Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to customize. Packed with protein, fiber, and warming spices, this soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a comforting meal. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors become. It’s also an excellent option for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time.
Essential Ingredients
To make this delicious and spicy chicken soup, you’ll need:
- Protein: 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Broth Base: 2 quarts water, 5 cubes chicken bouillon
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, chili powder
- Vegetables & Aromatics: Onion, garlic, salsa, diced tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup
- Add-ins: Corn, chili beans
- Creamy Element: Sour cream
- Toppings (Optional): Crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese
Preparation Steps
1. Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, and bouillon cubes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and set aside. Keep the broth for later use.
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a separate large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until slightly browned.
- Stir in salsa, diced tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup, and chili powder.
- Add the drained corn and undrained chili beans to the mix.
3. Combine and Simmer:
- Pour in 5 cups of the reserved chicken broth.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and sour cream.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Health Benefits
This spicy chicken soup offers several nutritional advantages:
- High in protein: The chicken provides a great source of lean protein to support muscle health.
- Rich in fiber: Beans and corn add fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps keep you full.
- Immune-boosting ingredients: Garlic, onions, and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Spicy metabolism boost: Chili powder and salsa contain capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and aid digestion.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Garnish with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices.
- Side Dishes: Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
- Pairing: A cold glass of iced tea or a light beer complements the spiciness of the soup.
Creative Variations
- Add Heat: Spice it up with diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make it Creamier: Blend half of the soup for a thicker, creamier consistency.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the corn and beans, and add more chicken and low-carb vegetables.
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook the chicken with all ingredients (except sour cream) on low for 6-8 hours, then shred the chicken and stir in sour cream before serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Pro Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut instead of cooking and shredding chicken from scratch.
- Simmer longer to intensify the flavors—the longer, the better.
- Balance the spice by adding a little honey or sugar if it’s too spicy.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—homemade salsa can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance? Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra richness and tenderness.
How can I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or blend a portion of the soup before serving.
Is this soup very spicy? It has a mild to moderate heat level. Adjust the spice by adding more or less chili powder and salsa to your preference.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup, perfect for cozy meals and gatherings
Print Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup
Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a bold and flavorful dish packed with tender shredded chicken, savory tomatoes, spicy chili powder, and creamy sour cream. This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day and is easy to customize to your spice preference. Top it with crunchy tortilla chips and shredded cheese for a delicious finishing touch
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients
To make this delicious and spicy chicken soup, you’ll need:
- Protein: 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Broth Base: 2 quarts water, 5 cubes chicken bouillon
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, onion powder, chili powder
- Vegetables & Aromatics: Onion, garlic, salsa, diced tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup
- Add-ins: Corn, chili beans
- Creamy Element: Sour cream
- Toppings (Optional): Crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese
Instructions
. Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, chicken, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, and bouillon cubes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and set aside. Keep the broth for later use.
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a separate large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until slightly browned.
- Stir in salsa, diced tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup, and chili powder.
- Add the drained corn and undrained chili beans to the mix.
3. Combine and Simmer:
- Pour in 5 cups of the reserved chicken broth.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and sour cream.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American/Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 473 per serving
