Super Spicy Chicken Taco Soup 🌶️🍲

This vibrant and zesty soup is loaded with bold flavors and heat, making it a perfect choice for chili lovers and spice enthusiasts alike! This hearty dish combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a spicy kick that will warm you up from the inside out. Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice and enjoy a comforting meal!

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Spice Mix

• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)

For Garnishing

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Build the Soup Base: Add the chicken, canned tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and all spices to the pot. Stir well to combine.

3. Cook the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

🔥 For an extra kick, toss in a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce while the soup simmers!

4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together.

5. Final Taste Check: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed—more salt, pepper, or spices can be added according to your preference.

6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Top with crushed tortilla chips for an added crunch!

🥄 Let the garnishes be as abundant as the flavors! A squeeze of lime right before eating adds a delightful brightness to every spoonful.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with diced zucchini or cauliflower and use vegetable broth instead. You can add more beans or lentils for protein.
• Bean Lovers: Add more varieties of beans like pinto or kidney beans for extra texture and flavor.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a cup of cream cheese or heavy cream to the soup right before serving for a rich and creamy texture, making it somewhat like a chowder!
• Low Carb: Omit the corn and serve with avocado and cheese as toppings for a keto-friendly twist.

Enjoy your Super Spicy Chicken Taco Soup, perfect for sharing with friends on a chilly evening! 🌶️🥳