Craving a soup that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant Southwest with just one spoonful? Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty chicken, zesty spices, and a burst of Mexican-inspired flavors! This Southwest Chicken Rice Soup is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will warm your soul and tantalize your senses in less than 40 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish that screams flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort classic.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of cooked and diced chicken breast, 1 cup of corn, 1 cup of rinsed black beans, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 tsp of chili powder, salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the pot, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Increase the heat to medium-high to speed up the process, then reduce it back to medium once it starts bubbling.
- Stir in the chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the soup is heated through and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your Southwest Chicken Rice Soup hot!
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful chicken, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or quickly grill and dice fresh chicken breast before adding to the soup.
- Want to amp up the flavor? Toast your chili powder in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to release its full aromatic potential.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can partially mash some of the black beans or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency.
- Make this soup even more nutritious by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach.
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning the soup.
- This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option.
- For added texture and freshness, serve with a squeeze of lime juice and additional fresh cilantro on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
