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If you’re craving something comforting yet bursting with vibrant flavors, this Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a hearty, colorful bowl filled with tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a lively blend of spices that come together in a warm, satisfying broth. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or something to cozy up with on a chilly evening, this soup delivers a fiesta of flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, from the fresh vegetables adding crunch and color, to the spices layering deep, smoky notes throughout the soup.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your cooking base, providing richness and helping soften the veggies while adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and foundation flavor when sautéed to tender perfection.
- 2 cups chopped bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and a natural sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced: Just enough heat to make the soup lively without overwhelming the palate.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses warmth and depth, enhancing every other flavor in the pot.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The heart of fajita flavor, giving a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Adds color and a gentle sweetness that rounds out the spices.
- 2 teaspoons cumin: Earthy and robust, cumin ties the flavors together with a classic southwestern touch.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without adding extra moisture.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the savory background and builds complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors, bringing them into perfect harmony.
- 2 pounds chicken breast: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after simmering in the flavorful broth.
- 1 (10-ounce) can tomatoes with green chilis, undrained: Adds acidity, sweetness, and a subtle spicy zing straight from the can.
- 32 ounces chicken broth: The soupy base that enriches the dish and keeps it warming and hearty.
- 1.5 tablespoons chipotle adobo sauce: Smoky and spicy, this sauce takes the soup’s heat to the next level with a delicious complexity.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (start with half a lime and taste test): The final bright pop of acidity to lift all the flavors, balancing richness and spice perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and diced jalapeño. Sauté these for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften, releasing those incredible natural aromas that form the foundation of your soup.
Step 2: Build the Spice Layer
Once the veggies are tender, toss in the minced garlic alongside chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly and cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant, which takes about a minute. This step wakes up the spices and lets their magic begin.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Broth
Next, nestle the chicken breasts into the pot along with the entire can of tomatoes with green chilis, chicken broth, chipotle adobo sauce, and half the lime juice. Stir everything together to combine these rich, smoky, and tangy ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes with the lid partially on. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them on a plate using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stir well, and taste to adjust seasoning or add more lime juice if you prefer a livelier tang. Serve the soup hot, ready for all those rich, bold flavors to shine.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe, add garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of shredded cheese. These toppings add creaminess, brightness, and an extra layer of texture that will make every spoonful feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm corn tortillas, crunchy tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. The tortillas are perfect for dipping, while the salad provides a crisp counterpoint to the hearty, spicy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve this soup in small, individual ramekins topped with your favorite garnishes and a wedge of lime on the side. You can also turn it into a hearty meal by serving it over cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and substance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for busy days when you want a quick, tasty meal without extra effort.
Freezing
This Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to bring the flavors back to life. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a richer flavor, which works beautifully in this soup. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed since thighs might cook a bit faster or slower depending on their size.
How spicy is this Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe?
The soup has a mild to medium heat level, thanks to the jalapeño and chipotle adobo sauce. You can easily adjust the spiciness by using less jalapeño or chipotle sauce if you prefer a gentler flavor profile.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! After sautéing the onions, peppers, and spices, transfer everything to your slow cooker along with the chicken, tomatoes, and broth. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then shred the chicken before serving.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your canned tomatoes and chipotle sauce do not contain any gluten additives.
What can I use instead of lime juice?
If you don’t have lime juice on hand, fresh lemon juice is a great substitute. It provides similar acidity and brightness to cut through the richness of the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe is such a fantastic way to enjoy all the vibrant flavors of fajitas in a cozy, heartwarming soup. It’s easy to prepare, flexible, and sure to become a favorite comfort food in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch how it brings a touch of south-of-the-border sunshine to your dinner table!
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Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Fajita Soup is a flavorful, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a blend of Mexican-inspired spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines the zest of chipotle adobo, fresh lime juice, and a medley of seasonings to create a comforting soup that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups chopped bell pepper
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds chicken breast
- 1 (10-ounce) can tomatoes with green chilis, undrained
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 1.5 tablespoons chipotle adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (start with half a lime and taste test)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and diced jalapeño. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the pot. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Add Main Ingredients: Incorporate the chicken breasts, the can of tomatoes with green chilis (undrained), chicken broth, chipotle adobo sauce, and juice from half a lime. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken and Finish: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them on a plate using forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir well, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve the soup hot.
Notes
- For spicier soup, include the seeds of the jalapeño or add extra chipotle adobo sauce.
- You can use shredded rotisserie chicken as a shortcut, adding it in the last 5 minutes of cooking instead of simmering raw chicken.
- Serving with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or tortilla chips enhances flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
