Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Navy Bean & Chicken Soup?
It is a nourishing, wholesome blend of protein-rich chicken and fiber-packed navy beans designed for a hearty meal.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: dried navy beans, water, chicken breast, white pepper, green onions, and baby carrots.
What type of beans are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for dried navy beans.
How much water is needed in total?
A total of 18 cups of water is used: 8 cups for soaking the beans and 10 cups for boiling the chicken.
What is the recommended amount of chicken breast?
Use 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken breast.
How much white pepper should be added?
The recipe requires 0.5 teaspoon of ground white pepper.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 5 stalks of green onions.
What quantity of baby carrots is used?
The recipe uses 0.25 pounds of baby carrots.
How long should the dried navy beans be boiled initially?
Bring the beans to a vigorous boil for 2 minutes before soaking.
What is the minimum soaking time for the beans?
The beans should soak for at least 1 hour.
Can I soak the navy beans longer than one hour?
Yes, you can soak them for up to 4 hours if desired.
Should the beans be rinsed after soaking?
Yes, drain and rinse the beans well to remove any residual impurities after the soaking period.
What size should the chicken chunks be?
Cut the chicken into 1/2 to 3/4 inch chunks.
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken breast?
It takes approximately 15 minutes of boiling for frozen chicken to be tender enough to cut into chunks.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The tops should be cut into 1/4 inch pieces and the remaining parts should be thinly sliced.
How thick should the baby carrots be sliced?
The baby carrots should be sliced 1/4 inch thick.
When do I add the sliced green onion bottoms?
Add them once the chicken is cooked, along with the beans, carrots, and white pepper.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans reach the desired tenderness.
At what heat should the soup be simmered?
The soup should be simmered on low heat.
When are the green onion tops added to the soup?
Add the reserved green onion tops during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
Does this soup contain added salt?
No, this recipe is designed with no added salt for a healthy profile.
Is this soup a good source of fiber?
Yes, the navy beans make this a fiber-packed meal.
How should the soup be served?
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Can I use raw chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, simply cut raw chicken into chunks and add it to the pot with water.
Can leftovers be stored for later?
Yes, leftovers can be refrigerated for a convenient meal later.
What weight of navy beans is required?
The recipe requires 0.5 pounds of dried navy beans.
What flavor provides the kick in this soup?
A hint of white pepper adds a delightful kick to the natural flavors.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include soup, one dish meal, healthy, fiber-rich, and comfort food.
Is this recipe suitable for busy days?
Yes, it is an easy-to-follow recipe that works well for meal planning.
How often should I stir the soup while it simmers?
You should stir the soup occasionally while it is covered and simmering on low heat.