Name: Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

When the weather cools down and I need something warm, comforting, and satisfying, this Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup is my go-to. It’s rich without being heavy, loaded with tender chunks of chicken, hearty white beans, and sweet carrots all simmered in a lightly creamy, herb-infused broth. I love how it comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights, yet feels like it’s been simmering on the stove all day.

The balance of creaminess and broth is just right—lush enough to feel indulgent but still light enough to have a second bowl. And don’t even get me started on the way the Parmesan cheese melts into each spoonful. I make this soup all year round, not just in winter. It’s a cozy classic that always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup

This soup checks every box: flavor, texture, nutrition, and ease. It’s high in protein from both the chicken and beans, full of vegetables, and comes together with mostly pantry staples. The creamy base feels decadent but is balanced by herbs and brightness from the carrots. It also reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

I prefer using cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you have leftover grilled chicken or roasted thighs, those work wonderfully too and can add even more flavor. The key is to ensure the chicken is already cooked before adding it to the soup, so it doesn’t overcook and dry out.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of white beans, you can swap them with chickpeas or even cannellini beans. Want to make it dairy-free? Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream. And if you’d rather go vegetarian, skip the chicken and toss in extra beans or diced potatoes for bulk. You can also play with the herbs—thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

Ingredients for This Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup

Cooked shredded chicken – This is the protein-packed heart of the soup, giving it that classic comforting feel. It soaks up the creamy broth and makes every bite satisfying.
White beans (like Great Northern or cannellini) – Creamy, tender, and full of fiber, these beans add bulk and richness while keeping the soup hearty.
Carrots – Naturally sweet and colorful, carrots bring a subtle crunch and balance the creamy broth.
Onion – A base flavor essential to almost every good soup, onions give depth and a savory undertone.
Garlic – Minced garlic brings warmth and a robust aroma that makes the soup irresistible.
Chicken broth – This forms the flavorful base. Go for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Heavy cream – Just a bit goes a long way to turn the broth creamy and luscious without being too rich.
Olive oil – Used to sauté the aromatics, adding a smooth flavor base.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the soup’s savory notes.
Salt & black pepper – To season and balance all the flavors.
Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping) – Melts into the soup to give it that perfect umami-rich, cheesy finish.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the flavors blend for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Beans

Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and drained white beans. Allow them to simmer together for another 10 minutes so they soak in the flavor.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through for about 3-5 minutes. The soup will take on a beautiful creamy texture.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the soup. This gives the final layer of richness and depth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

How Long to Prepare the Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup

Prep Time: Most of the prep work involves chopping vegetables and shredding the chicken, which takes around 10 to 15 minutes. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, that saves even more time.

Cook Time: Once everything is in the pot, the soup needs around 25 minutes to fully cook—this includes simmering the vegetables and letting the beans and chicken absorb the flavor. You can have a full pot of hearty soup ready in about 40 minutes total.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup

Use high-quality chicken broth to build a rich and flavorful base.
Sautéing the onions, garlic, and carrots first adds sweetness and depth.
Don’t boil after adding the cream—keep it at a low simmer to avoid curdling.
Add the Parmesan gradually and stir until fully melted for a smooth texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to get the perfect balance.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the vegetables: Carrots and onions should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye while sautéing.
Adding cream too early: High heat can cause the cream to break. Always lower the heat before adding it.
Skipping seasoning checks: The saltiness of your broth can vary, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Using raw chicken directly: This can lead to uneven cooking. Use pre-cooked chicken to keep things quick and safe.
Forgetting to rinse canned beans: It removes excess sodium and the thick canning liquid.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup?

1. Crusty Artisan Bread

The classic partner—perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy broth.

2. Side Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A fresh, zesty salad cuts through the richness of the soup and balances the meal.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Level up your comfort food game with a gooey, melty sandwich.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Seasonal roasted veggies add texture and make the meal even heartier.

5. Garlic Breadsticks

Soft, buttery breadsticks with a hint of garlic pair beautifully with this soup.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Freezer: This soup freezes well—just omit the cream and Parmesan before freezing. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove and stir in the cream and cheese at the end.

Reheating: Warm slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

Calories: 360
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It stores beautifully. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

You can, but you’ll need to soak and cook them first. Canned beans save time and work just as well.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for the cream?

Coconut milk or any plain, unsweetened non-dairy cream will work as a substitute.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic.

What kind of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a creamier texture than the pre-shredded kind.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken White Bean Soup is everything I want in a cozy meal—simple, nourishing, and full of flavor. It’s one of those reliable recipes that you can tweak depending on what you have on hand, but it never fails to satisfy. Whether you serve it with bread, a salad, or just on its own, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.