Hearty Southwest Chicken Soup Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This comforting Southwest Chicken Soup recipe delivers big, bold flavors with minimal effort, making it a true kitchen hero. It is incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for those busy evenings when time is short but you crave something delicious. You will love how satisfying and flavorful this hearty soup is, offering warmth and deliciousness to your family table in no time. Get ready to enjoy a simple, yet incredibly tasty, Southwestern inspired dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Soup

You are going to adore this Southwest Chicken Soup for so many reasons. It is truly a family-friendly winner, packed with incredible appeal!

• Irresistible Flavors: Enjoy the perfect blend of zesty, smoky, and savory notes that define Southwestern cuisine. To understand the unique character of these dishes, it helps to explore the flavors of Southwestern cuisine. Every spoonful bursts with vibrant taste, making dinner exciting and satisfying.
• Effortless Preparation: This recipe comes together incredibly fast, especially in a pressure cooker. It requires minimal chopping and cleanup, saving you precious time and effort in the kitchen.
• Wholesome & Satisfying: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and vegetables, this soup makes a complete and hearty meal. It keeps you full and happy without heavy, unhealthy ingredients.
• Super Versatile: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or dietary restrictions. Swap proteins, add extra veggies, or tweak the spice level with absolute ease.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers all week long. It tastes even better the next day, simplifying your lunch plans wonderfully.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing Southwest chicken soup. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already, making this a budget-friendly and convenient meal for any night of the week.

• 1 lb. Chicken Breast, Diced
• 1 cup Enchilada Sauce
• 1 can (14 1/2 Oz. Size) Fire-roasted Diced Tomatoes
• 1 can (14 1/2 Oz. Size) Black Beans, Drained And Rinsed.
• 10 oz. weight Frozen Corn
• 4 oz. weight Chopped Green Chilies
• 1 Tbsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 1/2 cups Chicken Stock
• 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro, Plus More For Garnish
• Your Favorite Garnishes, Such As Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Diced Avocado, Lime Wedges

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize this delicious Southwestern chicken soup recipe based on what you have on hand or your family’s specific preferences. It’s designed to be adaptable.

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra richness and tenderness. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken also works great for even faster prep; just add it at the end to warm through.
• Beans: Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans if preferred. Ensure they are always thoroughly drained and rinsed under cold water before adding to the pot. This crucial step helps to reduce sodium and improve taste while preparing beans for cooking.
• Corn: Fresh or canned corn works just as well as frozen. If using canned, remember to drain it first for best results and texture.
• Chilies: For more heat, add a finely diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less spice) alongside the green chilies. You can also use a pinch of cayenne.
• Enchilada Sauce: Choose mild or hot sauce to match your spice preference. A good quality sauce truly enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• Stock: Use vegetable broth to make this recipe completely vegetarian-friendly (omit chicken entirely). This keeps the flavors robust and delicious for everyone.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers the best flavor and vibrant color for garnish. While dried cilantro can work in a pinch, fresh is highly recommended for aroma.

Equipment

You only need a few basic tools to bring this fantastic Southwest chicken soup to life in your kitchen. These common kitchen items make the cooking process smooth and efficient, perfectly aligning with our goal of simple, quick, and beginner-friendly meals.

• Electric Pressure Cooker: An Instant Pot or similar device makes this soup incredibly fast and convenient.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for dicing the chicken breast and any optional fresh garnishes.
• Can Opener: For easily opening your canned ingredients, like tomatoes and beans.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts, ensuring consistent delicious results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious Southwest chicken soup. You will have a warm, satisfying meal ready in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Electric Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Method:

1. Prep: Dice chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Thoroughly drain and rinse black beans under cold running water. Gather all other measured and canned ingredients for quick, efficient assembly.
2. Combine: In your electric pressure cooker pot, combine diced chicken, enchilada sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, chopped green chilies, ground cumin, and chicken stock. Stir gently to ensure everything is well-mixed and covered by liquid.
3. Cook: Secure the lid firmly. Ensure the steam release handle is in the sealing position. Set the cooking time for 30 minutes on high pressure, or use your appliance’s dedicated “Soup/Stew” preset. This hands-off cooking is so convenient.
4. Release & Serve: Once cooking finishes, perform a quick release of pressure, or allow a 10-minute natural release for deeper flavor development. Carefully open the lid, directing steam away from your face. Season your vibrant southwest chicken soup with salt to taste, adjusting as needed for perfect balance. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and lime for extra zest and freshness.

Stovetop Instructions

1. Sauté Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced chicken until lightly browned (5-7 minutes), creating a rich, flavorful base for your soup.
2. Add Ingredients: Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, chopped green chilies, ground cumin, and chicken stock. Mix all components together thoroughly to combine completely.
3. Simmer & Finish: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld beautifully. Season this hearty chicken and bean soup with salt, adjusting if necessary, and serve hot with desired garnishes.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Combine All: Place all ingredients – including diced chicken (or whole chicken pieces for easy shredding), enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, green chilies, ground cumin, and chicken stock – into your slow cooker. Stir well to combine thoroughly before covering.
2. Cook: Secure the lid firmly on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is wonderfully tender and cooked through. This slow cooking allows flavors to deepen beautifully.
3. Shred & Serve: If using whole chicken, carefully remove it, shred with two forks, and return to the soup. Season your slow cooker southwest chicken soup with salt to taste. Serve warm with your favorite garnishes for an effortlessly delicious meal.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Elevate your Southwest chicken soup with these smart tips or easily fix common issues. Making delicious soup is simpler than you think!

• Boost Flavor: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in oil before adding other ingredients for a richer, more aromatic base. This small step adds huge flavor.
• Thickening: Mash a quarter cup of black beans or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) at the end for a thicker consistency.
• Adjust Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat, or stick with mild green chilies for a gentler flavor profile that suits everyone.
• Prevent Burn Notice: Ensure sufficient liquid covers ingredients in the pressure cooker. Always deglaze the pot if you sautéed first, scraping up any bits.
• Too Salty? Add a few raw potato chunks to absorb excess salt, or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors, bringing brightness. This often works wonders.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Maximize your enjoyment of this versatile Southwest chicken soup with these creative ideas for serving, storage, and exciting variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delicious Southwestern chicken soup with warm flour tortillas or crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Offer a fun topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Warm cornbread also makes a perfect, comforting side dish that complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chicken and bean soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer enjoyment, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations

• Protein: Try ground turkey, ground beef, or shredded pork for a different texture.
• Vegetarian: Omit chicken; add more beans, cooked quinoa, or lentils for protein.
• Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or cream cheese at the very end.
• Pasta/Grains: Add cooked rice or small pasta like ditalini for a heartier, more filling meal.
• Vegetables: Include diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Nutrition Information

This homemade Southwest chicken soup offers a nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for any healthy eating plan. The ingredients provide a good source of lean protein from the chicken and plenty of fiber from the beans and corn. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily customizable to fit various dietary preferences and needs. Please note that nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Always verify specific dietary information.

FAQ

Get quick answers to common questions about making your delicious Southwest chicken soup.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, absolutely! If using cooked chicken, add it during the last few minutes of cooking just to warm through. This works great with leftover rotisserie chicken.
• How do I make this soup vegetarian? Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra beans, lentils, or quinoa for more protein and substance.
• Does this soup freeze well? Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• What makes this a “Southwest” soup? The signature flavors come from ingredients like fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, green chilies, and cumin. These elements give it an authentic, zesty Southwestern taste profile.
• Is this soup spicy? The spice level is quite mild as written, making it family-friendly. You can easily adjust it by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce, or by adding a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Conclusion

This Hearty Southwest Chicken Soup is truly a game-changer for weeknight meals. Its incredible flavor and simple preparation make it a standout recipe you will reach for again and again. We encourage you to try this comforting dish for yourself and discover how easy and delicious homemade soup can be. Enjoy every satisfying spoonful of this vibrant and family-friendly soup!

Hearty Southwest Chicken Soup Recipe

A comforting and flavorful soup packed with chicken, beans, corn, and a zesty southwest kick, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb. Chicken Breast Diced
• 1 cup Enchilada Sauce
• 1 can Fire-roasted Diced Tomatoes (14 1/2 Oz. Size)
• 1 can Black Beans (14 1/2 Oz. Size), Drained And Rinsed
• 10 oz. weight Frozen Corn
• 4 oz. weight Chopped Green Chilies
• 1 Tbsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 1/2 cups Chicken Stock
• 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro Plus More For Garnish
• Your Favorite Garnishes Such As Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Diced Avocado, Lime Wedges

Equipment

• Electric Pressure Cooker

Method

 

Instructions

1. Combine diced chicken, enchilada sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, chopped green chilies, ground cumin, and chicken stock in an electric pressure cooker and cook for 30 minutes or use the "Soup/Stew" setting.
2. Release the pressure from the cooker, season the soup with salt to taste, and serve immediately, garnishing with cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges.

Notes

This hearty soup is perfect for a weeknight meal and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Adjust spice level to your preference.