Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe: A Flavorful, Comforting Meal Perfect for Any Season
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that captures the vibrant flavors of classic fajitas, this Chicken Fajita Soup is a must-try! Combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of spices in a rich, creamy broth, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making it convenient and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Soup
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of fajita seasoning, fresh vegetables, and savory broth delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: This one-pot recipe takes minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With lean chicken, fresh veggies, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is both delicious and nutritious.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your preferences – you can adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or even make it keto-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free)
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, tortilla strips, lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they are translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic, bell peppers, and fajita seasoning, stirring well. Let the vegetables cook for 5 minutes or until they start to soften.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Push the vegetables to the side and add the diced chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cumin. Sauté until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
3. Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, including the juice. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Add Cream for Richness
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken and develop a creamy texture.
5. Serve with Toppings
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado, or crispy tortilla strips. Squeeze a lime wedge over the top for a burst of freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fajita Soup
- Adjust Spiciness: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Use a Slow Cooker: For a hands-off approach, prepare this soup in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients (except cream) and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information
This Chicken Fajita Soup is not only comforting but also relatively low in carbs, making it a good option for those on low-carb or keto diets. The precise nutritional content will vary based on toppings and ingredient adjustments, but a typical bowl offers:
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fats: 15-18g (depending on cream or coconut milk)
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fajita Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a unique twist, blending the bold, vibrant flavors of fajitas into a cozy, creamy soup. Ideal for meal prep or serving to a crowd, this recipe will have everyone going back for seconds.
Serving and Storage Tips for Chicken Fajita Soup
Serving Tips
- Set Up a Toppings Bar: For a fun, customizable meal, set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, lime wedges, sour cream, and jalapeño slices. Let guests choose their favorite toppings to personalize their bowls.
- Serve with Side Dishes: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Consider Portions: If serving as a main course, aim for 1½ to 2 cups per person. For smaller portions or as an appetizer, 1 cup per person should be sufficient.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors may deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day!
- Freezer: Chicken Fajita Soup freezes well. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion. Store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then reheat on the stovetop. For a quick option, you can reheat directly from frozen in the microwave, stirring every minute until heated through.
With these tips, you can enjoy Chicken Fajita Soup fresh, save it for later, or even make it a part of your weekly meal prep!
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes! To make Chicken Fajita Soup in a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken slightly.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, use coconut milk for a similar creamy texture. For a lighter soup, you can also use milk or half-and-half, but the soup may be slightly thinner.
3. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
- Definitely! Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe. Shred the chicken and add it during the last 10 minutes of simmering so it warms through without becoming overcooked.
4. How can I make the soup spicier?
- To add more heat, include a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when cooking the bell peppers. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or serve with a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.
Chicken Fajita Soup
This Chicken Fajita Soup brings all the vibrant flavors of traditional fajitas into a warm, comforting bowl. Packed with tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices, it’s a hearty meal perfect for any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 packet (1 ounce) fajita seasoning mix
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the pot and sprinkle with the fajita seasoning mix. Stir well to coat the chicken and cook until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir in the black beans and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Season and Serve: Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and any desired toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the bell peppers.
- To make this soup creamier, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- This soup pairs well with warm tortillas or a side of cornbread.