Are you craving a warm, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy soup that's quick to make? Look no further! This Chicken Jalapeno Soup recipe is a delicious blend of creamy chicken broth, spicy jalapenos, and tender chicken, perfect for a cozy night in or a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s one of those easy recipes that feels incredibly satisfying without demanding hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for extra creaminess
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeno pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), corn, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer and Combine: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This slow simmering process creates a depth of flavor that elevates this simple soup to delicious heights.
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Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. For an extra creamy texture, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk before serving. This soup is delightful on its own, but a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese also makes a delicious addition.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Jalapeno Soup:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your preference. If you like things extra spicy, leave some seeds in! For a milder soup, use only half a jalapeno or remove all the seeds and membranes.
- Chicken Prep: You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Thicken it Up: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Add your favorite beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans) for extra protein.
- Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Soup: Adding heavy cream or coconut milk at the end creates a richer, creamier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on additions)
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This chicken jalapeno soup is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food can be! It's a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this best recipe and let us know what you think in the comments below!