Description

A deeply flavorful, satisfying slow cooker soup with tender shredded chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and kale in a savory herb broth. Uses no-salt-added ingredients and modest cheese, and is inspired by DASH diet principles without making health claims.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cans (15 oz / 425 g each no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained)
1½ lb 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups 950 mL no-salt-added chicken broth, divided
1 large yellow onion (chopped)
2 medium carrots (thinly sliced)
3 cups packed (~200 g chopped lacinato kale, tough stems removed)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp 15 mL fresh lemon juice
¼ cup 28 g grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
2 tbsp 30 mL extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 tsp fresh rosemary (minced)
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Create the creamy base: Add one can of beans to a 6-quart slow cooker with ½ cup (120 mL) broth and mash into a coarse paste.
Add aromatics and beans: Stir in the remaining two cans of beans, onion, carrots, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
Layer and cook: Place chicken on top, add the bay leaf, and pour in the remaining 3½ cups (830 mL) broth. Cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours or HIGH 3 to 4 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F / 74°C.
Shred the chicken: Transfer chicken to a board and shred with two forks.
Wilt the kale: Stir kale into the hot soup, cover, and let wilt 5 to 7 minutes.
Finish: Return shredded chicken to the cooker. Stir in lemon juice and black pepper. Discard bay leaf.
Serve: Ladle into bowls. Drizzle about ¾ tsp olive oil per serving. Garnish with a light sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Parmesan is optional; omitting or using a light sprinkle helps keep sodium modest.
For a looser texture, add up to ½ cup (120 mL) extra hot broth before serving.

Nutrition Facts (1/8 serving, 1.75 cups): Calories: 266 kcal | Total Fat: 6.4 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g) | Sodium: 157 mg | Total Carbs: 23.8 g (Fiber: 6.0 g, Total Sugars: 3.1 g, Added Sugars: 0 g) | Protein: 29.0 g

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: 266