Chicken And Salsa Soup
A hearty chicken and salsa soup bursting with bold flavors like chili, cumin, and fresh peppers. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal for any spice lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, water, chicken breasts, and chili powder.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer for 8 minutes.
- Add drained corn and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
- Stir in salsa, chopped red peppers, garlic, onion, and spices; heat through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and garlic before cooking. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute. You can also use black beans or diced tomatoes for extra texture. Adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference, and feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a heartier soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken And Salsa Soup with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. For a complete dinner, pair with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a fresh salad. This dish also pairs beautifully with Zesty Mexican Soup for a flavorful two-course meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Salsa Soup contains roughly 268 calories, with 22g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1124mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are fully thawed before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and thoroughly. If they are still partially frozen, increase the simmer time slightly.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with diced tofu or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add more beans or vegetables to enhance the protein content. This variation can be just as flavorful and satisfying!
What type of salsa should I use?
You can use any salsa you prefer, whether it's mild, medium, or hot. Fresh salsa or homemade salsa can enhance the flavors even more. If you want a smokier taste, opt for a salsa that contains roasted tomatoes or chipotle peppers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).