Name: BBQ Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 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; ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 9 reviews

If you love the deeply satisfying flavors of summer grilling but crave a bowl of cozy comfort, BBQ Chicken Soup has your back. This soup wraps up the smokiness, tang, and hearty goodness of classic barbecue into one spoonable sensation. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that warms you to your toes or a fresh way to use up leftover BBQ chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Every bite is loaded with tender chicken, smoky paprika, tangy BBQ sauce, and pops of veggies—all in a broth that’s so flavorful you’ll swear you’re at your favorite smokehouse.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for BBQ Chicken Soup couldn’t be easier, and each element plays a key role in building up this soup’s irresistible layers of flavor and texture. Here’s the lineup and why you don’t want to skip a single one:

Chicken breast: Tender, lean, and protein-packed—the star of the soup!
Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to sauté your veggies and brown the chicken.
Garlic powder: Introduces that familiar mellow garlic foundation with no chopping required.
Smoked paprika: Delivers the magical, smoky barbecue essence throughout the broth.
Dried oregano: Lends a touch of earthy, herbal flavor that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasoning for depth and punch.
Onion, carrot, and red bell pepper: A classic trio for color, crunch, sweetness, and so much body.
Fresh garlic cloves: Just a bit more punchy, aromatic garlic for extra depth.
BBQ sauce: The heart and soul—choose your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work wonderfully.
Pinto beans: Bring creaminess and fiber, making the soup extra hearty.
Sweetcorn: Adds bright pops of sweetness and color that surprise every bite.
Chicken stock: Makes everything come together with savory, sippable body.
Fresh parsley: For that vibrant green finish and a fresh, herbal lift at the end.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Soup

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken breast bites in a glorious mixture of garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. This little step makes a big difference: it infuses every piece of chicken with smoky-spiced flavor, so there’s zero chance your soup ends up bland or boring.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in your favorite soup pot over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and brown it on all sides, soaking up those spices. Don’t worry about cooking it through just yet—it’ll finish later and soak in even more flavor in the soup. Once the chicken is golden, scoop it out and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Drizzle in your second tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the onion, carrot, and red bell pepper. Let them cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re starting to soften and mingle their amazing smells. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute to really wake up the aroma.

Step 4: Add the BBQ Magic

Time to put it all together! Return the browned chicken to the pot, then pour in your BBQ sauce and stir so every bite gets coated in that sweet and tangy goodness. This is what turns a simple chicken soup into BBQ Chicken Soup—the flavor transformation happens right here.

Step 5: Build the Soup

Add the pinto beans, sweetcorn, and chicken stock. Stir everything together and crank up the heat until your soup comes to a lively boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to cozy up and become richer and deeper.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat and stir in that bright, fresh parsley—your secret pop of green freshness. Taste the soup, and add extra salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, with extra parsley or a sprinkle of chopped red onion if you’re feeling festive.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Soup

Garnishes

This is the moment to shine! A scoop of finely chopped red onion, a generous flurry of fresh parsley, or even crispy bacon bits on top can bring your BBQ Chicken Soup to the next level. Want even more zing? Add a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar, or a dash of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

Bowl in hand, why not add a trusty side? Classic cornbread is practically begging to be dunked, but crusty baguette or buttery garlic toast works wonders too. If you’re adding freshness, a crunchy slaw or a zesty green salad balances out the soup’s warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve BBQ Chicken Soup in small mugs for a party appetizer, or pour it over a baked potato for a heart-stopping dinner. Present it family-style in a big pot at the table, so everyone can scoop their own and add their favorite toppings. The BBQ theme makes it perfect for a casual gathering—maybe with a side of pickles or sliced jalapeños, just like a summer cookout!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

BBQ Chicken Soup keeps really well! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors just get richer as they rest, turning tomorrow’s lunch into something truly special. It stays tasty for up to 4 days.

Freezing

If you want to make a double batch or save some for a rainy day, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months—perfect for an emergency comfort food night.

Reheating

To warm things up, just pour the soup into a pot and heat gently over medium, stirring now and then until it’s piping hot. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. A quick microwave in a pinch works, too. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the soup thickens a bit as it sits.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for BBQ Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Shred or cube any leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken and add it after the veggies have sautéed. Just simmer long enough to heat it through and soak up the BBQ flavors.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

You bet! Swap the chicken for more beans (black or kidney are great) or cubed firm tofu. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and choose a vegetarian BBQ sauce for a plant-based version of BBQ Chicken Soup.

Which BBQ sauce should I use?

Follow your cravings—whether you love a smoky, spicy, sweet, or classic BBQ sauce, they’ll all shine through differently in the soup. If you prefer less sweetness, go for a sauce with extra tang or spice. Homemade BBQ sauce is always amazing if you have some on hand!

Can I add extra veggies?

Absolutely! Zucchini, diced tomatoes, or green beans make fantastic additions. Just chop your favorite veggies small so they cook evenly with the soup.

How do I make the soup spicier?

If you crave heat, try stirring in chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce right at the end. Some spicy BBQ sauces can do the trick all on their own.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new family favorite, BBQ Chicken Soup is equal parts comforting and exciting—a wonderful twist on classic barbecue flavors, all wrapped up in a bowl. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or a soup fanatic, give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular at your table!