Southwest Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. This savory soup combines black beans, corn, and cream cheese, making it a creamy comfort food that surpasses even the best restaurant recipes. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive gathering, this easy-to-make soup will warm your heart and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set this soup to cook in the Crockpot and let it do all the work.
• Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices, including cumin and chili powder, delivers a rich flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime you crave something warm and filling.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this soup serves eight and is sure to be a hit with everyone.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from beans, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker (Crockpot): This appliance allows for low-and-slow cooking, resulting in tender chicken and blended flavors without constant monitoring.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your Southwest Chicken Soup.
• Knife: A good knife simplifies chopping vegetables like onions and chilies, making prep fast and safe.

Ingredients

Beans and Vegetables

• 15.5 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15.25 ounces corn (undrained)
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 4 ounces diced green chilies (undrained)
• 1/2 cup diced onion

Broth and Seasonings

• 14.5 ounces chicken broth
• 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder

Protein

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 cups)

Creamy Element

• 8 ounces cream cheese (one brick) (room temperature)

How to Make Southwest Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the black beans, chop the onion, and gather all your seasonings.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker:
1. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Place the two boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture without stirring.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker with its lid:
– Set on low heat for 4 hours or until chicken is fully cooked.
– If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for about 2 hours.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
2. Shred them using two forks.
3. Return shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 6: Add Cream Cheese

Finally:
1. Add in the room temperature cream cheese.
2. Stir until melted and integrated into the soup for a creamy texture.

Enjoy your delicious Southwest Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Soup

Serving Southwest Chicken Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor that brightens the soup.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the taste and adds a zesty kick.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado balances the spices and adds richness.

Over Rice

• Brown Rice: Offers a hearty base that soaks up the flavors of the soup.
• White Rice: A classic choice that pairs well with the creamy texture of the soup.

In a Bread Bowl

• Sourdough Bread Bowl: Perfect for serving, this option is both fun and tasty, allowing you to enjoy every last bite.

Accompanied by Chips

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
• Pita Chips: A unique twist that adds extra flavor and crunch.

How to Perfect Southwest Chicken Soup

To achieve the best results with your Southwest Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or fewer green chilies according to your preference.
• Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the soup to simmer for longer develops deeper flavors.
• Add Extra Beans: For a heartier meal, include additional black beans or kidney beans.

Best Side Dishes for Southwest Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with Southwest Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread complements the spicy elements of the soup perfectly.
2. Guacamole: This creamy dip enhances flavors and offers a cooling effect against spice.
3. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A vibrant side that brings freshness and crunch to your table.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables add depth and balance out the richness of the soup.
5. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas provide a satisfying cheesy element alongside your soup.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs serves as a wonderful base for soaking up flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Southwest Chicken Soup can be a breeze, but avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish.

• Incorrect seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Use the right amounts of chili powder and cumin for flavor.
• Neglecting prep time: Skipping the initial chopping of ingredients can extend cooking time. Prepare all veggies before starting.
• Overcooking chicken: Leaving chicken in the Crockpot too long can make it dry. Monitor cooking times to keep it tender.
• Using cold cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese can lead to lumps. Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth texture.
• Skipping rinsing beans: Not rinsing black beans can result in a gritty soup. Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing for best freshness.

Freezing Southwest Chicken Soup

• Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months.
• Portion into individual servings to make reheating easier.

Reheating Southwest Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Southwest Chicken Soup that may help clarify your cooking process.

What is Southwest Chicken Soup?

Southwest Chicken Soup is a hearty dish made with chicken, black beans, corn, and creamy ingredients that create a rich flavor profile.

Can I customize my Southwest Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.

How do I make my soup spicier?

Add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. Give this comforting recipe a try; it’s perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Southwest Chicken Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately eight

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Description

Southwest Chicken Soup is a vibrant and hearty dish that brings the warmth of the Southwest right to your table. This comforting soup features tender chicken, black beans, sweet corn, and a creamy texture that makes it a favorite for both family dinners and gatherings. Bursting with flavor from spices like cumin and chili powder, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served at a festive occasion, this soup guarantees satisfaction in every bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15.5 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15.25 ounces corn (undrained)
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 4 ounces diced green chilies (undrained)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 14.5 ounces chicken broth
• 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 cups)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients: Drain and rinse beans, chop onion.
2. In a slow cooker, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, onion, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to mix.
3. Place chicken breasts on top without mixing.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for about 2 hours until chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the soup.
6. Add room temperature cream cheese and stir until melted and well combined.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: Low for 4 hours / High for about 2 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg