Description
This Southwest Chicken Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings the essence of southwestern cuisine to your table. With tender chicken, bold spices, and wholesome vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for extra heat)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken, black beans, and frozen corn. Stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla strips.
Notes
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jalapeño or omit it entirely.
This soup can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with additional beans or lentils and using vegetable broth.
The soup stores well and the flavors improve after a day or two. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
To add more heat, increase the amount of jalapeño, use spicier chili powder, or add hot sauce to taste.
For a thicker texture, simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid.
For a faster meal, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
