Hearty Smoked Chicken Adzuki Bean Soup with Vegetables
A warming, protein-rich soup that combines tender smoked chicken with nutrient-dense adzuki beans and fresh vegetables. The smoky flavor from the chicken infuses the entire broth, while the beans provide hearty texture and earthy taste. Perfect for cold weather meals or when you want something nourishing and filling. The addition of fresh herbs like rosemary and bay leaves adds aromatic depth that sets this version apart from basic chicken soups.
Ingredients
- 2 small potatoes, peeled & roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 stalk celery, including leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled & roughly chopped
- 6 small leaves Savoy cabbage or kale, finely slicedregular cabbage1:1availability
slightly different texture
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup adzuki beansnavy beans1:1vegetarian
similar texture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 quarters smoked chicken, skin removed and meat off the bonerotisserie chicken1:1convenience
less smoky flavor
- 6 cup low sodium vegetable broth, no MSG
- 2 small bay leaves
- ½ sprig fresh rosemary
- salt and pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- 2
Add onions and cook until soft
- 3
Add celery and carrots, cook for 3 minutes
- 4
Add potatoes and minced garlic, cook for 3 minutes stirring often
- 5
Add cabbage or kale, beans, chicken meat, bay leaves, rosemary, salt, pepper and vegetable broth
- 6
Stir well, turn heat to medium low, cover and simmer for about 1 hour
- 7
Check and stir occasionally during cooking
- 8
Remove lid after 1 hour, taste and adjust seasoning
- 9
Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes
- 10
Allow to cool before serving
Tips
Remove chicken skin before adding to prevent excess grease in the soup.
Soak adzuki beans overnight for faster cooking and better texture.
Let the soup rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in airtight container.
Can be made 2 days ahead and reheated gently.
Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip removing chicken skin to avoid greasy soup.
Stir occasionally to prevent beans from sticking to bottom.
Substitutions
similar texture
slightly different texture
FAQ
Can I use dried adzuki beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak 1/2 cup dried beans overnight, then cook them separately until tender before adding to the soup.
What if I don't have smoked chicken?
Use rotisserie chicken and add a small amount of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for similar flavor depth.
How long will this soup keep in the freezer?
The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though the potatoes may change texture slightly when thawed.