Warm up with a delightful bowl of Southwest Chicken Soup, where tender chicken meets vibrant veggies and bold spices for a comforting dish. This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep or serving guests, featuring simple ingredients and quick steps. Elevate your lunch or dinner with fresh garnishes like cilantro and avocado for an extra zing! Click to explore the full recipe and bring this flavorful dish to your table today!
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Avocado slices (for topping)
Lime wedges (for serving)
![- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium preferred - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro - Avocado slices - Lime wedges When I create Southwest Chicken Soup, I start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken adds protein, while the veggies give flavor and crunch. I love using bell peppers for a sweet touch. Canned goods like black beans and corn offer convenience and flavor without much effort. For spices, taco seasoning and smoked paprika bring warmth. These spices dance together, creating a rich base for the soup. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. For a special touch, I like to add fresh cilantro and creamy avocado on top. The lime wedges add a bright zing when you squeeze them in. These garnishes not only look pretty but also boost the soup's taste. If you're ready to make this delightful dish, check out the Full Recipe for all the steps! - Sauté the chicken First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add one pound of diced chicken. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it browns and cooks through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. - Cook the onion and garlic In the same pot, add one medium diced onion and two minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and clear. This step builds a strong flavor base for your soup. - Add bell peppers and the remaining ingredients Next, stir in one diced red bell pepper and one diced yellow bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften. Then, return the chicken to the pot. Add one can of rinsed black beans, one can of drained corn, and one can of diced tomatoes with juice. Pour in four cups of chicken broth, and mix in two tablespoons of taco seasoning, one teaspoon of ground cumin, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Bring to a boil then simmer Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together well. - Adjust seasoning After simmering, taste your soup. If it needs more flavor, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like it spicier, add more taco seasoning. - Prepare for serving When it's time to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado. For a zesty kick, squeeze a lime wedge over each bowl. Enjoy this vibrant and warming dish! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Choosing the right chicken matters. I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender in the soup. You can also use thighs for more flavor, but remember they take a bit longer to cook. For the best flavor, I like to sauté the chicken first. This step adds a nice brown crust. It helps to deepen the taste of the soup. After cooking the chicken, you can use the same pot for the veggies. This keeps all those yummy bits stuck to the bottom. They will add great flavor to your soup. Presentation makes your dish stand out. Serve your soup in colorful bowls. I love adding fresh cilantro on top for a pop of green. Avocado slices also look great and add creaminess. For side dishes, I recommend cornbread. It pairs perfectly with the soup’s spices. You can also serve tortilla chips for crunch. They add a fun texture and taste. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more serving ideas! {{image_4}} You can change the proteins in this soup. If you want, use turkey instead of chicken. Turkey gives a nice flavor and is leaner. Tofu is a great choice too. It makes the soup plant-based and is rich in protein. For beans, you don’t have to stick with black beans. Try pinto or kidney beans for a different taste. You can also add chickpeas for more protein and texture. When it comes to vegetables, feel free to be creative. Zucchini or carrots can add a nice crunch and color. Want to kick up the heat? Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to your soup. Both give a nice spicy kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the heat. Herbs can also boost the taste. Add fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist. You can even try adding a bay leaf while it simmers. Just remember to take it out before serving. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. To store your Southwest Chicken Soup, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, pour the soup into freezer-safe bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the bags tightly and label them with the date. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. Enjoy your soup as if it were fresh! To make your Southwest Chicken Soup spicy, you have a few great options. You can add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for heat. Another choice is to sprinkle in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also increase the amount of taco seasoning to boost the spice level. Each option offers a unique flavor twist. Experiment with these additions to find your perfect heat level. Yes, you can make this soup in advance! It stores well in the fridge. Prepare the soup and let it cool before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove. Southwest Chicken Soup offers many health benefits. The chicken provides lean protein, which helps build muscle. Beans are high in fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, boosting your immune system. Tomatoes add antioxidants, which are good for heart health. This soup packs a nutritious punch while being tasty and satisfying. Enjoy the benefits with each bowl! This blog post covered how to make delicious Southwest Chicken Soup. We explored key ingredients like chicken, beans, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining these foods. You learned tips for both flavor and presentation. Lastly, we discussed variations and storage methods. Remember, this soup is easy to make and packed with flavor. You can adjust it to fit your taste. Enjoy making it your own!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1a1352f2-3e73-42c6-a410-c7e3733a1c24-250x250.webp)