There’s something unforgettable about the first bite of Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup—the way the smoky barbecue flavor melts into tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy beans, all wrapped in a warm, savory broth. It’s the kind of soup that comforts you on a cold evening and surprises you with how easy it is to make. Whether you’re hosting friends for a cozy dinner or just need a new twist on chicken soup for your weekly meal prep, this bold, creamy bowl hits every note. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot with minimal effort.
Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup: A Smoky, Comforting One-Pot Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup blends smoky barbecue flavor with sweet corn, navy beans, and tender shredded chicken in a cozy one-pot meal. It’s a comforting, bold, and easy recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for chilly nights or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Ground black pepper, to taste
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
1 (15-ounce) can navy beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Finely sliced or diced red onion
Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Place the chicken in a large soup pot in an even layer. Sprinkle with minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. Pour the chicken broth and barbecue sauce over the chicken. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Add the corn, navy beans, and chopped cilantro to the broth and bring back to a light simmer.
5. Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces, removing any excess fat.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with mozzarella cheese, red onion, extra cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
You can use chicken thighs for richer flavor or chicken breasts for a leaner option. For a shortcut, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and add it when you add the corn and beans. This soup is freezer-friendly (without toppings) and perfect for make-ahead lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup Deserves a Spot on Your Table
A rich bowl of Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup isn’t just another dinner—it’s a cozy experience that balances sweet, smoky, and savory in a way few other soups do. It’s perfect for those days when regular chicken soup just won’t cut it. The barbecue sauce adds a deeply satisfying kick, while the broth remains smooth and drinkable, not too thick, and never bland.
Barbecue sauce might not be the first thing you’d think to add to soup, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. It lends this soup a subtle tang, a rich smokiness, and a touch of sweetness that transforms the broth into something magical. Combined with garlic, onion powder, and pepper, the result is layered and deeply flavorful.
At the end of a long day, there’s something special about having a hot bowl of soup that tastes like it took hours to make—but didn’t. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, this one-pot wonder can be on the table in half an hour, making it just as practical as it is delicious.
What Makes This Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup So Unique
Unlike a traditional creamy chicken soup, this version skips the heavy cream entirely. Instead, it leans on navy beans and barbecue sauce for body, delivering that velvety finish you crave without feeling overly rich. The result is hearty but not heavy, indulgent without being greasy, and full of personality.
The beans offer a creamy texture and extra protein, while the corn adds sweetness and a satisfying bite. Together, they round out the soup and help stretch it into generous portions, making it ideal for meal planning or feeding a crowd.
What really takes it over the top, though, is the fresh cilantro. Stirred in at the end and added as a garnish, it brightens the entire pot with a burst of herbal freshness. A handful of finely chopped cilantro transforms this soup from just good to downright addictive.
Ingredients That Pack Big Flavor with Minimal Effort
When it comes to the protein, you can choose either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts—whichever you have on hand. Thighs offer a richer flavor and remain juicy even after simmering, while breasts will give you a leaner finish. Either way, you’ll be shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces once it’s tender, so use what suits your tastes and your fridge.
The beauty of this recipe lies in how it balances pantry staples and fresh elements. Garlic, canned navy beans, frozen corn, and barbecue sauce are all likely already in your kitchen, which makes this a great go-to when you’re low on fresh ingredients. A sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper is all you need to build depth before the broth even comes to a boil.
Toppings are optional, but don’t skip them if you can help it. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully into the hot broth, adding a creamy finish. A few slices of red onion add contrast and crunch, and crushed tortilla chips on top provide just the right salty finish to make each bite interesting.
Cooking Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup the Easy Way
The entire cooking process is straightforward and designed for ease. Start by layering the chicken in a large soup pot and seasoning it directly with garlic and spices. Then pour over your broth and barbecue sauce, letting everything simmer gently until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it to shred or chop, and while that’s happening, toss in the corn, beans, and cilantro. This timing ensures the vegetables stay vibrant and the beans hold their texture. Return the chicken to the pot, give it a final stir, and that’s it—your soup is ready to serve.
A tip to make shredding chicken easier: let it rest for a minute or two after removing it from the hot broth, then use two forks or a mixer if you’re in a hurry. The meat should fall apart easily, absorbing the smoky flavors of the broth beautifully once returned to the pot.
Feel free to tweak the texture at this stage, too. If you want a slightly thicker soup, mash a few beans with the back of a spoon. For a thinner broth, add an extra splash of chicken stock or water.
Serving, Storing, and Making It Your Own
To serve, ladle the soup into big bowls and pile on your favorite toppings. The combination of shredded mozzarella, red onion, extra cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips makes each bite texturally exciting and full of flavor. It’s a flexible dish that lets everyone customize their own bowl.
Leftovers store beautifully. Simply transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop, and the flavors only deepen over time.
Want to make it ahead? Go for it. This soup is perfect for batch cooking. It also freezes well—just leave out the toppings and freeze the soup in individual portions. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve.
For another comforting bowl with a Tex-Mex vibe, check out this hearty Chicken Fajita Soup—it’s a crowd-pleaser with bold spices and colorful veggies. Or if you’re craving something a little creamier with a twist, this Taco Tortellini Soup is a rich and satisfying option.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Soup
What’s the secret to making a creamy chicken soup without cream?
The key is using ingredients that naturally create a creamy texture without dairy. In this recipe, the navy beans break down slightly to thicken the broth, while the barbecue sauce adds body and richness.
Can I make this a simple creamy chicken soup without barbecue sauce?
Yes, you can. Just replace the BBQ sauce with a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a more traditional creamy chicken soup. You’ll lose the smoky flavor but still get a comforting result.
What are the best toppings for creamy chicken soups like this?
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar, fresh cilantro, red onion, and crunchy tortilla chips are perfect. You could also add a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Just skip the first step of cooking the chicken and add your pre-cooked chicken when you add the corn and beans. It’s a great way to save time and reduce waste.
Conclusion: A Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup Recipe You’ll Come Back To
Once you’ve made this Creamy BBQ Chicken Soup, it’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation. It’s comforting, crave-worthy, and easy to adapt—everything you want in a one-pot meal. Whether you’re feeding your family, planning your lunches for the week, or just looking for something different than the usual chicken noodle, this smoky, creamy bowl hits the spot.
Serve it hot, load it with toppings, and enjoy the kind of homemade soup that tastes like a little victory at the end of a long day.
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