Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched flavors of the Southwest with a steaming bowl of Southwestern Chicken Soup. This hearty and vibrant dish captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine, combining tender chicken, savory beans, sweet corn, and aromatic spices into a comforting and satisfying meal.
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At the heart of this soup is succulent diced chicken, seared to perfection before being simmered alongside a medley of colorful vegetables. The combination of diced onions, bell peppers, and optional jalapeños adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, while black beans and corn contribute a delightful sweetness and texture.
What truly sets this Southwestern Chicken Soup apart is its rich and aromatic seasoning. A blend of ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika infuses the broth with layers of smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy flavors, reminiscent of the bold spices found in traditional Southwestern cuisine.
Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges, avocado slices, and crispy tortilla strips on the side, each spoonful of this soup offers a symphony of flavors and textures that dance across the palate. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or served as a festive dish for gatherings with friends and family, this Southwestern Chicken Soup is sure to leave you craving more of its Southwestern charm. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the Southwest in every delicious bite.
Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this hearty and satisfying Southwestern Chicken Soup. Bursting with bold spices, tender chicken, and an array of colorful vegetables, this soup is a celebration of Southwest cuisine that’s sure to warm both body and soul.
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or orange for added color)
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1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (optional, for heat)
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
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1 cup frozen corn kernels
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Lime wedges (for serving)
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Avocado slices (for serving)
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Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, frozen corn kernels, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
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Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Ladle the Southwestern Chicken Soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges, avocado slices, and tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on the side.
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Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Southwestern Chicken Soup as a wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week. Adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less jalapeño pepper, according to your taste preferences. Get ready to savor the rich and robust flavors of the Southwest in every spoonful of this delicious soup!
