There’s nothing like an Italian-inspired hearty and healthy chicken and white bean soup that soothes the soul
Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a hot, steaming bowl of chicken soup. No matter what time of year, but especially when temps take a dip and the North wind blows, chicken soup with a side of crusty bread and a glass of wine, always sounds good.
Chicken soup really does warm the heart and soul. And with just the right amount of soothing, mouth-watering appeal and taste, along with a healthy compliment of nourishing ingredients, here’s a chicken soup recipe that will be your comfort go-to food time and time again.
What’s especially nice is to use an already prepared store-bought rotisserie chicken offering incredible versatility saving you precious time in preparing the chicken yourself. And no worries…a store-bought rotisserie chicken still provides a flavorful “homemade” chicken soup taste that’s come to life. I used a rotisserie chicken with mild seasoning – both plain and lemon-pepper work well. If you like a richer flavor, be sure to add meat from the wings and some of the bones to the broth. Creamy white beans are used in place of traditional noodles, making this soup a protein-packed meal. Fresh sage provides a nice herby and savory vibe to the stock. Add in a few carrots and celery and you’ve got deliciousness waiting for you to experience how good it is.
Since rotisserie chicken can be high in sodium, for those needing to reduce this mineral, bypass the flavored birds and instead opt for a non-flavored chicken. Or the other option is to purchase an uncooked whole chicken and roast it yourself where you’re in control of what seasonings you may or may not use. For those who are wanting to better control their calorie and unhealthy saturated fat intake, be sure to remove the skin. This will shave off about 20 percent of the calories and up to 40% of saturated fat content.
This hearty, warming bowl of chicken soup is just steps away and is incredibly easy and fast to put together. Read on, I’ll walk you through it.

Rotisserie Chicken and White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium shallot peeled and cut into 1/4 –inch rounds
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 large carrot sliced and quartered
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage or 1/4 tsp dried
- 2 14- ounce cans reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 15- ounce can cannellini beans rinsed
- 1 2- pound rotisserie chicken skin discarded, meat removed from bones and shredded
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add shallot, celery, and carrots, stirring often, until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in sage and mushrooms and continue cooking until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in broth and water, increase heat to high, cover and bring to a boil
- Add beans and chicken and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
I thought rotisserie chicken was high in salt/sodium? Am I mistaken?
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for your question (which is an excellent point btw) you are correct that rotisserie chicken can be high in sodium but it really depends on how its flavored. I would recommend check with someone from the deli. Ask if they sell unflavored rotisserie chicken with a lower sodium content. If not, your other option is to buy an uncooked whole chicken and roast it yourself with whatever kind of flavoring you want.
Because of your observant eye, I did go in and updated the article by explaining about sodium in rotisserie chicken (also addressed calories and saturated fat) and how to choose one with a lower amount of sodium.
Thanks so much again for your question, thanks checking my recipe out and hope I’ve answered your question.
Have a good rest of your weekend!
Healthy regards,
Cheryl