Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup Fiesta
This Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup Fiesta is a flavorful and comforting dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, spice-infused broth, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every spoonful.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle
- Mixing spoon
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 8 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream optional
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for garnish
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Diced avocado, for garnish
- Tortilla strips, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), green chiles, corn, and black beans.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream (if using) for added richness.
- Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime are all fantastic choices.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust the spice level by omitting or increasing the cayenne pepper. For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. To freeze, cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.