Description
Southwest Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables and spices, capturing the essence of Southwestern cuisine.
Ingredients
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced sweet onion (about 1/2 onion)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (such as rotisserie chicken)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Chicken: Incorporate the shredded chicken into the soup and simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season and Finish: Stir in lime juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add optional toppings like sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla strips as desired.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider adding 4 ounces of softened cream cheese during step 5, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.