By Kidney Beans and Chicken Soup is a hearty, nourishing, and flavourful dish packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Combining tender chicken pieces with soft, creamy kidney beans (rajma) creates a filling one-pot meal that is perfect for chilly evenings, recovery meals, gym diets, or whenever you want something wholesome yet light on the stomach. This soup has a thick, comforting consistency and features a blend of vegetables, herbs, and mild spices that enhance both taste and nutritional value.
Kidney beans provide plant-based protein, iron, and complex carbohydrates, while chicken adds lean protein and strengthens muscles and immunity. Together, they make a balanced, satisfying dish ideal for both children and adults. Below is a detailed step-by-step 900-word guide to help you prepare restaurant-quality Kidney Beans and Chicken Soup at home.
Ingredients Needed
Main Ingredients
- Red kidney beans (rajma) – 1 cup (soaked overnight)
- Boneless chicken (small cubes or shredded) – 300 to 400 g
- Water or chicken stock – 5 to 6 cups
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato – 1 large, finely chopped
- Carrot – 1 medium, diced
- Potato – 1 small, diced (optional for thickness)
- Celery – 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Garlic – 5 to 6 cloves, crushed
- Ginger – 1 inch, grated
- Green chillies – 1 or 2, slit (optional)
- Black pepper powder – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Red chilli flakes – ½ teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaf – 1
- Olive oil / butter / ghee – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – as required
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
For Garnish
- Fresh coriander or parsley – chopped
- Spring onion – finely chopped
- A pinch of black pepper
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing Kidney Beans
Wash kidney beans (rajma) thoroughly and soak them overnight or at least 6–8 hours. Soaking helps soften beans, making them easier to cook and digest. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Add soaked beans to a pressure cooker with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6–7 whistles or until beans become soft enough to mash between fingers. Set aside with its stock, as the starchy liquid will help thicken the soup naturally.
Step 2: Preparing Chicken
Wash chicken and cut into small cubes or shred leftover cooked chicken if available. If using raw chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper.
You can also pre-boil the chicken separately in salted water and shred it, which adds more flavor to the broth. Preserve the chicken stock to use in the soup.
Step 3: Begin the Soup Base
Heat oil, butter, or ghee in a deep pot. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden and soft.
Add crushed garlic, grated ginger, and green chillies. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Garlic is essential because it adds amazing flavor and increases immunity.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Add chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, and tomatoes. Stir well and cook for 4–5 minutes until tomatoes soften and vegetables absorb flavor. Adding vegetables increases the nutritional content and makes the soup thicker and heartier.
Step 5: Add Chicken
Add chicken pieces to the pot and mix well to coat with masala. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until chicken changes color. If using pre-shredded cooked chicken, you can add it directly later; but sautéing raw chicken creates extra flavor.
Step 6: Add Cooked Kidney Beans
Add pressure-cooked kidney beans along with the boiled water they were cooked in. Mix thoroughly so flavors combine. Add turmeric powder, pepper, chilli flakes, and salt. Stir well.
Step 7: Add Stock and Simmer
Add 2–3 cups chicken broth or plain water depending on how thick you want your soup. Bring to a boil and then reduce flame to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes so everything blends together.
During simmering, beans break slightly and release starch, which naturally thickens the soup similar to a creamy stew. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking at the bottom.
If you want a thicker texture, lightly mash some beans and vegetables with the back of a ladle.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Taste soup and adjust salt and spices. Add fresh lemon juice, pepper powder, and chopped coriander or parsley for freshness. Switch off the flame and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with spring onions and extra black pepper. Kidney Beans and Chicken Soup pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread or toasted bread
- Steamed rice or brown rice
- Salad or sautéed vegetables
- Roti or chapati for Indian version
- Cooked pasta (for Italian fusion style)
For a richer consistency, add a tablespoon of fresh cream, or for healthier options, drizzle extra lemon juice or top with grated carrots.
Health Benefits
- High protein: Kidney beans and chicken combine to build muscle and repair tissues.
- Fiber-rich: Helps digestion, prevents constipation, and keeps stomach full longer.
- Boosts immunity: Garlic, pepper, ginger, and lemon strengthen defense system.
- Iron-rich meal: Prevents fatigue, ideal for anemia patients.
- Low fat and nutritious: Perfect for weight-loss and diabetic-friendly meals.
- Improves metabolism: Warm spices increase body heat and improve digestion.
It is ideal for children, elderly people, gym diet followers, and patients recovering from illness.
Variations
- Spicy Mexican Style: Add sweet corn, kidney beans, paprika, and top with cheese.
- Creamy Version: Add coconut milk, fresh cream, or blended beans.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip chicken and add mushrooms or soya chunks.
- Without pressure cooker: Use canned kidney beans for quick preparation.
Tips for Best Results
- Always soak kidney beans well to speed cooking and improve digestion.
- Do not add too much water initially; add gradually to control thickness.
- Let soup simmer slowly for richest flavours.
- Add lemon and herbs at the end to preserve freshness.
- For meal prep, store in refrigerator for 2 days and reheat with little water.
Conclusion
Kidney Beans and Chicken Soup is a wonderful combination of taste, health, and comfort. With its creamy texture, deep earthy flavor of beans, and juicy pieces of chicken, this dish is satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal. Whether you are feeling under the weather, looking for a protein-rich diet dinner, or simply craving a warm cozy bowl of soup, this recipe fits perfectly. Nutritious, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare, this soup will surely become a family favorite.
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