Spice Up Your Dinner Routine: Chicken Fiesta Soup Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I love to cook up a storm and entertain guests! Today, I’m sharing with you one of my all-time favorite chicken soup recipes that is sure to have your taste buds dancing with pleasure. I call it the Chicken Fiesta Soup Recipe – a Mexican fiesta soup that gives chicken soup a run for its money!
Are you tired of the same old boring chicken soups? Well, sit tight because this recipe is anything but boring. With a burst of flavors from diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, salsa, and chili powder, combined with the juicy and tender goodness of white meat chicken, this soup will win over even the pickiest eaters.
Worried about calories? Don’t be! This recipe packs a punch without packing on the pounds. It’s low in carbs and can easily be made dairy-free if needed.
If you’re a fan of soups that are easy to make and crowd-pleasers at parties, then this recipe is for you. Plus, it’s a slow cooker recipe, so once you prep your ingredients, you can sit back and relax while your soup simmers to perfection.
So put on your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a comforting and flavorful soup recipe that’s sure to impress your guests? Look no further than this chicken fiesta soup recipe!
Firstly, this recipe is made with tender white meat chicken, offering a healthier alternative to traditional beef-based soups. The combination of salsa, chili powder, and taco seasoning gives the chicken a bold and zesty flavor that will instantly transport you to a Mexican fiesta.
But what truly sets this soup apart is the addition of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. These ingredients not only add depth and texture to the dish but also provide essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you’re following a low-carb diet, simply omit the corn and replace the black beans with kidney beans. And for those who are dairy-free, skip out on adding cream cheese as a topping.
In addition to being delicious and nutritious, this chicken fiesta soup is also incredibly easy to make. It can be cooked in a slow cooker or on the stove-top, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Trust me; once you try this chicken fiesta soup recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals for every occasion. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious bowl of comfort food!
Ingredient List
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Note: You can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or taco seasoning. Also, feel free to use rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s start cooking Fiesta Chicken Soup. This recipe is perfect for those who love spicy and flavorful soups.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that white meat chicken cooked! In a pot, add 3 cups of chicken broth and heat it up over medium heat. Then, add your chicken breasts into the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce it to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and place it onto a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken by pulling it apart in opposite directions. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Soup Base
In a slow cooker, add in diced tomatoes (15oz), corn(1 can), black beans (1 can), kidney beans(1 can) and 3 cups of chicken broth. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Then, add the shredded chicken into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add Flavor
To add just the right amount of spice blend, we’ll use a combination of chili powder (1 tbsp) and taco seasoning (1 ½ tbsp). Mix them together in a small bowl before adding into your slow cooker. Add in cheese cream (2 ounces) if you prefer a cheesy consistency.
Step 5: Cook The Soup
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set on Low for 6-8 hours or for quicker cooking cooks on High for 4 hours.
And voila! Your savory dish is ready to be served.
Tip: If you want to make this recipe even more filling or nutritious you can add some rice, avocado or Greek yogurt on top.
Enjoy your homemade spicy and vibrant Fiesta Chicken Soup!
Substitutions and Variations
Got a picky eater or someone with dietary restrictions? Not a problem! Here are some substitutions and variations to make this Chicken Fiesta Soup recipe work for anyone.
Low Carb: If you’re on a low-carb diet, simply omit the corn and beans from the recipe. Replace them with some sliced zucchini or other low-carb vegetables if you’d like.
Rotisserie Chicken: Short on time or looking for an even easier way to prepare this dish? Pick up a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store and use it instead of cooking the chicken breasts yourself. Shred the chicken and add it to the soup when you would have added the cooked chicken.
Dairy-Free: If you’re lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, leave out the cream cheese at the end of the recipe. Instead, try adding a dollop of coconut cream for a creamy touch without any dairy.
Mexican Fiesta Soup: Want to add even more Mexican flavors to this soup? Try adding some diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or chopped cilantro as toppings right before serving. You could also drizzle some hot sauce or squeeze some fresh lime juice over it.
Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and substitute cooked lentils or chickpeas for the chicken. You could also add some diced sweet potato or squash for extra heartiness.
Cheesy Enchilada Soup: For a cheesy twist on this soup, try adding shredded cheddar cheese to it towards the end of cooking time – or melt it on top when serving. You can also mix in some enchilada sauce to bring out some even more southwestern flavors.
This Chicken Fiesta Soup recipe is totally customizable to your preferences, so don’t be afraid to play around with different variations until you find your new favorite recipe!
Serving and Pairing
It’s time to serve up your fiesta chicken soup! This soup can be a hearty meal on its own or can be paired with some delicious sides. One of my favorite ways to serve this soup is by topping it with some freshly shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro and a dash of lime juice. The creamy texture of the avocado and the tangy lime juice compliments the flavors in this soup perfectly.
Another delicious pairing for the chicken fiesta soup is tortilla chips. You can crumble them up and sprinkle them over the top of your soup, giving it an extra crunch. Adding some jalapeños or hot sauce will give a heat kick to this already spicy dish.
If you’re looking for something more filling, try serving the soup over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice soaks up all the flavors and gives the dish a nice “mound” taste to enjoy.
This soup also pairs well with a cold beer or margarita for those who prefer alcoholic beverages.
Looking for alternatives? You can swap out the white meat chicken with boneless skinless chicken thighs for those who prefer dark meat or make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adding some extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
No matter what you pair with it, this flavorful and versatile soup is sure to please and it’s perfect for entertaining with friends or family on any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make this chicken fiesta soup ahead of time, I recommend assembling all the ingredients the night before and then tossing them into your slow cooker in the morning. That way, you can enjoy the rich aroma of this Mexican fiesta soup as it steadily simmers throughout the day.
After cooking, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Don’t forget to label and date it! Put it in the refrigerator and it should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To reheat the chicken fiesta soup, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a pot and warm it over medium heat while stirring occasionally.
If you find that your soup has thickened upon reheating, no need to worry. Simply add a splash of chicken stock or some water until you achieve your desired consistency.
But what if you have leftovers that you don’t know what to do with or perhaps want to save them for another time? The good news is that this chicken fiesta soup recipe freezes quite well. Once cooled and transferred into freezer-safe containers, it can keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your fiesta chicken soup again, put it in the fridge overnight to thaw before reheating as described above. And just like that, you’ll be able to dig into a warm bowl of deliciousness without any fuss or hassle.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps to make this mouth-watering chicken fiesta soup recipe, let’s make sure it turns out perfect. Here are some tips you can follow:
Firstly, when cooking the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, make sure they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly on all sides and be infused with the flavors of the soup.
Secondly, if you’re using a slow cooker for this recipe, let it work its magic. The slow-cooking process allows all the ingredients to blend together, resulting in a delicious and flavorful soup. Be patient and allow the soup to cook for at least 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.
Thirdly, don’t skip the step of sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds layers of flavor to the soup that you won’t want to miss out on.
Next, feel free to experiment with different types of salsa or chili powder to add more depth of flavor. You can try adding smoky chipotle salsa or spicy habanero salsa for an extra kick.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for a low-carb option, skip the corn and beans and serve with avocado or sliced jalapeños instead. You can also make it dairy-free by omitting the cream cheese and garnishing with cilantro and lime juice.
Additionally, if you decide to make this recipe ahead of time, wait until just before serving to add the shredded chicken. This will ensure that it stays tender and juicy.
Moreover, feel free to double or triple this recipe if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days or can be frozen for up to three months.
Overall, have fun with this recipe and don’t hesitate to make it your own by trying out different variations and combinations of ingredients. Your taste buds (and friends) will thank you!
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered everything from the ingredients list to the serving and pairing options, you may still have a few questions. Here are some of the most common questions that arise when people attempt this recipe, along with my best answers:
What gives chicken soup the most flavor?
When it comes to crafting a delicious chicken soup, spices can make all the difference. For optimal flavor, consider using paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in combination with hearty herbs like bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and coriander. Other tasty options can include marjoram, oregano, and rosemary, which can add an extra layer of depth to the dish.
How do you make chicken soup taste richer?
To enhance the taste of your broth, there are several ingredients that you can use to add a deep, savory flavor. Consider adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso to your broth recipe. These ingredients provide a boost of umami and richness to your broth.
Why do people put lemon juice in chicken noodle soup?
Adding lemon to chicken soup can transform the dish by enhancing the flavors and bringing balance to the richness of the ingredients. Just like how a vinaigrette lifts the flavors of a salad, pickle elevates a burger, and sour cream brings a coffee cake to the next level, lemon juice works wonders in chicken soup by giving it a bright and refreshing taste.
What are the ingredients in taco soup?
For this recipe, we’ll need some ground beef, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, pinto beans, corn, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and bay leaves.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken Fiesta Soup recipe is one of the best you can add to your soup game. Its versatility makes it an ideal meal for weeknights or special occasions where you want to impress your guests. This recipe can cater to different dietary needs, whether you are vegetarian, low-carb, or dairy-free. Furthermore, chicken fiesta soup pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes and beverages, giving you an array of servings to choose from. Whether you prefer wine, beer, or soda, Chicken Fiesta Soup will not disappoint.
I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own by incorporating the substitutions and variations mentioned above. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with other ingredients that suit your preferences. Remember to follow the tips for perfect results and store any leftovers adequately for later consumption.
If you need inspiration on how to serve Chicken Fiesta Soup, check out some recipes from Yard House, QDOBA, CPK, El Pollo Loco, among others. They offer a variety of ways to present their soups that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Don’t wait any longer; add Chicken Fiesta Soup Recipe to your cooking repertoire today!
Chicken Fiesta Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) can fat-free refried beans
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can reduced-fat chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 (5 ounce) can white meat chicken
Instructions
- Place everything in a medium sized pot, drain corn if desired but not necessary. Heat it up and eat it up. As with most homemade soups, it is better the next day when all the flavors have melded together but there's no need to wait.
- 1 point per cup.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!