Spicy Chicken Soup
A hearty, spicy chicken soup with fresh tomatoes, green beans, and bold chili flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for those who enjoy a zesty, wholesome dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. skinned chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz.) package frozen cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15.5 oz.) can pinto beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients except pinto beans.
- Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 45 to 55 minutes or until flavors are blended and chicken is tender.
- Add pinto beans to the soup.
- Continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans if desired. If you want to add some heat, toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This soup can also be made in a slow cooker for an easy, hands-off approach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spicy Chicken Soup with warm crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can add a creamy contrast to the spice. It pairs beautifully with Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a complete Mexican-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Soup contains roughly 133 calories, with 12g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% 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 other types of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even lean beef. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with diced tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also increase the quantity of beans and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the soup?
You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. A squeeze of lime juice also brightens the dish. For a different twist, consider adding corn or avocado for texture.
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).