On chilly evenings, nothing beats a steaming bowl of spicy chicken soup that warms you from the inside out. This nourishing 60-minute recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat and comfort, while packing 17g of protein and essential nutrients like Vitamin A and Iron.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply yearning for a satisfying meal, this soul-warming soup brings together tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a perfectly spiced broth.
Essential Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless skinless breasts, perfect for shredding
- Base Aromatics: Onion, garlic cloves, dried parsley – creates wonderful depth
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin – builds amazing flavor
- Liquids: 4 cups water, tomato sauce, chicken bouillon for rich broth
- Vegetables: Corn, diced tomatoes, chili beans add wonderful texture
- Finishing Touches: Sour cream for creaminess, optional garnishes like cheese and avocado
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Combine water, chicken, seasonings, and bouillon. Simmer until chicken is tender (20-30 minutes)
- Shred & Reserve: Remove chicken to shred, keep 3½ cups of that golden broth
- Build Flavor Base: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant
- Combine Components: Mix in salsa, tomatoes, seasonings, corn, beans, and shredded chicken
- Simmer & Finish: Let flavors meld for 30 minutes, then stir in sour cream
- Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh cilantro, cheese, and avocado as desired
Spice Level Tips
This soup can be as mild or spicy as you like! The heat comes mainly from your choice of salsa and the chili powder. Start with mild salsa if you’re not sure about the heat level – you can always add more spice later. For extra kick, try adding a diced jalapeño with the onions and garlic, or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is super flexible! Switch things up by using black beans instead of chili beans, or add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Want it thicker? Use less broth. Need it lighter? Skip the sour cream. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. The soup will still taste amazing!
Serving Ideas
Make this soup extra special with fun toppings! Set up a little topping bar with crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra sour cream. Serve with warm cornbread or flour tortillas on the side. This soup is perfect for game day gatherings or cozy family dinners!
Storage and Leftovers
This soup gets even better the next day! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months – just leave out the sour cream and add it fresh when serving.
Spicy Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 cups water
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 teaspoons chicken bouillon paste or 3 bullion cubes
- 8 ounces salsa your favorite kind
- 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes undrained
- 4 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 15 ounce corn can (or frozen), drained
- 16 ounce chili beans
- 3/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder and bouillon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and shred. Reserve 3 ½ cups of chicken broth water.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until slightly browned. Stir in salsa, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, chili powder, cumin, corn, chili beans, shredded chicken, and 3 ½ cups of the reserved water. Simmer 30 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Taste and add extra salt, or additional seasonings, if needed.
- Garnish with cilantro, cheese, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or whatever you like!
