Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the bacon slice.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and crisp the bacon until golden and the fat has rendered.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear until lightly browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper, cooking for one minute until the spices are fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed cannellini beans, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the leaves are wilted and bright green before serving.