Are you craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This chicken pepper soup recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it a delicious and healthy option for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and guarantees a delicious dish the whole family will love. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
-
Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
-
Build the flavor base: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
Simmer and blend: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer portions to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
-
Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through.
-
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges, if desired, for an extra zing.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pepper Soup:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. If you like things extra spicy, feel free to add more! For a milder soup, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn to the soup.
- Use different types of peppers: Experiment with other peppers like poblanos or jalapeños for a different flavor profile.
- 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. This makes it a great meal prep option for healthy meals.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Pepper Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Chicken and Black Bean Pepper Soup: Add 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed, along with the chicken.
- Vegetarian Pepper Soup: Omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This chicken pepper soup recipe is a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and nutritious. It’s a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish as a healthy and satisfying meal!