Southwest Chicken Soup 🥣
Description: This Southwest Chicken Soup recipe is a delightful fusion of Tex Mex and Southwestern U.S. flavors, adapted from a Betty Crocker classic. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or a satisfying snack, this dish is perfect for any occasion. You have the flexibility to adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds, making it a versatile option for both the cautious and the adventurous palates. With its simple preparation and inexpensive ingredients, it’s an easy and budget-friendly meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:

- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast 🍗
- 2 stalks of celery 🌿
- 1 onion 🧅
- 1 can diced tomatoes 🍅
- 2 cans red kidney beans 🥫
- 1 can corn 🌽
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro 🌿
- 1-2 fresh chiles (optional for extra heat) 🌶️
- 2 cups tortilla chips 🌮
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 291.1
- Fat: 2.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 43.9mg
- Sodium: 360.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.1g
- Fiber: 9.4g
- Sugar: 8.6g
- Protein: 27.1g
Cooking Time: 7 hours ⏲️
Preparation Time: 20 minutes ⏲️
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes ⏲️
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients.
- Rinse the celery, onion, and cilantro under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- If you’re using fresh chiles for extra heat, wash and slice them thinly.
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Mixing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans (drained and rinsed), corn (drained), and chopped fresh cilantro. Stir well to blend the flavors.
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Preparing Chicken:
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breast.
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
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Assembly:
- Place the chicken breast pieces into the crockpot.
- Add the chopped celery and onion on top of the chicken.
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Seasoning:
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken and vegetables according to your taste preference. You can start with a smaller amount and adjust later if needed.
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Layering:
- Pour the mixed ingredients from the bowl over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
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Cooking:
- Cover the crockpot with its lid securely.
- Set the crockpot to cook on low heat for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful soup.
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Garnishing:
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid from the crockpot.
- Ladle the Southwest Chicken Soup into individual serving bowls.
- If desired, garnish each bowl with a handful of tortilla chips for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
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Serving:
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy the tantalizing blend of Tex Mex and Southwestern U.S. flavors with each comforting spoonful.
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Storage:
- Any leftover soup can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
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Variations:
- Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences. You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
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Enjoy your Southwest Chicken Soup! 🌶️🍲
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this Southwest Chicken Soup is sure to impress with its robust flavors and comforting aroma. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the crockpot, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this delightful culinary creation!