Description
Hearty Southwest chicken soup delivers a spicy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with zesty charm. Warm comfort and bold southwestern spirit combine in this comforting bowl that promises to satisfy deep hunger and warm culinary souls.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Beans and Corn:
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup (240 g) frozen or canned corn, drained
Base and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra flavor)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, introducing diced onions and sautéing until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.
- Incorporate minced garlic and allow it to dance in the oil for mere moments, creating a fragrant base that will permeate the entire dish.
- Introduce diced chicken to the pot, generously coating it with a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, stirring to ensure even distribution.
- Sear the chicken until its exterior develops a golden-brown hue, understanding that complete cooking will occur in subsequent steps.
- Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, allowing the liquid to embrace the seasoned proteins and create a robust foundation for the soup.
- Gently fold in black beans, pinto beans, and corn, letting them mingle and absorb the rich, developing flavors.
- Simmer the mixture, giving the ingredients time to harmonize and the chicken to reach perfect tenderness, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Brighten the soup with a splash of lime juice and a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro, tasting and adjusting seasonings to achieve a balanced profile.
- Serve the steaming soup in individual bowls, offering an array of garnishes such as shredded cheese, creamy avocado slices, crisp tortilla strips, or a dollop of sour cream for personalized enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder according to personal spice tolerance.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method, reducing overall cooking time.
- Swap beans for different varieties like kidney or white beans to create unique flavor profiles.
- Enhance protein options by substituting chicken with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg