Optional Toppings1 cup Sour Cream For creaminess.1 small Sliced Red Onion Provides a crunchy contrast.4 slices Crusty Bread or Cornbread Perfect for dipping. Equipment large pot Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsSeason the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side.In the same pot, sauté diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper with olive oil for approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.Return the chicken to the pot and stir in BBQ sauce, pinto beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender and the soup thickens slightly.Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.Ladle into bowls, garnish with sour cream, sliced red onion, or parsley, and serve with crusty bread or cornbread. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg NotesLeftovers can last in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for 3 months. Cool before storage. For reheating, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
