Delicious Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe – A Must-Try

by Julia
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August 14, 2023

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Embark on a culinary adventure with our Southwestern Chicken Soup, a zesty fusion of tender chicken, black beans, and corn, all dancing in a spicy broth that’s sure to awaken your taste buds. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, this soup is a vibrant medley of flavors and textures. Topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a soul-warming bowl of goodness that promises a delightful kick with every mouthful. Dive in and savor the fiesta!

Indulge your senses in the symphony of robust flavors with our Southwestern Chicken Soup, a delightful homage to American regional cuisine. This heartwarming recipe is a tantalizing amalgamation of tender chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and earthy spices, each bite guaranteeing a taste of the Southwest.

Rich in protein and brimming with nutrients, it’s the quintessential comfort food that nourishes both body and soul. Rainy days or cool nights, our soup is the answer to your culinary quest.

It beckons families to gather around the dining table, fostering moments of shared joy and creating memories of love and togetherness.

This is not just a recipe – it’s a journey. Come, let’s voyage together into the culinary wonders of the Southwest. Don’t just feed; celebrate life with every spoonful of our Southwestern Chicken Soup. Bon voyage and Bon appétit!

What Is Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe?

Southwestern Chicken Soup is a hearty, nutrient-packed dish inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest. It blends succulent pieces of chicken with a colorful array of vegetables like corn, beans, and bell peppers.

The soup gets its distinct kick from a medley of spices, including chili powder and cumin. Finished with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro, it perfectly balances savory, spicy, and tangy elements. This one-pot wonder is not just a meal but a vibrant culinary experience.

Can You Vary Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Southwestern Chicken Soup is versatile and can be adjusted to accommodate various dietary preferences:

Keto Replace beans with low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Consider adding more chicken or even some avocado for extra healthy fats.
Paleo Similar to Keto, replace beans with other veggies. Ensure to use homemade or specific Paleo-friendly chicken stock.
Gluten-Free This recipe is typically gluten-free, but always double-check your chicken stock/broth to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.
Whole30 Skip the corn and beans and add more Whole30-compliant veggies. Again, make sure your chicken stock is compliant.
Vegetarian Substitute the chicken with extra beans or add hearty veggies like squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Vegan Follow the vegetarian version and also replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Remember to use vegetable broth.

Recipe Directions

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sauté them until lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavors and adds a depth of richness to the stew.
Once the chicken is lightly browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a 5-quart slow cooker. This will allow any excess oil to stay behind in the skillet.
Add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker with the chicken.
Pour the undrained diced tomatoes, frozen peas, and frozen corn kernels into the slow cooker.
Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf to the mixture.
Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the chicken broth may already contain some salt, so adjust accordingly.
Give all the ingredients a gentle stir to combine everything evenly.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the stew on low for 7 to 8 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously comforting stew.
Before serving, stir the stew to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Optionally, garnish the stew with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Swap chicken with turkey, beef, or plant-based proteins for a different flavor profile.
Add rice or quinoa to make the soup more filling.
Infuse a smoky flavor by adding chipotle peppers or smoked paprika.

Add-Ons

Amp up the vegetables with additions like zucchini, spinach, or kale.
Spice it up with jalapenos or serrano peppers for extra heat.
Incorporate other beans like black beans or pinto beans for more variety.

Toppings

Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness.
Squeeze lime juice over the soup to enhance its tangy flavor.
Sprinkle shredded cheese for a creamy, melty topping.
Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat.
Add crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
Include avocado slices for a creamy, healthy fat addition.

Can I Make Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can easily adapt the Southwestern Chicken Soup recipe for both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot.

Slow Cooker

Brown the chicken in a skillet as usual, then transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, and stir to combine.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 7-8 hours.
Stir the soup well before serving, and add garnishes as desired.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the chicken with oil.
Once browned, add the rest of the ingredients to the pot.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes.
After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
Stir before serving and garnish as desired.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can definitely use store-bought broth for your Southwestern Chicken Soup recipe. It’s a convenient option, especially if you’re short on time. When choosing a store-bought broth, opt for a low-sodium version so you can control the salt level in your soup.

However, making homemade chicken broth can elevate your soup if you have the time and ingredients. Homemade broth often has a richer, deeper flavor because you can personalize it with your choice of vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Additionally, it’s free from preservatives and additives often found in store-bought versions.

How To Serve?

Serving the Southwestern Chicken Soup involves more than just ladling it into a bowl. Here’s how you can make it a complete and delightful meal:

Bowls: Serve the soup in deep, wide bowls to make it easy to scoop up both the broth and hearty ingredients.
Garnishes: Remember to garnish! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or even some crushed tortilla chips can add another layer of flavor and texture.
Accompaniments: Although the soup is a complete meal in itself, you could pair it with a side salad or a slice of crusty bread to make it even more satisfying.
Temperature: The soup is best served hot. The heat intensifies the flavors and makes it a perfect comfort meal.

Perfect Side Dishes

Cornbread: The slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture of cornbread complement the hearty, spicy soup perfectly.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa or Guacamole: These add a crunchy texture and tie in with the Southwestern theme.
Green Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette can contrast refreshingly with the rich soup.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers: If you’re enjoying your meal al fresco, some lightly grilled vegetables can complement the robust flavors of the soup.
Quinoa or Rice: If you want to add more heft to the meal, a side of quinoa or rice can do the trick.
Cheese Quesadilla: A crispy quesadilla filled with melting cheese can be a delicious and comforting addition.

Storage & Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftover Southwestern Chicken Soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and improve over time.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Make Ahead: Create the soup base ahead, excluding toppings like avocado and cilantro. Refrigerate the base for up to 24 hours. Before serving, reheat the base and add fresh ingredients for a burst of flavors.
Ingredients to Add Later: Reserve toppings and delicate elements until just before serving for optimal texture and taste.
Marrying Flavors: Allowing the soup to rest in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before reheating enhances the Southwestern spices.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Leftover Southwestern Chicken Soup can be the base for a variety of creative meals:

Enchilada Filling: Use the soup as a filling for enchiladas. Top with sauce and cheese and bake.
Rice Stir-In: Stir leftover soup into cooked rice or quinoa for a flavorful side dish.
Chicken Tacos: Shred the chicken, reduce the broth, and use the mix as a filling for tacos.
Stuffed Peppers: Fill hollowed-out bell peppers with the soup, top with cheese, and bake.
Pasta Sauce: Reduce the broth to make a chunky sauce for pasta. Top with grated cheese.
Shepherd’s Pie: Use the soup as a filling for a comforting Shepherd’s Pie.
Quesadilla Filling: Use the soup (minus some broth) as a hearty quesadilla filling.

TIPS

Grilled Corn Magic: Elevate your Southwestern Chicken Soup by adding charred, grilled corn for a smoky, sweet burst in every spoonful.
Tortilla Strip Crunch: Instead of regular croutons, top your soup with crispy tortilla strips for that perfect southwestern crunch.
Avocado Salsa Fresca: Kick up the freshness with a spoonful of homemade avocado salsa fresca, blending creamy avocado, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Lime Infusion: Squeeze a generous amount of fresh lime juice just before serving to add a citrusy zing that brightens the entire dish.
Chipotle Heat Wave: Introduce a smoky heat by stirring in a touch of chipotle pepper puree for a flavor-packed punch.