Are you ready to indulge in a flavor-packed soup that will warm your cozy nights? Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with my best Chicken Fajita Soup recipe! This comforting and easy-to-make dish brings together all the beloved flavors and ingredients of fajitas in a deliciously satisfying soup. Get ready to savor every spoonful!
Imagine a bowl filled with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, hearty rice, black beans, and the perfect blend of spices. This soup is elevated with the addition of tangy tomatoes, zesty green chilies, and creamy pepper Jack cheese. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips, creamy avocados, and tangy sour cream, this soup is a taste explosion waiting to happen.
But wait, there’s more! This Chicken Fajita Soup recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a steaming bowl of goodness ready to enjoy.
So, are you ready to discover the secrets behind this sensational soup? Let’s dive in and uncover the recipe, the key ingredients, and some mouthwatering variations that will take your Chicken Fajita Soup to the next level!
Key Takeaways:
- Chicken Fajita Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that will warm your cozy nights.
- This easy-to-make recipe combines the beloved flavors of fajitas in a deliciously satisfying soup.
- The key ingredients include chicken, bell peppers, rice, black beans, tomatoes, green chilies, and pepper Jack cheese.
- Customize the soup with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, tortilla strips, avocado, and more.
- Make it ahead of time for meal prep or enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
The Ingredients
In order to create the delicious flavors of Chicken Fajita Soup, we will need a list of key ingredients. Let’s take a look at what goes into making this flavorful and comforting soup:
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Chicken (thighs or breasts) |
| Bell peppers |
| Rice |
| Black beans |
| Tomatoes |
| Green chilies |
| Pepper Jack cheese |
You have the option of using chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your preference for a juicier and more tender result. In addition, we’ll need onion, garlic, flour, chicken broth, cornstarch, and various seasonings to enhance the flavors of the soup. Feel free to switch up the types of beans or cheese based on your personal taste. Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next section to learn how to make Chicken Fajita Soup!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Soup
Making Chicken Fajita Soup is a breeze with these easy steps. Follow this simple recipe to enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken (thighs or breasts)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced green chilies
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of shredded pepper Jack cheese
- Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the cooking method:
- In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, sauté the chicken, onions, and bell peppers until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add minced garlic, flour, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir until the flour is well incorporated.
- Mix in the rice, black beans, green chilies, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded pepper Jack cheese until melted and well combined.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat if desired.
That’s it! Your delicious Chicken Fajita Soup is now ready to be served.
Ingredients and Quantities
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Chicken (thighs or breasts) | 1 pound |
| Onion, diced | 1 |
| Bell peppers, sliced | 2 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Black beans, drained and rinsed | 1 can |
| Green chilies, diced | 1 can |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Shredded pepper Jack cheese | 1 cup |
| Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper | To taste |
Tips and Variations
When making Chicken Fajita Soup, here are some tips and variations to consider:
1. Protein Substitutions
Don’t have chicken on hand? No problem! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken as a convenient option. Alternatively, you can substitute it with other proteins like ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile.
2. Vegetarian Option
If you prefer a meatless version, simply omit the chicken and add an extra can of beans. This will give you a hearty and protein-rich vegetarian alternative.
3. Adding Heat
For those who enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. This will elevate the flavor and give it an extra zing.
4. Customizable Toppings
Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding sour cream, tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, diced avocados, or diced tomatoes. These toppings will add texture, freshness, and tanginess to your Chicken Fajita Soup.
5. Low Carb Option
Looking for a low carb option? You can omit the rice and substitute it with cauliflower. Simply pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice, then add it to the soup. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of Chicken Fajita Soup while keeping it low carb.
Give these tips and variations a try to make your Chicken Fajita Soup even more delicious and tailored to your preferences!
Prepping and Storing
Proper meal prep and storage techniques can save you time and ensure that you can enjoy your Chicken Fajita Soup whenever you want. Here are some tips for prepping and storing your leftovers:
Meal Prep
To make your cooking process more efficient, consider prepping some of the ingredients ahead of time:
- Trim the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for easy access.
- Chop the onions, bell peppers, and garlic and store them separately in airtight containers or bags.
- Measure out the spices and store them in an airtight container or bag.
- Shred the cheese and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Leftovers
Chicken Fajita Soup tastes even better the next day, making it the perfect dish for leftovers. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your soup:
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- When reheating, you can use a stovetop, microwave, or crockpot depending on your preference and convenience.
Freezing
While leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, it is not recommended to freeze Chicken Fajita Soup. The texture of the rice and bell peppers may change when frozen and thawed, resulting in a less desirable consistency.
If you’re interested in meal prepping, here’s an example of a possible schedule:
| Day | Meal Prep |
|---|---|
| Monday | Trim chicken and store in the refrigerator. |
| Tuesday | Chop onions, bell peppers, and garlic and store them separately. |
| Wednesday | Measure out spices and store them in an airtight container or bag. |
| Thursday | Shred cheese and store it in the refrigerator. |
| Friday | Cook the Chicken Fajita Soup and enjoy! |
By prepping the ingredients in advance, you can cut down on time spent in the kitchen and have a delicious and flavorful meal ready to go whenever you want.
Toppings for Chicken Fajita Soup
Topping your Chicken Fajita Soup with your favorite garnishes is half the fun and adds texture and flavor. Some popular toppings include:
- Sour cream
- Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Avocado
- Diced tomatoes
- Pico de gallo
- Hot sauce
- Sliced jalapeños
These toppings can be customized to your preference and create a personalized dining experience with each bowl of soup.
Chicken Fajita Soup Toppings
| Toppings | Description |
|---|---|
| Sour cream | Provides a creamy and tangy flavor |
| Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips | Adds crunch and a hint of saltiness |
| Cilantro | Brings freshness and a hint of citrus |
| Lime juice | Enhances the flavors with a zesty kick |
| Avocado | Provides creaminess and a buttery texture |
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup
If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful way to make Chicken Fajita Soup, a slow cooker is the perfect option. By using this convenient kitchen appliance, you can enjoy a tender and delicious soup with minimal effort. Here’s how you can make Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup:
- Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for several hours or on high for a shorter period of time.
- The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup.
- Enjoy the convenience of coming home to a warm and comforting meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (thighs or breasts) | 1 pound |
| Bell peppers (sliced) | 2 |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Black beans (drained and rinsed) | 1 can |
| Corn (drained) | 1 can |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 ounces) |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Taco seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it to cook for the desired amount of time, and let the flavors come together.
With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and filling Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup that’s perfect for a cozy night at home or a busy day when you want to come home to a homemade meal. Give it a try and savor the flavors of this easy and tender soup!
Conclusion
Chicken Fajita Soup is a comforting and flavor-packed dish that is incredibly easy to make. This delicious soup brings together all the savory and mouthwatering flavors of fajitas in a hearty and satisfying bowl. Whether you choose to prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, Chicken Fajita Soup is guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. You can easily customize it by experimenting with different toppings and variations according to your preferences. Whether you prefer some sour cream, tortilla strips, cilantro, lime juice, avocado, or any combination of these garnishes, you can truly make it your own.
Chicken Fajita Soup is perfect for cozy nights in or as an impressive and comforting dish for easy entertaining. Its irresistible flavors and warmth will make it a favorite among family and friends. So why not give this easy recipe a try and indulge in the delightful taste of Chicken Fajita Soup?
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for the Chicken Fajita Soup?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts as an alternative to chicken thighs in the soup. Both options will work well.
How long can I store Chicken Fajita Soup in the refrigerator?
You can store Chicken Fajita Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Chicken Fajita Soup?
It is not recommended to freeze the soup due to the texture changes that occur with frozen rice and bell peppers.
Can I make Chicken Fajita Soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add an extra can of beans to make a vegetarian version of the soup.
How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the soup to make it spicier, based on your preference.
What toppings can I add to my Chicken Fajita Soup?
You can customize your soup with toppings such as sour cream, tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, lime juice, avocado, diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, hot sauce, and sliced jalapeños.
Can I make Chicken Fajita Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Chicken Fajita Soup in a slow cooker by combining all the ingredients, including raw chicken, and cooking on low for several hours or on high for a shorter period of time.
Print
Chicken Fajita Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Fajita Soup combines the zesty flavors of chicken fajitas in a comforting, hearty soup form. Loaded with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and spices, it’s a perfect dish for any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Avocado and shredded cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add bell peppers and onion, cooking until softened. Add garlic and spices, cooking for another minute.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and shredded cheese.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can add some cornstarch dissolved in water during the last few minutes of cooking.
- This soup freezes well, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg