Chicken, Chard, Bean, and Butternut Squash Soup Easy Recipe

I told you I was going healthy for the Superbowl.  We brought this  – Chicken, Chard, Bean, and Butternut Squash Soup.  We also brought some berries and Greek yogurt with honey – plus vegan chocolate avocado cupcakes. 

We did splurge though because my sister-in-law made some awesome queso with sausage that was great with chips and they also had some Buffalo Wild Wings.  It was a small gathering, but there was plenty of food and even though our favorite team was disappointed, we had a good time (well most of us).

I bought my butternut squash last fall at the farmer’s market.  We put them into baskets and stored them on shelves in the unheated basement.  The food doesn’t freeze down there, but it does get rather nippy downstairs.

Last year I tried storing them in a warmer spot, but some of my squash went bad.  This year, they are in perfect condition and not even drying out.  I’m thrilled that we put up a nice shelving unit to use for winter storage.

Anyway, I also have been trying to work with beans more, but dry beans not canned beans, and so that was the start of this soup. I roasted most of the vegetables in a glass pan in the oven until almost cooked.  I also baked the chicken breast rather than fry it up. 

I wanted the broth to be clear when I served it and not muddied, which is why I did it this way.  And to give it a nice bright taste, I grated lemon peel and squeezed lemon juice into it.  This soup is one of my best tastings, I recommend it for a family dinner, or a gathering of friends, or just the two of you.

Chicken, Chard, Bean, and Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash – peeled, seeded, and diced into 1-inch squares
• ½ onion diced into 1-inch squares
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 celery stalks diced into 1-inch squares
• 1 large cooked chicken breast – cooked and diced into 1-inch squares
• 2 cups prepared beans ( or 1 can of white beans such as northern
• 2 quarts chicken broth (or two large tetra paks)
• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp sage
• 1½ tsp paprika
• big bunch of chard leaves (about 4) chopped
• salt
• pepper

Instructions:

1. Take the first four ingredients and sprinkle lightly with olive oil, place in a single layer in a glass pan, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350 until the butternut squash softens.
2. Place the roasted ingredients in a soup pot along with the diced chicken, the beans (rinsed and drained), and the broth.
3. Grate the lemon rind into the broth and squeeze in the lemon juice.
4. Heat soup and when it starts to simmer, dump in the chard.
5. Simmer until chard has softened.
6. Salt and Pepper to taste.

My husband and I had two bowls, my sister-in-law had a couple of bowls, a friend had a bowl, plus there were a few leftovers.  It’s really a delicious tasty soup and yet it wasn’t all that difficult to throw together. 

You can do most of it ahead of time and then throw all of the ingredients together into the pot at a later time and finish the recipe.  You can also leave out the chicken for a nice vegetarian soup with a lot of flavors.

In a world of Superbowl indulgences and delightful gatherings, the Chicken, Chard, Bean, and Butternut Squash Soup stood out as a beacon of health and flavor. It wasn’t just a dish; it was a narrative woven through the textures and tastes of seasonal produce and culinary craftsmanship.

This culinary journey began with the foresight of storing butternut squash from a local farmer’s market, a decision that led to a perfect outcome due to a well-organized basement storage system. The tale continued with the exploration of dry beans, emphasizing wholesome ingredients and mindful cooking practices.

The recipe itself mirrored the essence of simplicity meeting sophistication. Roasting the vegetables and baking the chicken rather than conventional frying showcased a dedication to clarity of flavors and a healthier approach to cooking. The addition of lemon zest and juice elevated the soup, imparting a vibrant freshness that balanced the richness of the broth.

But this wasn’t just about the ingredients or the meticulous steps outlined. It was about the shared moments, the laughter around the table, and the warmth that emanated from enjoying a bowl of soup in good company. The gathering might have been small, but the culinary spread and the joy it brought were immense.

This soup transcended boundaries – it was versatile enough to suit various occasions. Whether it was a cozy family dinner, a convivial gathering of friends, or even a quiet evening for two, this soup held its ground as a culinary delight.

The versatility extended beyond occasions; it also catered to different dietary preferences. With the option to exclude chicken, it transformed seamlessly into a robust vegetarian alternative without compromising on the depth of flavors.

Beyond being a delicious creation, it was a testament to the idea that healthy eating need not be laborious or tasteless. The ease with which it came together, the ability to prepare most components in advance, and the simplicity of its execution underscored its accessibility.

As the bowls emptied and conversations flowed, it became evident that this soup was more than just sustenance. It was a culmination of efforts, an embodiment of seasonal bounty, and a celebration of mindful cooking. It resonated as a reminder that wholesome, flavorful meals can be both nourishing and delightful.

In a world often characterized by indulgence and extravagance, this Chicken, Chard, Bean, and Butternut Squash Soup stood tall, proving that simplicity, healthfulness, and exquisite taste could coexist harmoniously in a single bowl. So, here’s to savoring the joys of good food, good company, and the simple pleasures found in a well-crafted recipe.