Chicken and White Bean Soup

Hello All, I hope you had a good Christmas!  I was on vacation, and therefore, not motivated to do much of anything computer related, aside from playing the Sims.  But that doesn't mean I wasn't cooking!

I adapted this recipe from a couple I had, and it turned out fabulous!  It was originally supposed to be a white chicken chili, but ended up as a soup, and I was not disappointed.  I've learned if I want something to thicken, I need to get a good stock pot and cook on the stove.

I had all the ingredients, and kind of winged it as far as amounts go, so I will try to guestimate, but use your judgement depending on pot size and amount you actually want to make.  This filled a 6 qt slow cooker nearly to the brim, and it took a while, and me bringing some to work for my coworkers for us to get rid of it all!

Ingredients:

6-8 cups Chicken stock or broth

2-3 16 oz cans of White Kidney (Cannellini) Beans (I used 3)

5-6 cups diced cooked (or boiled) chicken

2 cans Cream of Chicken condensed soup

1-2 cups Salsa of your choice

1 cup water

1-1.5 cups chopped onion (I use sweet onions in everything)

1-2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

1-2 Tablespoons Oregano

2-3 Garlic cloves, minced

1/4-1/2 teaspoon Cayenne powder

1-2 tablespoons Cumin (my new favorite spice!)

If you like other spices, or some salt and pepper, feel free to add those in if you like

Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese - for serving on top of soup (optional)

Preparation:

There's really not much to it.  I boiled a few large chicken breasts and diced them up.  Then everything went into the crock pot and was mixed well.  Set the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low and you're done!  You oculd also cook on high 3-4 hours.  When it's done, stir, and serve topped with the shredded cheese or even a little sour cream, or let cool and store/refrigerate!

The Verdict:

No modifications for this one since it was somewhat my own.  Like I said, this was a combo of two recipes, and it came out way better than I ever expected!  We definitely ended up with a lot so if you don't want or need a whole lot, cut the recipe in half, or you can make the whole batch, then freeze the rest.  It was very flavorful and tasty.  Hubby and I both had quite a bit over the week our portion lasted, and 2 of my coworkers had some that I brought to work, and all I heard was rave reviews, especially since one of them ate 3 or 4 bowls over 2 days, then handed me the empty container with a big smile on his face.  It helps to have a husband and guy coworkers that are garbage disposals I suppose :)

Edited to Add:
I have also cooked this in the soup pot on top of the stove.  If you need it more quickly than in the slow cooker, go this route.  You can just toss everything in, and since it will be boiling, you can put the chicken in raw after you dice!

Click here to download a printable page for this recipe!