Southwest Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its blend of black beans, corn, and cream cheese, this soup is not only easy to make but also perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Just toss the ingredients in your Crockpot and let it do the work while you enjoy the tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – With just 15 minutes of prep time, this soup is a breeze to make.
• Rich Flavor – The combination of spices and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer; it’s suitable for various occasions.
• Healthy Ingredients – Packed with protein and fiber from beans and chicken, it’s a nutritious choice.
• Crockpot Convenience – Simply set it and forget it, making it an ideal recipe for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Southwest Chicken Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker (Crockpot) – This tool allows you to cook your soup evenly over several hours without needing constant supervision.
• Cutting board – A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping your vegetables and chicken.
• Knife – A sharp knife makes it easy to prepare ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Southwest Chicken Soup features a delightful mix of ingredients that come together beautifully in the slow cooker.

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 Creaminess

• 14.5 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese (one brick) (room temperature)

Seasonings

• 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder

Chicken

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

How to Make Southwest Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the black beans. Chop the onion into small pieces.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

In your slow cooker, add:
1. Black beans
2. Corn
3. Diced tomatoes
4. Chicken broth
5. Diced green chilies
6. Dry ranch seasoning
7. Cumin
8. Chili powder
9. Diced onion
10. Chicken breasts

Step 3: Mix Well

Using a mixing spoon, stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 4: Cook on Low Heat

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for about 4 hours.

Step 5: Add Cream Cheese

Once cooking time is up, add the room-temperature cream cheese to the Crockpot. Stir until fully melted and combined with the soup.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the soup. Shred them using two forks before returning them to the pot.

Step 7: Serve Hot!

Ladle the Southwest Chicken Soup into bowls and enjoy!

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Soup

Serving Southwest Chicken Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro – Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and balance the spice.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado slices provide healthy fats and a rich texture.

Serve with Crunchy Elements

• Tortilla Chips – Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
• Cornbread – A warm piece of cornbread pairs perfectly, soaking up the delicious broth.
• Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa adds brightness and freshness to each bite.

Create a Complete Meal

• Rice or Quinoa – Serve over rice or quinoa to make it heartier and more filling.
• Salad – A light salad on the side can balance out the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Southwest Chicken Soup

To ensure your Southwest Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Chicken – Use fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the amount of chili powder or cumin based on your heat preference.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Cook Low and Slow – Allow the soup to cook for several hours in the Crockpot; this helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
• Blend for Creaminess – For an extra smooth texture, blend part of the soup before serving, then stir it back in.

Best Side Dishes for Southwest Chicken Soup

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

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the soup’s flavors well.
2. Guacamole – A creamy avocado dip that adds richness; serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned veggies like bell peppers and zucchini bring color and nutrition to your meal.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices offer a fun twist on traditional sides.
5. Cheesy Quesadillas – Crispy tortillas filled with cheese that can be dunked into the soup for added satisfaction.
6. Corn Salad – A refreshing salad made from corn, beans, lime juice, and cilantro enhances the southwest theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Southwest Chicken Soup can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Rinsing: Not rinsing black beans can lead to a gritty texture. Always drain and rinse your beans for better flavor and consistency.
• Overcooking Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Aim for a cooking time of around 4 hours on low in the Crockpot for juicy chicken.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient has its own flavor profile. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed, especially with chili powder.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well into the soup. Allow it to reach room temperature for a smoother texture.
• Neglecting Ingredient Quality: Low-quality ingredients can affect taste. Choose fresh or high-quality canned products for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Southwest Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Southwest Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Southwest Chicken Soup.

Can I use different beans in Southwest Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans based on your preference.

How spicy is Southwest Chicken Soup?

The spice level depends on the amount of chili powder and green chilies used. Adjust these ingredients to suit your taste.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding fresh cilantro, lime juice, or avocado just before serving for added freshness.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs. Try it today for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

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Southwest Chicken Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful bowl of Southwest Chicken Soup made easy in your Crockpot. Try this recipe today for a delicious meal everyone will love!

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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
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 cups)

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients; drain and rinse black beans, and chop onion.
2. In a slow cooker, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, green chilies, ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, diced onion, and chicken breasts.
3. Stir all ingredients until well mixed.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for about 4 hours.
5. After cooking time is up, add room-temperature cream cheese to the Crockpot and stir until melted.
6. Remove chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, then return them to the pot.
7. Serve hot in bowls.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Southwest

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 308
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 73mg