Southwest Chicken Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of black beans, corn, and creamy cheese. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare in a Crockpot. Simply toss in all the ingredients, let it simmer, and enjoy a bowl of comfort. Whether you’re serving it on game day or as a family dinner, this Southwest Chicken Soup will surely please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to go.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices, cream cheese, and chicken creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with rice or tortilla chips.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family dinners; everyone will love this comforting soup.
- Crockpot Convenience: Set it and forget it! Let your slow cooker do the work while you relax.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather your tools beforehand. Having the right equipment makes preparing Southwest Chicken Soup easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking; just set it up in the morning or early afternoon.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like onions and chicken.
- Knife: A good knife helps you cut vegetables quickly and safely.
Ingredients
Southwest Chicken Soup is made with black beans, corn, and cream cheese! This soup is even better than Chilis Southwest Chicken soup and all you have to do is throw everything in the Crockpot and let it go!
Beans and Veggies
- 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
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2-3 cups)
Creamy Element
- 8 ounces cream cheese (one brick) (room temperature)
How to Make Southwest Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on your countertop. Open all canned items and drain the black beans.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker:
1. Add the drained black beans.
2. Pour in the undrained corn, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.
3. Add chicken broth.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Next:
1. Sprinkle in dry ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and diced onion.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Add Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the mixture without stirring them in.
Step 5: Cook
Cover your slow cooker:
1. Set it on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Shred Chicken
After cooking:
1. Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
2. Shred them using two forks, then return them to the pot.
Step 7: Add Cream Cheese
Finally:
1. Add room temperature cream cheese to the mixture.
2. Stir until completely melted and blended into the soup.
Your delicious Southwest Chicken Soup is now ready to serve! Enjoy each bowl filled with warmth and flavor!
How to Serve Southwest Chicken Soup
Serving Southwest Chicken Soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. You can enhance the flavor and presentation with various toppings and accompaniments.
Toppings for Southwest Chicken Soup
- Avocado slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and a fresh flavor.
- Fresh cilantro – Chopped cilantro provides a burst of herbal freshness.
- Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream creates a cool contrast to the spicy soup.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top.
- Lime wedges – Squeezing lime juice adds zesty brightness to each bowl.
Accompaniments for Southwest Chicken Soup
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the soup.
- Tortilla chips – Crunchy chips add texture and are great for dipping.
- Rice – Serve over rice for a heartier meal, soaking up all the delicious broth.
How to Perfect Southwest Chicken Soup
To achieve the best version of Southwest Chicken Soup, consider these useful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh produce enhances flavor and nutrition in your soup.
- Adjust spice levels – Taste and add more chili powder if you prefer it spicier.
- Cook low and slow – Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors.
- Blend for creaminess – For an even smoother texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
- Incorporate leftovers – Toss in any leftover veggies or meats for added variety.
Best Side Dishes for Southwest Chicken Soup
Pairing your Southwest Chicken Soup with complementary side dishes elevates the meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Rice – Flavored with spices, this rice complements the soup’s zestiness well.
- Guacamole – Creamy guacamole offers a rich flavor that pairs nicely with the soup’s spices.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh salsa adds crunch and freshness, brightening each bite.
- Stuffed Peppers – Hearty stuffed peppers can be served alongside for an extra veggie boost.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A classic combo; gooey cheese between crispy bread balances the soup’s heat.
- Garden Salad – A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Southwest Chicken Soup, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Ignoring ingredient quality: Always use fresh ingredients when possible. Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.
Skipping the seasoning: Be generous with spices! Not adding enough seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Follow the recipe, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process can result in tough chicken. Make sure to give it ample time in the Crockpot for tender results.
Overloading the Crockpot: It may be tempting to add extra ingredients, but overcrowding can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recipe quantities for best results.
Forgetting about garnishes: Toppings like cilantro or avocado add freshness and texture. Don’t skip these as they elevate the dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Southwest Chicken Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Southwest Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between sessions.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses some common inquiries regarding Southwest Chicken Soup.
Can I make Southwest Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this soup tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together.
What can I add for extra protein?
Consider adding beans or extra chicken. You could also use turkey if you prefer another meat option.
Is there a vegetarian version of Southwest Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with tofu or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I customize my Southwest Chicken Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also adjust spice levels based on your preference!
Final Thoughts
Southwest Chicken Soup is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or additional vegetables. This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try!
Southwest Chicken Soup
Southwest Chicken Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the bold flavors of black beans, corn, and creamy cheese, making it perfect for cozy evenings or lively gatherings. This easy-to-make soup is prepared effortlessly in a Crockpot—just toss in your ingredients and let it simmer! Ideal for game day or family dinners, this comforting soup will satisfy everyone at the table with its rich flavors and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 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 teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 cups)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and drain the black beans.
- In a slow cooker, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in ranch seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and diced onion; stir well.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the mixture without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and well blended.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
