Southwestern Chicken and Bean Soup (Crock Pot)
Cook Time: 6 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
This delightful Southwestern Chicken and Bean Soup offers a vibrant chili flavor that warms the soul and is remarkably easy to prepare, even when your refrigerator is nearly bare. While I often prefer fresh ingredients when available, this recipe conveniently utilizes canned options that deliver fantastic taste without much fuss. For those who enjoy a little heat, leaving the seeds in your chili pepper adds a spicy kick, but feel free to remove them for a milder flavor profile. This versatile soup is an excellent way to use up any leftover chicken, beans, or corn you may have on hand, and you can easily substitute ground beef, turkey, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for the chicken breast. Although inspired by a six-can soup recipe I stumbled upon online, I made enough alterations to craft a unique version that truly satisfies.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 can | black beans, drained and rinsed |
| 1 can | kidney beans, drained and rinsed |
| 1 can | diced tomatoes (with juices) |
| 1 can | whole kernel corn |
| 1 pound | chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) |
| 1 can | tomato sauce |
| 1 carton | chicken broth |
| 1 | onion, chopped |
| 1 | green bell pepper, chopped |
| 1 | chili pepper, chopped (seeds optional) |
| 4 cloves | garlic, minced |
| 1/4 teaspoon | ground cayenne pepper |
| 1 teaspoon | ground cumin |
| 1 tablespoon | chili powder |
| 1 teaspoon | dried parsley |
| 1/4 cup | fresh lime juice |
| to taste | fresh ground black pepper |
| optional | Monterey Jack cheese, for serving |
| optional | Monterey Jack pepper cheese, for serving |
| optional | sour cream, for serving |
| optional | tortilla chips, for serving |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 514.2 |
| Total Fat | 11.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 56.7 mg |
| Sodium | 1384 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 68.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g |
| Sugars | 12.5 g |
| Protein | 38.8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Beans: Begin by draining and rinsing both the black beans and kidney beans thoroughly. This process helps to remove excess sodium and ensures a cleaner flavor profile for your soup. Once rinsed, place the beans into a large 6-quart crock pot.
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Combine Ingredients: To the beans in the crock pot, add the chicken breasts, whole kernel corn, and diced tomatoes along with their juices. These ingredients will form the hearty base of your soup, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
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Season and Stir: Next, incorporate the remaining ingredients into the pot. This includes the tomato sauce, chicken broth, chopped onion, green bell pepper, chili pepper, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, dried parsley, lime juice, and black pepper. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly combined and well-distributed throughout the pot.
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Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on the low setting for approximately 6 hours. The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to develop flavors over time, and you may find that it tastes even better the next day. Don’t worry if you exceed the cooking time slightly; this soup is forgiving and can be left to simmer longer without losing its deliciousness.
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Serve and Enjoy: After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully ladle the steaming soup into large bowls. To elevate your dining experience, consider topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese or pepper jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of crispy tortilla chips for an added crunch. Enjoy this soup warm, perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a cozy gathering with friends.
Final Thoughts
This Southwestern Chicken and Bean Soup is not only satisfying but also adaptable to whatever ingredients you may have on hand. Embrace the flexibility of the recipe, and feel free to modify it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household, providing nourishment and comfort for many meals to come.
For more delightful and nourishing recipes, be sure to explore our collection at Love With Recipes, where every dish is crafted with love and care!
