Southwest Chicken Soup

Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m SO excited to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes with you. We’re diving headfirst into a bowl of pure deliciousness. This isn’t just any soup; we’re talking about my amazing Southwest Chicken Soup!

I remember the night this incredible Southwest Chicken Soup came to life. It was late, I was hungry, and the fridge was looking…well, interesting. Leftover grilled chicken, some sad-looking veggies, and a can of diced tomatoes stared back at me.

Then, the magic happened! I tossed everything into a pot, added some spices, and let it simmer. The aromas filled my kitchen, promising something special. That night, Southwest Chicken Soup was born! A total flavor explosion that turned a random fridge raid into my family’s favorite dinner. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps-3 for a delicious and easy meal.

This Southwest Chicken Soup transforms any meal into a fiesta. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and a good movie. This recipe is pure comfort, but with a bold, zesty twist.

It all starts with simple ingredients and ends with a flavor that’ll make you do a little happy dance! Seriously, this Southwest Chicken Soup is that good. Are you ready to turn your weeknight dinner into something truly special?

Let’s get cooking and create some delicious magic together! I can’t wait to share my secrets for the most incredible Southwest Chicken Soup you’ve ever tasted. Get your spoons ready – you’re in for a treat!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Southwest Chicken Soup ingredient list is all about layering those zesty flavors that actually work together! It’s not about complicated ingredients; it’s about bold tastes that make your taste buds sing. Plus, everything is easy to find in your usual grocery store!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing our veggies.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory foundation.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that garlicky goodness we all crave.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: A burst of color and sweetness.
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced: Hello, flavor! Adjust to your spice preference.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: A must for that classic Southwest flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: This ingredient gives a smoky kick that enhances everything.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The liquid gold that brings it all together.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and texture.
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Because beans make everything better.
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained: Sweetness that balances the spice.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I use leftover grilled chicken for the best flavor!
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: For a creamy, dreamy texture.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key, my friends!
• Optional toppings: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado

Here’s my Southwest Chicken Soup secret weapon: a squeeze of lime juice right before serving! It brightens up all the flavors and adds that perfect zing. Don’t skip it!

No worries if you don’t have heavy cream – I use sour cream all the time in my Southwest Chicken Soup for similar creaminess and tangy twist. It’s a fantastic substitute and adds a unique flavor dimension.

For a shortcut, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store instead of cooking your own. It saves time and still adds a ton of flavor to your Southwest Chicken Soup. Easy peasy!

To keep your herbs fresh, store your cilantro in a glass of water in the fridge, like a bouquet. It’ll last way longer! I also love adding extra smoked paprika to my version of Southwest Chicken Soup for that extra kick. It really makes the flavors pop!

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s make some delicious magic! This is my favorite part of making Southwest Chicken Soup – watching it all come together. Don’t worry, it’s super simple. I’ll walk you through every step like we’re cooking together in my kitchen!

1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are slightly tender. This is where the magic starts happening!
2. Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Your easy Southwest Chicken Soup should smell absolutely incredible right now! The aroma of those spices is intoxicating.
3. Pour in the Goodness: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer. This is the base of our Southwest Chicken Soup, and it’s already smelling amazing.
4. Add the Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn. These add texture and flavor that takes our soup to the next level. We are building something special here!
5. Simmer Away: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. In my kitchen, this Southwest Chicken Soup usually takes about 20 minutes to reach peak deliciousness.
6. Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Cook for another 5 minutes to heat through. Make sure the chicken is heated and delicious for our Southwest Chicken Soup.
7. Cream It Up: Stir in the heavy cream and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the creaminess takes this Southwest Chicken Soup to another level!
8. Serve it Hot: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. I love a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and some crunchy tortilla chips!

Don’t worry if your Southwest Chicken Soup looks a little chunky at this stage – that’s what we want! It means you’ve got tons of delicious ingredients packed in there. If you like a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend it.

While your Southwest Chicken Soup is simmering, get ready for some amazing aromas! The spices will fill your kitchen and make everyone hungry. I’ve found that adding the heavy cream slowly prevents any curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

My happy accident discovery: a splash of hot sauce right before serving! It adds an extra layer of heat that complements the other flavors perfectly. It adds a kick to the already amazing Southwest Chicken Soup.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Southwest Chicken Soup hits the table, especially with all the yummy toppings! It’s all about creating a delicious and exciting experience. If you want more ways to enjoy chicken soup, check out my Chicken Pot Pie Soup that really takes soup to the next level.

I love to serve this Southwest Chicken Soup with a big pile of tortilla chips for dipping and scooping. The crunch adds a fantastic texture contrast to the creamy soup. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese is a must! The melted cheese adds a comforting, gooey element that everyone loves.

A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy soup. I also love adding a few slices of avocado for a creamy, healthy fat boost. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, fresh finish. You can find similar recipes if you browse Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup for more ideas.

This Southwest Chicken Soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a great option for game nights, potlucks, or any casual get-together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit.

For bold flavor pairings, try serving this soup with a side of cornbread or a Mexican-inspired salad. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the spicy soup perfectly. A fresh salad with a lime vinaigrette adds a bright, refreshing contrast.

My creative leftover transformation: Southwest Chicken Soup quesadillas! I layer the soup with cheese between two tortillas and grill until golden brown and melty. It’s a delicious and easy way to use up leftovers.

For a fusion variation, try adding a dollop of pesto to your bowl of soup. The basil and garlic add a unique twist that complements the Southwest flavors surprisingly well. It’s a crazy-good mix!

I get the best reactions when I serve this Southwest Chicken Soup in individual bowls with all the toppings arranged artfully. Presentation matters, my friends! It makes the meal feel even more special.

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about my creamy Southwest Chicken Soup, along with my best tips and tricks.

• Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Southwest Chicken Soup? Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. If you can chop veggies and stir a pot, you can make this soup.
• What if I mess up my Southwest Chicken Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Don’t sweat it! Even if you overcook the veggies or add too much spice, it’ll still be delicious. Soup is very forgiving. Think about it – do you have a spicy chicken soup?
• How can I prep this Southwest Chicken Soup for busy weeknights? Chop the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time or use rotisserie chicken. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just toss everything into the pot!
• Can I make this Southwest Chicken Soup vegetarian? Of course! Just omit the chicken and add more beans or veggies. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• How long does this Southwest Chicken Soup last in the fridge? It’ll keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better over time!
• Can I freeze this Southwest Chicken Soup? Yes! Let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• What if I don’t have heavy cream? Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. You can also use milk, but it won’t be as rich. This can also give you a creamy southwest soup.
• My Southwest Chicken Soup is too spicy! What do I do? Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool it down. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
• My Southwest Chicken Soup is too thick! What do I do? Add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

CONCLUSION:

This Southwest Chicken Soup brings me so much joy because it’s a simple, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly night or to bring a little sunshine to a gloomy day. It reminds me of another family favorite, my Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s another classic comfort food with a special Nyla twist.

My Southwest Chicken Soup Flavor Secrets:

1. Smoked Paprika is Key: Don’t skip the smoked paprika! It adds a smoky depth that takes this soup to the next level.
2. Fresh Cilantro Finish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro right before serving adds a burst of freshness that brightens all the flavors.
3. Lime Juice Zing: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving is a game-changer! It adds a zesty kick that ties everything together.

I’ve tested a few variations on this recipe. First, a Southwest Chicken Soup with roasted poblano peppers for an extra layer of smoky heat – perfect for chilly evenings! Second, a creamy Southwest Chicken Soup with sweet potato for added sweetness and creaminess, which is amazing for potlucks! Third, a lighter Southwest Chicken Soup with quinoa for a healthy, protein-packed twist, great for a post-workout meal!

Trust your taste buds and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different spices, toppings, and ingredients to create your own unique version of easy Southwest Chicken Soup.

I’m so excited for you to try this Southwest Chicken Soup and experience the delicious magic for yourself! Get ready for a flavor adventure that will warm your soul and make you do a little happy dance.

For another flavor adventure, be sure to check out this Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup – The Cozy Cook. It’s one amazing way to make chicken soup. You can also find similar recipes if you browse Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup [+ Video]. Enjoy!

Southwest Chicken Soup

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This hearty Southwest Chicken Soup is packed with flavor from tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of Southwestern spices. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for a chilly evening.

• Author: Nyla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Southwest

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the flavors have melded.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing.