Description
A deeply flavorful and easy Salse Verde Chicken Soup made in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, simulating a slow cooker for tender chicken and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup prepared salsa verde
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Optional Garnishes: Avocado slices, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, tortilla chips
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened slightly and the onion is translucent.
- 3. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- 5. Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and the prepared salsa verde.
- 6. Carefully place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
- 7. Bring the soup back to a very gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is very tender.
- 8. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- 9. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh lime juice.
- 10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes off the heat before serving.
Notes
Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g