Name: BBQ Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1½ lb chicken breast, cut into bite‑sized pieces; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 can (14 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (7 oz) sweetcorn, drained and rinsed; 4 cups chicken stock; ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

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I love this BBQ Chicken Soup because it delivers all the smoky, savory BBQ flavors I adore—in a warm, cozy bowl. It’s hearty, filled with tender chicken, beans, sweetcorn, and a rich, flavorful broth that hits the spot any night of the week.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll love this recipe because:

It’s simple and fast to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when I need dinner on the table.
It captures classic BBQ flavor in a comforting soup form—smoky, savory, and supremely satisfying.
It reheats beautifully, making leftovers even better for lunch the next day.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1½ lb chicken breast, cut into bite‑sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 can (14 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (7 oz) sweetcorn, drained and rinsed
4 cups chicken stock
½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

directions

In a bowl, I toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, brown the seasoned chicken on all sides, then remove and set it aside.
I add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion, carrot, and bell pepper until softened—about 5 minutes. I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
I return the chicken to the pot, pour in the BBQ sauce, then add the beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock. I bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
I stir in the chopped parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. I serve the soup hot with my favorite toppings like sliced red onion, cheddar, or tortilla chips.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I swap the pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans for a different twist.
I add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to bring some heat.
I stir in baby spinach or kale toward the end for extra greens.
I use rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time.
For a creamy version, I add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
I freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What variation can I use instead of pinto beans?

I like to use black beans or kidney beans—they hold up well and add a different depth of flavor.

Can I make the soup spicy?

Yes, I often add diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick.

Can I add greens to the soup?

Definitely. I stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking.

How can I make the soup richer and creamy?

I stir in sour cream or heavy cream at the end if I want a creamier texture.

What sides pair well with this soup?

I love serving it with cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Soup is everything I want in a comforting, flavor-packed meal. It’s easy, satisfying, and full of bold BBQ flavor that makes dinner feel exciting. Whether I’m cooking it fresh or pulling it from the freezer, it always hits the spot.