Leftover BBQ Chicken Soup recipe transforms your leftovers into a mouthwatering, comforting bowl of soup that’s bursting with smoky, savory flavors. It’s a perfect way to give your BBQ chicken a delicious second life, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Plus, this soup is incredibly easy to make and can be ready in no time, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight meal. Join me as I walk you through how to create this delightful and hearty soup, turning your leftovers into a new family favorite!
How To Make Leftover Bbq Chicken Soup Recipe?
Recipe Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover BBQ chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add The Base Ingredients
Add the shredded leftover BBQ chicken to the pot. Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Season The Soup
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices throughout the soup. Add the BBQ sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Simmer The Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy note to each bowl.
Nutrition Facts Of Leftover Bbq Chicken Soup Recipe
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Tips And Variations Of Leftover Bbq Chicken Soup Recipe
Tip 1: Spice Level
If you enjoy a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper while cooking. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Tip 2: Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, carrots, or even potatoes can be great additions to this soup.
Tip 3: Vegan Option
To make this soup vegan, substitute the BBQ chicken with smoked tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Health Benefits Of Leftover Bbq Chicken Soup Recipe
Benefit 1: High In Protein
The leftover BBQ chicken provides a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Benefit 2: Rich In Fiber
With black beans and corn, this soup is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Benefit 3: Packed With Vitamins
The various vegetables in the soup, like bell peppers and tomatoes, offer a range of vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall health.
Special Note
This soup is not only a fantastic way to use up leftovers but also a canvas for creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it uniquely yours.
Conclusion
My leftover BBQ chicken soup recipe is a delightful way to repurpose your barbecue leftovers into a hearty and flavorful meal. The smoky, tangy chicken melds beautifully with the robust broth and fresh vegetables, creating a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or as a quick lunch, this soup is sure to please. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and make the most of your BBQ feast. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
Leftover Bbq Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
2 cups leftover BBQ chicken, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add The Base Ingredients
- Add the shredded leftover BBQ chicken to the pot. Stir in the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Season The Soup
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices throughout the soup. Add the BBQ sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Simmer The Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve And Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy note to each bowl.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.