When the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, I always find myself craving something warm and comforting for dinner. If you’re like me and often wonder “What should I make for the kids tonight?” — this hearty chicken soup might just be your new go-to.

It’s one of my favorite fall recipes to share with friends and family because it’s simple, quick, and full of flavor. The broth is light yet satisfying, with tender cubes of chicken, sweet corn, earthy mushrooms, and creamy beans all coming together in a cozy bowl of goodness.

Hearty Chicken, White Bean, and Mushroom Chili Recipe

We love enjoying it with sliced cucumbers or crunchy carrots on the side, plus a steaming bowl of rice to make it a complete meal. And here’s the best part — you can easily use leftover roast chicken from the day before, which means less cooking and more time to enjoy your evening.

This soup isn’t just for cold weather either — it’s great for busy weeknights, when you want something nourishing but don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. You can even make a big batch and keep some in the fridge for quick lunches the next day.

So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and let’s make a soup that warms the heart, fills the belly, and brings a little extra comfort to your table.

Hearty Chicken, White Bean, and Mushroom Chili

Recipe by Salvia

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

This Mexican-inspired recipe is a flavorful and filling one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red or yellow bell pepper or both, diced
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 (15 oz) can cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup salsa (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Optional toppings: lime wedges, sour cream, avocado

Directions

Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the mushrooms and chicken: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown. Add the cubed chicken to the pot. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
Add seasonings and broth: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add beans and corn: Stir in the rinsed and drained white beans and corn. If using, add the salsa at this point. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the chili simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and any other desired toppings.

If rice isn’t your thing, a crusty slice of bread works beautifully for dipping into the golden, flavorful broth — trust me, it’s just as satisfying. You could even try warm tortillas on the side for a fun Mexican-inspired twist, or pair it with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.

This soup also keeps well, so don’t be shy about making a double batch. Store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze portions for a quick, ready-to-heat dinner on busy nights. I sometimes pack it in a thermos for my kids’ school lunch — they love opening it up to the comforting aroma of homemade soup.

And there you have it — a simple, hearty chicken soup that’s ready to bring warmth, comfort, and a smile to your table. Whether you serve it with rice, bread, tortillas, or just a big spoon, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together.

Happy cooking, and I hope this recipe becomes one of your family’s go-to favorites for many seasons to come!