Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a flavorful, hearty dish packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and a rich tomato base. Perfect for chilly days, this soup brings a bold kick of spice and warmth to your table. It pairs wonderfully with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 quarts water
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 5 cubes chicken bouillon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (16-ounce) jar chunky salsa
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 2 (16-ounce) cans chili beans, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine water, chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, onion powder, and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour or until chicken juices run clear. Remove chicken and reserve the broth. Shred the chicken.
2. In a separate large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until slightly browned.
3. Stir in salsa, diced tomatoes, whole tomatoes, tomato soup, chili powder, corn, chili beans, sour cream, shredded chicken, and 5 cups of the reserved broth.
4. Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or additional sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 473 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g (20% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (26% DV)
• Cholesterol: 82mg (27% DV)
• Sodium: 2436mg (106% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g (18% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g (36% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 40g (79% DV)
• Vitamin C: 42mg (47% DV)
• Calcium: 188mg (14% DV)
• Iron: 7mg (39% DV)
• Potassium: 1414mg (30% DV)

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

This spicy chicken soup is a home-cooked favorite that reflects a fusion of Southwestern and Mexican-inspired flavors. Its creator, Catherine, designed the recipe to be both simple and customizable, allowing home cooks to adjust the spice level and ingredients to their preferences. The inclusion of ingredients such as chili powder, salsa, and beans gives the soup a bold, hearty essence that sets it apart from traditional chicken soup recipes.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can make it spicier by adding hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes, or you can keep it mild for a more balanced taste. The long simmering time allows the flavors to deepen, making it even more delicious with every bite.

What Makes This Soup Special?

Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup is unique for several reasons. First, it stands out due to its perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and richness. The salsa and chili powder add spice, while the tomatoes and sour cream create a creamy, slightly tangy finish. Another reason for its popularity is its heartiness. Packed with protein from shredded chicken and beans, it’s a filling dish that can serve as a complete meal. Unlike lighter chicken soups, this one has a thick and satisfying texture that makes it perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. While the original version is packed with flavor, you can modify it to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ways to customize Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup:

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the chili powder or use mild salsa instead of a spicier variety. For extra heat, add hot sauce, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use Different Proteins: While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Some people even substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
• Enhance the Texture: If you like a thicker soup, you can add cooked rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup before serving will create a creamier consistency.
• Experiment with Beans and Vegetables: The recipe includes chili beans and corn, but you can also add black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for variety. Other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can add extra nutrients and flavor.
• Try Different Toppings: Toppings can take this soup to the next level. Popular choices include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips.

The Health Benefits of Spicy Chicken Soup

Beyond its bold flavors, Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup also offers several health benefits. The combination of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients makes it a well-rounded meal.

• Rich in Protein: The shredded chicken provides a high protein content, which is essential for muscle repair, immune support, and overall body function.
• Packed with Fiber: The beans and vegetables contribute to the soup’s fiber content, promoting digestive health and keeping you full for longer.
• Boosts Immunity: Ingredients like garlic, onions, and tomatoes contain antioxidants and vitamins that help support the immune system. Spicy foods, including chili powder, can also help clear nasal congestion and boost metabolism.
• Low in Carbs (With Modifications): While this soup contains beans and corn, you can make it lower in carbohydrates by reducing the beans or substituting them with more vegetables.

Perfect Occasions to Serve This Soup

Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup is an excellent choice for various occasions. It’s hearty enough for a main meal yet simple enough for casual gatherings. Here are some perfect moments to serve this delicious soup:

• Cold Weather Comfort Food: Nothing beats a steaming bowl of spicy soup on a chilly day. The warmth from the spices and broth is soothing and satisfying.
• Game Day or Potlucks: This soup is great for feeding a crowd. It can be prepared in advance and kept warm in a slow cooker, making it an easy dish for parties or gatherings.
• Weeknight Dinners: Since the soup requires little hands-on cooking time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet nourishing meal.
• Meal Prep for the Week: This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It can also be frozen for later use, making it a great meal prep option.

Serving Suggestions

Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the experience with some tasty side dishes and accompaniments.

• Crusty Bread or Cornbread: A slice of warm bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Tortilla Chips: The crunch of tortilla chips adds a fun texture contrast to the soup.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette pairs well with the bold flavors of the soup.
• Rice or Quinoa: For an even heartier meal, serve the soup over a scoop of rice or quinoa.

Conclusion

Catherine’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a fantastic dish that combines rich, spicy flavors with hearty ingredients for a truly satisfying meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, and its ease of preparation ensures that even beginner cooks can make it with confidence.