BBQ Chicken Soup Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ Chicken Soup combines smoky, tangy flavors with hearty ingredients for a comforting meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for cozy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.

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 diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Step 4: Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the pot, then pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine.
- Step 6: Add the pinto beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock. Stir well and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped red onion and extra fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or add a splash of liquid smoke.
- Swap pinto beans for black beans or kidney beans based on preference.
- Add a diced jalapeño for a mild spicy kick.
- Use leftover cooked chicken to speed up prep time.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and creaminess.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally 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 bone-in chicken instead of chicken breast?
Yes, but you may need to cook the chicken separately and shred it before adding to the soup. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and chicken stock. Always check labels to be sure.
PrintBBQ Chicken Soup Recipe
This flavorful BBQ Chicken Soup combines tender chicken breast pieces seasoned with smoky spices and simmered with vegetables, pinto beans, sweetcorn, and tangy BBQ sauce in a hearty chicken stock base. Perfect for a comforting meal, this soup offers a delightful blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 medium carrot (diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 large garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
Other Ingredients
- 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 pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the browned chicken from the pot and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add diced onion, carrot, and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the roughly chopped garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Stock: Add the drained pinto beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook through completely.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed, and serve the soup hot. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped red onion and fresh parsley for added freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to better control sodium content.
- Leftover soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to substitute pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans for variation.
- If preferred, shredded cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of cooking fresh chicken breast.
Keywords: BBQ chicken soup, chicken soup with BBQ sauce, smoky chicken soup, easy chicken soup recipe, hearty chicken soup

