This white bean chicken soup is inspired by the famous Portuguese hearty bean soups full of delicious flavors and textures. It's one of the quickest chicken soup recipes you will ever make with minimal ingredients needed and with only one stove pot required - cleaning up is a breeze!
Heat the oil in a medium stockpot over medium heat, then fry the bacon until almost crisp - about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to drain and set aside.
Add the onion, celery and red pepper and cook until softened, about 4 - 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for about 3 more minutes, stirring often.
Add the bay leaves, salt, pepper and cayenne and stir for about another minute or two, then add the stock and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add the chicken, beans and cooked bacon, then cook until the chicken is heated through - about 10 more minutes.
Serve garnished with Parmesan and a nice crusty bread on the side.