BBQ Chicken Soup Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ Chicken Soup is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Combining tender chicken, smoky spices, and a tangy barbecue sauce, it’s a hearty meal perfect for cozy evenings. Easy to make and packed with protein and veggies, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium carrot (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 large garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (7 oz / 200g) sweetcorn (drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken bites with garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften.
- Step 4: Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine well.
- Step 6: Add the pinto beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock. Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot, optionally topped with chopped red onion and extra fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked chili powder.
- Swap chicken breast for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Use fresh corn instead of canned for a sweeter touch when in season.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this soup?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking. Add it after the vegetables have softened, then continue with BBQ sauce and broth.
Is this soup spicy?
This recipe is mildly spiced with smoked paprika and BBQ sauce. If you prefer a spicier soup, add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
PrintBBQ Chicken Soup Recipe
This hearty BBQ Chicken Soup combines tender chicken breast pieces seasoned with smoky spices and cooked with vibrant vegetables, pinto beans, sweetcorn, and a tangy BBQ sauce, simmered in chicken stock for a warming and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetables and Other Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium carrot (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 large garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (7 oz / 200g) sweetcorn (drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken bites with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside for later.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Cook these vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and slightly translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the roughly chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir well to ensure the chicken is fully coated and the flavors meld together.
- Add Beans, Sweetcorn, and Stock: Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans and sweetcorn to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock, stirring all ingredients to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for 10 minutes to let flavors develop and the chicken cook through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot; optionally, garnish with chopped red onion and extra fresh parsley for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when seasoning the chicken.
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs if preferred for a juicier texture.
- If you want a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Soup, chicken soup, smoky soup, pinto beans soup, chicken and BBQ, hearty soup recipe, easy dinner soup

