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Easy Smoky Chicken, Bacon, and Black Bean Soup

A smoky, hearty, and quick one-pot meal using pantry staples and cooked chicken for a fast weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the soup

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped Cooked until crispy
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Only if needed
  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken Rotisserie works great
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4-5 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 can (28 ounces) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (14 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chiles
  • ½ cup sour cream Stir in off the heat
  • to taste Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Topping

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Extra sour cream
  • Sliced green onions
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Cooking the Base

  • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until crispy.
  • Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pot.
  • If the pot looks dry, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add diced onion and minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
  • Stir in shredded chicken, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 2–3 minutes to coat the chicken.
  • Pour in chicken stock and fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Stir, then add black beans and diced green chiles. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmering

  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finishing Touches

  • Remove lid and stir in sour cream until smooth. Add half the crispy bacon back to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Ladle into bowls and top with cheddar, crushed chips, extra sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and remaining bacon.

Notes

Crisp the bacon well for both texture and flavor. Use cooked shredded chicken to save time. For a creamier stew, mash a cup of the beans into the soup.
Keyword Black Bean Soup, Chicken Soup, easy recipes