Chicken Kale Soup Crispy

Featured in: Crispy Crunch Fix

This hearty bowl combines tender chunks of chicken with vibrant kale, simmered in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Crispy chickpeas, roasted with cumin and paprika, add a satisfying crunch on top. Quick to prepare, this nourishing dish balances wholesome ingredients and warming spices, perfect for comfort and nutrition in every bite. A touch of lemon brightens the flavors, making it a delicious, healthy meal option for any occasion.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:54:00 GMT
A flavorful bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with a vibrant mix of green kale and golden chickpeas. Save
A flavorful bowl of Chicken Kale Soup with a vibrant mix of green kale and golden chickpeas. | whambite.com

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

This soup quickly became a family favorite on chilly evenings thanks to its warmth and satisfying 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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Add garlic, thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5:
Add chicken pieces; cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
Step 6:
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
Step 7:
Add kale and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and chicken is cooked through.
Step 8:
Stir in lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9:
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpeas.
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Gathering around this soup has created many warm family moments especially during cold nights.

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

Warm Chicken Kale Soup bubbling in a pot, garnished with a generous serving of crispy chickpeas. Save
Warm Chicken Kale Soup bubbling in a pot, garnished with a generous serving of crispy chickpeas. | whambite.com

This soup is easy to prepare yet full of flavor making it perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Kitchen Guide

How do I get the chickpeas crispy?

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 crispness.

Can I substitute chicken in this dish?

Yes, for a vegetarian option, replace chicken with cubed tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What spices enhance the soup's flavor?

Garlic, dried thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika create a warm, aromatic base that complements the chicken and kale.

How can I add heat to this meal?

Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes during cooking to introduce a gentle spiciness without overpowering the other flavors.

What's the best way to store leftover crispy chickpeas?

Keep them in an airtight container separate from the soup to maintain their crisp texture for later use.

Chicken Kale Soup Crispy

Tender chicken and fresh kale enriched with spiced crispy chickpeas for a wholesome meal.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
35 min
Complete Duration
50 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet Requirements No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Chicken & Broth

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 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 ounces) 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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Season and Serve: Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each serving with the crispy chickpeas.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains legumes; verify broth and spice labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 330
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 33 g