Getting enough protein is a major essential in the over-50 diet and this slow cooker chicken and bean soup recipe is packed with it. But, what is even better is that it’s amazingly zesty and yummy! Serve it with shredded cheese, a little cilantro, and Tortilla strips and it’s a meal in itself.
Enjoy this recipe!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Soup
Equipment
- 3.5 Quart Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 med onion chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 whole roasted chicken (use only the white meat) shredded
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp chili powder add more if you like it spicier
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 15.5 oz cans Cannellini beans
- 2 4 oz cans diced green chili
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 2 limes juiced
- 2 32 oz boxes chicken broth to fill slow cooker leaving 1 inch at the top
- 1 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
- 1 bag tortilla strips
- 1 bag shredded pepper jack, jack cheese, or Monterey with Jalepeno cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet saute the chopped onion and garlic for about 10 minutes until transparent and then transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add the shredded chicken, cumin, salt, chili powder, oregano, Cannellini beans, green chili, lime juice, garlic salt, and broth. to the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours. I then put it on low until dinner time. (Optional)
- Taste and add additional seasoning if desired.
- Pour the soup into serving bowls and top with a pinch of chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips. You can add a lime slice to each bowl if you like.
Why you need protein in your diet when you are older
According to Kaiser Health News, older adults need more protein in their diets especially if they are trying to lose weight, are dealing with serious illness, or facing hospitalization. But there are other reasons as well. Protein helps you to maintain muscle mass, strength, bone health, and other bodily functions.
It can also help to prevent hair loss which happens to both men and women. Skinless chicken is particularly good for those who are not vegetarians and having some in a soup helps you stay hydrated.
Cannellini beans are another good source of protein as 1/4 cup of them contains approximately 11 grams. But they are also fat-free and are an excellent source of fiber, folate, iron, and magnesium. For a vegetarian soup option featuring cannellini beans, try my Sardinian minestrone soup recipe.
What makes this chicken and bean soup worth trying
First of all, it’s easy to make and you can leave it in a slow cooker for hours while you go about your day. But what I love is the zestiness of it. It contains lime juice, green chili, and spices like chili powder and cumin, and tastes amazing with crunchy tortilla strips. You can adjust the spicy level to whatever you prefer. I prefer it mild but if you want to ramp it up a notch, add more spice.
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