This nourishing crockpot chicken and black bean soup is perfect for chilly days. Throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning and get ready to enjoy a bowl of piping hot, healthy soup at dinnertime.
As we begin to hunker down for the impending cold weather, we are craving dishes that will warm us all the way down to our toes. Apparently, my family aren't the only ones with cold extremities. In the past week alone, I have received four requests for crockpot recipes. Still flexing its muscles from its successful slow cooking of our Family Crockpot Applesauce, my crockpot was up for the challenge.
The inspiration for this recipe came from Sunset Magazine's Crockery Cookbook. However, I took several liberties with the recipe, adding tomatoes and black beans, and increasing the seasoning. The result was a flavorful, nourishing soup that took no more than time than chopping a few vegetables and browning some chicken. Mission accomplished.
How to make crockpot chicken & black bean soup:
In a large crockpot, combine 1 large chopped onion;
2 carrots, cut lengthwise and thinly sliced;
1 chipotle pepper (canned in adobo sauce), membranes and seeds removed, and finely chopped;
1 teaspoon dried oregano;
2 minced garlic cloves; and 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Season 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Place the seared chicken thighs in the crockpot, on top of the vegetables and black beans.
Pour 4 cups chicken broth and 1 ½ cups water over the chicken.
Add 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, chopped (juices included) to the crockpot.
Cover the crockpot, turn the heat to Low, and cook for about 7 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender. Remove the chicken and let cool.
Add ½ cup long-grain white rice to the crockpot, turn the heat to High, and cook for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Remove and discard the skin and bones from the chicken. Shred the chicken with two forks or your hands, and return the meat to the crockpot.
Allow the soup to heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup with lime wedges.
Add ½ cup long-grain white rice to the crockpot, turn the heat to High, and cook for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Remove and discard the skin and bones from the chicken. Shred the chicken with two forks or your hands, and return the meat to the crockpot. Allow the soup to heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup with lime wedges.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
KrisKishere
That looks so hearty and delicious! It's a keeper! 🙂
Jessie
oh gosh you're right about the cold weather! It just makes me want to snuggle up on the couch and have a nice bowl of warming soup. This soup is definitely warming and very hearty. I love that it has "sticks to your ribs" ingredients. Very delicious!
CheapAppetite
great hearty soup! I love chipotle peppers. Crock pot is a great invention:)
HannahBanana aka Amanda
A great soup recipe to add to my collection...the hubby would LOVE this one. Perfect for autumn I'd say!
Divina Pe
This soup is so hearty and comforting. So many great flavors going on in there. I have to find those chipotle peppers soon.
Hummingbird Appetite
This looks so good!
Jenn
Yummy! I could use some soup right about now. Crockpot soups are awesome. Just for the fact that they're a hassle free to make.
pegasuslegend
looks wonderful
Cookin' Canuck
Thanks for all of your generous comments! There are a few crockpot recipes posted in the comments. Be sure to check them out.
Lea Ann
How did I miss this one in Sunset??? This looks amazing. I'm keeping the recipe and will give it a try this week. Thanks for the post.
Diana Bauman
CC, you simply amaze me! You are such an awesome cook! You consistently have so many recipes, lovin this!
The Chickenless Chick
Gorgeous picture. Slow cooking is my favorite way to do chicken. Bet this tastes fantastic.
The "you may also like" tool brought up your Cool Honeydew-Mint Soup. I was like, "Yes! Yes I would also like that!"
MaryMoh
mmmmm....just what I would like to have now....not a small serving, but a BIG bowl...:)Looks very delicious.
Mother Rimmy
Chipotle is a favorite in my house. I'll have to give this a try!
Barbara Bakes
I'm loving the addition of rice to this soup! Looks delicious! Here's my family's favorite crockpot recipe http://www.barbarabakes.com/2009/09/spicy-chicken-soup.html
April Cavin
Always looking for new soup ideas and this one sounds delicious! I really like the chicken tip, too-- will definitely be trying this one.
Petra aka Cascabel
A friend sent me over to your blog - what an amazing recipe! I have to try this (staring out and seeing snowflakes...)
Kalyn
Sounds great! I love your idea of cooking the chicken in the crockpot, then taking it out and shredding the meat and adding it back in. Brilliant, and saves time in the morning when you're getting the food in the crockpot.
Tasty Eats At Home
Loving the flavors going on here! Yum!
Here's my crockpot recipe - a vegetarian pumpkin chili!
http://tastyeatsathome.wordpress.com/2009/09/09/vegetarian-bean-and-pumpkin-chili-plus-a-gluten-free-cheddar-serrano-biscuit/
Marla
hi! I just discovered your blog. It is great! Loving this recipe for this healthy crock pot soup. I will need to make it! CP recipes have been the thing on everyone's minds these days! I am adding you to my blogroll page!!