Southwest Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comfort of a hearty soup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or meal prep for the week ahead. With ingredients like black beans, corn, and cream cheese, this soup offers a creamy texture and a spicy kick that will leave everyone asking for more. Best of all, you can simply toss everything in your Crockpot and let it work its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just dump all the ingredients in your Crockpot and let it cook. No fussing over the stove!
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and creamy cheese creates a deliciously rich taste that rivals any restaurant version.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course, appetizer, or even as part of a festive spread during gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s a nutritious option that satisfies.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week. It freezes well too!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious Southwest Chicken Soup recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. These will ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): This essential tool allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over hours without constant supervision.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your Southwest Chicken Soup.
• Knife and Cutting Board: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring you can prep your ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

Beans & Vegetables

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

Broth & Seasonings

• 14.5 ounces chicken broth
• 4 ounces diced green chilies (undrained)
• 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder

Chicken & Cream Cheese

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2-3 cups)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (one brick) (room temperature)

How to Make Southwest Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the black beans, chop the onion, and set aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, add:
* Rinsed black beans
* Undrained corn
* Undrained diced tomatoes
* Chicken broth
* Diced green chilies
Add the dry ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and diced onion to the mixture.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Cream Cheese

Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Finally, add the cream cheese on top of everything.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Shred Chicken & Stir

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred them using two forks before returning them to the pot. Stir everything well to combine all flavors.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle your delicious Southwest Chicken Soup into bowls. Enjoy it as is or serve with tortilla chips or fresh cilantro for added flavor!

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Soup

Serving Southwest Chicken Soup is easy and enjoyable. This hearty dish can be customized in various ways to suit your taste and make it even more delightful.

Toppings

• Avocado – Sliced or diced, avocado adds creaminess and a fresh flavor.
• Cilantro – Chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness that complements the spices in the soup.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
• Cheese – Shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, melts beautifully on top for extra richness.

Accompaniments

• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips provide a great texture contrast and can be used for dipping.
• Cornbread – Warm cornbread pairs well with soup and adds a sweet element to the meal.
• Rice – Serving the soup over rice makes it a heartier dish and enhances its flavor.

Garnishes

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and tanginess to balance the spices.
• Green Onions – Chopped green onions provide a nice crunch and mild onion flavor as a garnish.

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 enhance flavor and texture compared to canned options.
• Adjust the Spice Level – Customize the heat by adding more or fewer chilies or spices according to your preference.
• Cook Low and Slow – Cooking in the Crockpot allows flavors to meld beautifully; stick to the recommended cooking time for best results.
• Shred Chicken After Cooking – For better texture, shred chicken breast before serving to incorporate it into the soup fully.

Best Side Dishes for Southwest Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Southwest Chicken Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice – Flavored with spices, this rice complements the soup’s profile perfectly.
2. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole adds richness and a fresh twist when served alongside.
3. Pico de Gallo – A fresh tomato salsa provides brightness and crunch that balances the soup’s richness.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies add a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with this hearty soup.
5. Quesadillas – Cheese-filled quesadillas are great for dipping into the soup.
6. Salad Verde – A light salad with greens and a zesty dressing refreshes the palate between bites of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your cooking experience smoother and ensure a delicious Southwest Chicken Soup. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Skipping the Rinsing: Not rinsing black beans can lead to a gritty texture. Always drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.
• Overcooking Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long may result in dry, tough meat. Monitor the cooking time to keep it tender.
• Ignoring Seasonings: Forgetting to measure spices can alter the flavor significantly. Stick to the specified amounts for the best results.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Adding cold cream cheese can create lumps. Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
• Neglecting to Stir: Failing to stir occasionally may cause uneven cooking. Give it a gentle stir halfway through cooking for consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Southwest Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Southwest Chicken Soup

• Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Southwest Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions many have about making Southwest Chicken Soup:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the Crockpot. Just increase the cooking time slightly.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.

How spicy is this Southwest Chicken Soup?

The spice level can vary based on the type of green chilies used. Adjust according to your preference by choosing mild or hot varieties.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition or swap out proteins as desired.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Southwest Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a unique twist every time. Don’t hesitate to try this easy Crockpot recipe; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!

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: Jennifer
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Southwest Chicken Soup is a warming and flavorful dish that beautifully blends bold Mexican flavors with comforting soup elements. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. With tender chicken, black beans, corn, and cream cheese, this soup boasts a creamy texture and a spicy kick your family will love. Simply toss everything in your Crockpot and let it simmer to perfection!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15.5 oz black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15.25 oz corn (undrained)
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz cream cheese
• Chicken broth
• Diced green chilies
• Ranch seasoning
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Onion

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by measuring out the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, green chilies, ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and chopping the onion.
2. In the slow cooker, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with liquid), chicken broth, green chilies, ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and onion.
3. Place chicken breasts on top of the mixture and add cream cheese.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until chicken is tender.
5. Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks and stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Serve warm with toppings like avocado or cilantro.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg