Quick Chicken and White Bean Soup with Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fast and nourishing soup featuring shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and fresh spinach for a light yet satisfying meal. This american-inspired chicken (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs shredded cooked chicken breast, packed fresh spinach, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 5 cups chicken broth, then add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed cannellini beans and 1 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast and 4 cups packed fresh spinach, cooking for 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  5. Step 5: Ladle into bowls and serve immediately for a quick, nutritious meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Chicken and White Bean Soup with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quick Chicken and White Bean Soup with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep packed fresh spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Chicken and White Bean Soup with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Chicken and White Bean Soup with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Quick Chicken and White Bean Soup with Spinach high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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