Santa Fe Chicken Soup is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the heart of Southwestern cuisine right into your kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, zesty spices, and a kick of heat, this soup is a perfect blend of comfort and excitement.
Whether you’re seeking something to warm you up on a cool evening or looking for a versatile recipe that’s both satisfying and healthy, Santa Fe Chicken Soup offers a delicious balance of bold flavors. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who loves a spicy twist on a classic chicken soup!
How To Make Santa Fe Chicken Soup Recipes?
Recipe Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southwestern / Santa Fe
Yield: Serves 4
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sauté The Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Cook The Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides.
3. Add The Spices
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and minced jalapeño (if using) into the pot. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.
4. Pour In The Broth And Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, and corn. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Season And Serve
Stir in the fresh cilantro and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with avocado slices, lime wedges, and tortilla strips or crushed chips for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts Of Santa Fe Chicken Soup Recipes?
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Serving Suggestions Of Santa Fe Chicken Soup Recipes
1. Garnish For Extra Flavor
Top each bowl with fresh avocado slices and a generous handful of crispy tortilla strips. Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.
2. Pair With A Light Salad
Serve this soup alongside a fresh green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to keep the meal balanced.
3. Make It A Complete Meal
For a heartier meal, serve with some warm, crusty bread on the side or alongside a batch of cornbread for that southern feel.
Santa Fe Chicken Soup Recipes
Tips And Variations Of Santa Fe Chicken Soup Recipes
1. Spice Level
If you enjoy spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of jalapeño or even add a dash of cayenne pepper.
2. Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes.
3. Make-Ahead And Storage
This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat over medium heat when ready to serve.
Note
If you’re making this soup for guests, I recommend serving it with an assortment of garnishes like extra lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and a side of hot sauce. It lets everyone customize their bowl to their liking, making the meal more interactive and fun.
Conclusion
My Santa Fe Chicken Soup recipe is a wonderful way to bring the bold flavors of the Southwest right to your kitchen. It’s hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor.
I love how easy it is to customize to suit different tastes, whether you want it spicy or mild. Give it a try, and don’t forget to top it with crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch in every bite!
Santa Fe Chicken Soup Recipes
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or ladle
Ingredients Â
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeño minced (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado sliced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for garnish
InstructionsÂ
Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Cook The Chicken
- Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Add The Spices
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and minced jalapeño (if using) into the pot. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.
Pour In The Broth And Simmer
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, and corn. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Season And Serve
- Stir in the fresh cilantro and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with avocado slices, lime wedges, and tortilla strips or crushed chips for extra crunch.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.