Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I settled into my kitchen one rainy afternoon, the unmistakable aroma of smoky barbecue wafted through the air, igniting the kind of warmth that makes you feel at home. This is the moment I knew I had to share my beloved BBQ Chicken Soup recipe with you. It combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and a full-bodied broth to create a comforting bowl that evokes cherished backyard gatherings. Not only is this smoky delight a hearty meal perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week, but it also offers the simple pleasure of knowing you can whip up a dinner that pleases the entire family without the fuss. Plus, leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld together! Curious to make this delicious soup and transform your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is BBQ Chicken Soup a Must-Try? Comforting Warmth: This BBQ Chicken Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Hearty Ingredients: Packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy beans, it’s satisfying enough to fill you up. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can impress their family with this delicious meal. Flavorful Twist: The smoky notes from BBQ sauce elevate the flavors, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Versatile Option: Customize with your favorite veggies or beans, just like in my Thai Chicken Salad for a different spin! Don’t miss out on serving this alongside some crusty bread or Fried Chicken Street Tacos for the ultimate meal experience! BBQ Chicken Soup Ingredients For the Soup Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and tender texture. Spices – Garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper create a rich flavor; smoked paprika is essential for the BBQ vibe. Veggies – Onion, carrot, and red bell pepper add sweetness and depth; dice finely for even cooking. BBQ Sauce – Choose your favorite style, as this is the key flavor contributor; consider homemade pineapple BBQ for a fun twist. Beans – Pinto beans offer fiber and creaminess; feel free to substitute with kidney beans or black beans. Sweetcorn – Canned for ease; frozen will give a fresher taste and snap in every bite. Chicken Stock – Opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness; homemade is best for robust flavor. Parsley – Fresh parsley brightens the soup with garnishing flair and added flavor. Embrace the enticing flavors of this BBQ Chicken Soup by gathering these simple ingredients, and get ready to make a cozy meal that warms the heart! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Soup Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The aroma should fill your kitchen, signaling the start of your BBQ Chicken Soup. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables After browning the chicken, carefully remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Sauté these for 5 minutes until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully. This step lays a flavorful base for your hearty BBQ Chicken Soup. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in your favorite BBQ sauce, mixing it well with the sautéed vegetables. Next, add in the pinto beans and sweet corn, followed by the chicken stock. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring that the BBQ Chicken Soup is packed with flavor. The mixture should look vibrant and hearty, ready for the next step. Step 4: Simmer the Soup Bring the soup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up the delicious BBQ profile. You’ll know it’s ready when the soup is bubbling gently and everything looks wonderfully combined. Step 5: Final Touches Once the soup has simmered, stir in freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Taste the BBQ Chicken Soup, adjusting any seasonings as needed to suit your preference. The final result should be thick, hearty, and comforting—perfect for serving hot. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Ladle the steaming BBQ Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish as desired. Consider toppings like sliced red onion, sour cream, or shredded cheese for an extra flavor boost. Pair this delightful dish with crusty bread or cornbread for a cozy meal that brings warmth to your dining table. What to Serve with Smoky BBQ Chicken Soup Cozying up with a bowl of comforting soup opens the door to delightful meal pairings that enhance the experience. Crusty Bread: This classic pairing provides the perfect vehicle for scooping up the hearty soup, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Cornbread Muffins: Their slightly sweet flavor complements the smoky richness of the soup, making for a delightful contrast. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup, balancing flavors beautifully. Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds a luxurious texture, enhancing each spoonful of BBQ Chicken Soup with a heart-healthy touch. Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and crispiness of these fries provide a wonderful textural contrast, perfect for dipping! Iced Tea or Lemonade: Light, refreshing beverages like these pair perfectly with the soup, making for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please all! Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish off your comforting dinner with a warm cookie; the sweetness pairs surprisingly well with the smoky soup. With these delightful pairings, your BBQ Chicken Soup turns into a warm and memorable meal shared with loved ones! Make Ahead Options These BBQ Chicken Soup preparations are a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh and flavorful. The soup itself can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days, and you’ll find that the flavors develop beautifully as they meld together. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stove until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Just as delicious as when freshly made, this BBQ Chicken Soup is here to simplify meal planning without compromising quality! Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Soup Grilling Chicken: For a more intense smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken before adding it to the soup. This adds depth to your BBQ Chicken Soup. Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out by adjusting cooking time based on the size of your chicken pieces. Let It Rest: Allow the soup to rest after cooking. The flavors meld beautifully when left to sit for a little while before serving! Bean Variations: If you prefer a different texture, experiment with black-eyed peas instead of pinto beans, maintaining the heartiness. Storage Secrets: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months to savor this BBQ Chicken Soup later! How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chicken Soup Fridge: Store leftover BBQ Chicken Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to preserve freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving space for expansion when freezing. Thawing: Thaw frozen BBQ Chicken Soup overnight in the fridge for best results. This helps maintain its texture and flavor when reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until piping hot. Stir well, and add a splash of chicken stock if the soup has thickened. BBQ Chicken Soup Variations & Substitutions Feel free to tweak this recipe and explore a world of flavors that will make your BBQ Chicken Soup uniquely yours! Dairy-Free: Swap sour cream for cashew cream or avocado for a creamy topper without the dairy. This way, you can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence while still adding a deliciously rich texture. Protein-Rich: Swap pinto beans with lentils for added protein and a different texture. Lentils bring a lovely earthiness while enhancing the heartiness of the soup. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat. This twist will awaken your taste buds and elevate the smoky flavors to new heights! Veggie Boost: Incorporate zucchini, chopped spinach, or kale for a hearty dose of greens. You’ll get extra nutrients and vibrant colors that make each bowl of soup even more appealing! Sweet Corn Variation: Try using fresh corn on the cob for a sweet crunch. Just grill the corn before adding it, and experience that delightful barbecued flavor in every bite. Rotisserie Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and tasty option. Shred it and add it directly into the soup for a flavor boost without sacrificing time! Smoky Flavor Upgrade: Enhance the smoky taste by adding a splash of liquid smoke. This subtle addition can take the BBQ flavor to a new level, perfect for those craving bold tastes! Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh cilantro and crushed tortilla chips to add a delightful crunch. This creates a savory and satisfying contrast that every soup lover will adore! While you’re experimenting, don’t hesitate to check out my One Pan Rice for a delightful side, or enjoy it alongside my cozy French Chicken Mushroom for a complete meal experience! BBQ Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients? Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, opt for chicken breasts that are plump and have no discoloration. For vegetables, look for firm bell peppers and sweet corn that is bright and shiny. If using canned corn, check for a clean seal and no dents or dark spots. How should I store leftovers? Very simple! Store your leftover BBQ Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing to keep it fresh. You’ll love how the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge! Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Soup? Of course! To freeze, pour your cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little room for expansion (about an inch). It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date; these little details make a world of difference later! What should I do if my soup is too thick? If your BBQ Chicken Soup turns out too thick, no worries! Simply add a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. This way, you can enjoy that lovely rich flavor without it being overly dense. Is this soup safe for my pet? No, it’s best to avoid sharing BBQ Chicken Soup with your pets. Ingredients like onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and cats. Always stick to pure, unseasoned chicken (without any spices) if you want to treat your furry friend! What if my chicken is dry after cooking? To prevent dry chicken, be sure to adjust your cooking time based on the size of your chicken pieces. If you find the chicken is already cooked but still too dry, try shredding it into smaller pieces and mixing it back into the soup; the broth’s moisture will enhance its tenderness! Hearty BBQ Chicken Soup to Warm Your Soul Tonight This BBQ Chicken Soup blends tender chicken, sweet corn, and rich flavors for a comforting meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 bowlsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use for quick cooking and tender texture1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp smoked paprika Essential for BBQ flavor1 tsp oregano1 tsp salt1 tsp pepper1 medium onion Diced finely1 medium carrot Diced finely1 medium red bell pepper Diced finely1 cup BBQ sauce Choose your favorite1 can pinto beans1 cup sweet corn Canned or frozen4 cups low-sodium chicken stock Homemade is best2 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped, for garnishing Equipment Large pot Method Cooking StepsSeason the chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the chicken on both sides for 6-7 minutes each.Remove chicken from the pot and sauté diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.Return chicken to the pot and stir in BBQ sauce, pinto beans, sweet corn, and chicken stock.Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.Serve hot, garnishing with optional toppings like red onion or cheese. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesFor a smokier flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the soup. Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
