Hearty soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant kale, and crunchy spiced chickpeas for a healthy comfort twist.
# Components:
→ Soup
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
10 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 4 cups chopped kale, ribs removed
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
→ Crispy Chickpeas
15 - 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
17 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
18 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chickpeas dry with a paper towel. Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through until golden and crispy. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in dried thyme, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
04 - Add chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
05 - Remove chicken from pot, shred with two forks, and return shredded meat to the soup.
06 - Stir in chopped kale. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until kale wilts. Add lemon juice.
07 - Taste soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy chickpeas immediately before serving.
