Description
This Southwest Chicken Soup is a healthy, flavorful, and detox-friendly dish. Loaded with lean chicken, fresh veggies, and warming spices, it’s a perfect way to nourish your body while enjoying bold flavors. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with fiber to support digestion and weight loss.
Ingredients
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- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes, no salt added
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional for extra fiber)
- 1 cup frozen corn (omit for low-carb option)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeño slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add the veggies – Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Simmer the soup – Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add protein and spices – Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn (if using), cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with freshness – Turn off the heat and stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro.
- Serve & enjoy – Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, jalapeño, and extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, omit black beans and corn.
- To make it vegan, swap chicken for extra black beans and use vegetable broth.
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg