Description
Hearty Chicken Fajita Soup combines classic Mexican flavors with comforting soup textures. Zesty ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a delightful meal for families seeking bold, satisfying comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (32 fl oz / 946 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) fajita seasoning mix
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Caramelize onions until translucent and aromatic, developing a flavor foundation for the soup.
- Develop Flavor Profile: Add garlic, bell peppers, and fajita seasoning. Stir thoroughly, allowing vegetables to soften and release their essence while distributing seasonings evenly.
- Protein Integration: Push vegetables aside and introduce chicken pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and cumin. Sear chicken until surface turns opaque, initiating protein development and flavor intensification.
- Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot. Merge all components seamlessly, creating a harmonious liquid base that will support the soup’s structural integrity.
- Simmer and Transform: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Allow soup to gently simmer for 20 minutes, melding ingredients and developing deep, complex flavors throughout the preparation.
- Finishing Touches: Incorporate heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring to create a luxurious texture. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to achieve optimal consistency and flavor depth.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and crispy tortilla strips. Complete with a vibrant squeeze of lime juice to brighten the overall flavor profile.
Notes
- Optimize Vegetable Sautéing: Use high-quality olive oil and ensure medium heat for perfect vegetable caramelization without burning, releasing maximum flavor complexity.
- Control Chicken Cooking: Dice chicken uniformly for even cooking and prevent overcooking by searing quickly, maintaining tender meat texture throughout the soup.
- Adjust Spice Sensitivity: Customize fajita seasoning intensity by gradually adding spices, allowing personal heat preference while preserving authentic Mexican flavor profile.
- Enhance Dietary Flexibility: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free option or Greek yogurt for lower-fat alternative without compromising soup’s rich, creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg