Southwest Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table. With its rich combination of black beans, corn, and creamy goodness, this soup is not only comforting but also incredibly simple to make. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, Southwest Chicken Soup takes just a few minutes of prep time before you let the slow cooker do the work. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into your Crockpot and let it simmer. No fuss, no hassle!
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of spices, cream cheese, and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously hearty taste.
• Versatile Meal Options: Serve it as a main course or as an appetizer at parties; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup keeps you full without weighing you down.
• Family-Friendly Dish: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy texture and mild flavors of this soup.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking journey smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This essential tool allows you to prepare meals ahead of time while developing rich flavors through slow cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure that each ingredient is balanced for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

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

Liquids and Seasonings

• 14.5 ounces chicken broth
• 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 Tablespoon chili powder

Protein and Creaminess

• 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

Begin by rinsing the black beans under cold water until the liquid runs clear. Drain the corn but keep it undrained in the can for added flavor.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, add:
1. The rinsed black beans.
2. The undrained corn.
3. The undrained diced tomatoes.
4. The chicken broth.
5. The diced green chilies.
6. The dry ranch seasoning.
7. Cumin and chili powder.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cream Cheese

Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add them evenly on top.

Step 4: Cook It Up!

Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for about four hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally if possible.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once done, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 6: Final Mix

Mix everything together well in the slow cooker until combined, allowing flavors to meld for another few minutes before serving hot!

How to Serve Southwest Chicken Soup

Serving Southwest Chicken Soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty soup pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings that enhance its flavors.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with a burst of flavor.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the soup’s texture and adds richness.

Accompaniments

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the soup.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread brings a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing lime juice over the soup enhances its freshness.

Additional Ingredients

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy touch.
• Diced Jalapeños: For those who like it spicy, fresh jalapeños can kick up the heat.

How to Perfect Southwest Chicken Soup

Perfecting your Southwest Chicken Soup can make it even more delightful. Here are some tips to elevate your creation:

• Bold flavors: Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the taste; feel free to adjust seasonings based on personal preference.
• Quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken broth and fresh vegetables for a richer flavor profile.
• Cream cheese temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth consistency in the soup.
• Cook low and slow: Allowing the soup to simmer for longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Southwest Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with Southwest Chicken Soup can round out your meal nicely. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices that complements the flavors of the soup.
2. Grilled Veggies: A colorful medley of grilled peppers, zucchini, and onions adds a healthy crunch.
3. Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light dressing offers a crisp contrast.
4. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas serve as a delicious dipper alongside your soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans provide heartiness that pairs well with the soup.
6. Baked Potatoes: Creamy baked potatoes topped with cheese or sour cream make an excellent comforting side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Southwest Chicken Soup can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish. Here are some pitfalls to look out for:

• Using canned ingredients without rinsing – Always rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
• Not seasoning properly – Ensure you taste and adjust seasonings like cumin and chili powder to suit your palate.
• Skipping the cream cheese step – Add cream cheese at the right time for a creamy texture; don’t leave it out or add it too early.
• Overcooking the chicken – Cook just until chicken is tender; overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
• Ignoring ingredient swaps – Feel free to customize with other vegetables or proteins based on what you have available.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing.

Freezing Southwest Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Southwest Chicken Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Southwest Chicken Soup.

Can I make Southwest Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better after it sits, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese or a cashew-based cream for a lighter option while maintaining creaminess.

How spicy is Southwest Chicken Soup?

The spice level can vary based on the amount of chili powder and green chilies used. Adjust these ingredients according to your preference.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots would make great additions without compromising the flavor of the soup.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices. Try this recipe today; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Southwest Chicken Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Southwest Chicken Soup, a delightful blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices, creating a cozy meal perfect for chilly nights or gatherings with loved ones. With minimal preparation time and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, this soup is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. Top it off with fresh avocado and cilantro for a burst of color and flavor, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or parties. Enjoy the rich taste of southwest flavors in every spoonful!

---

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rinse black beans under cold water until clear; drain corn but keep undrained.
2. In a slow cooker, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, green chilies, ranch seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Place chicken breasts on top and add cubed cream cheese evenly over the mixture.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Shred cooked chicken with forks and mix well before serving hot.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg