Mexicali Chicken Soup
A hearty Mexican-inspired chicken soup packed with beans, corn, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal that suits any occasion and flavor preference.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4-quart pot, brown the onion, chicken, and cumin; add pepper to taste.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Serve with shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing garlic along with the onion and chicken. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans can be great substitutes. Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream just before serving. This dish pairs well with South Of The Border Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Mexicali Chicken Soup with a sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. It pairs excellently with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or the Mexican Chicken Dish for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Chicken Soup contains roughly 167 calories, with 6g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 605mg per serving (26% 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 cooked chicken instead of uncooked?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken in this recipe. Just add it after the onions are browned and reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes to heat through. This will help keep the chicken tender and prevent it from becoming overcooked.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cubed tofu or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will maintain the flavor and texture while keeping it plant-based.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when browning the chicken and onions. You can also stir in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to taste once all the ingredients are combined. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
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).