Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Nothing beats a bowl of hearty chicken fajita soup when comfort calls on a chilly evening.

Vibrant peppers and tender chicken chunks dance together in this zesty broth, creating a melody of southwestern flavors.

Spices swirl through each spoonful, promising a culinary adventure that warms you from the inside out.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Mexican-inspired seasonings infuse depth and character into every bite, making this soup more than just a simple dish.

Quick to prepare and packed with nutrition, this recipe delivers bold tastes without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful and share this delightful creation with anyone lucky enough to join your table.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Fajita Soup Meals

  • Select a zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the soup's spicy and vibrant chicken fajita flavors, cutting through the creamy richness while enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila, matching the soup's Mexican-inspired profile and providing a tangy, citrusy counterpoint that elevates each spoonful.
  • Serve warm, lightly salted tortilla chips alongside the soup, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly scoops up the creamy broth and adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and soft vegetables.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime to brighten the soup's deep flavors, creating a multi-dimensional meal that stimulates every taste bud with its complex and satisfying combination.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Fajita Soup Lovers

Vegetarian Fajita Soup: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, tofu, or quinoa for a hearty meatless version that maintains the zesty fajita flavor profile.

Keto-Friendly Soup: Swap out high-carb ingredients by using cauliflower instead of tomatoes, adding extra heavy cream, and replacing bell peppers with lower-carb green peppers to reduce net carbohydrates.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure fajita seasoning is certified gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth, and skip traditional tortilla strips, replacing them with homemade zucchini strips or store-bought gluten-free crispy alternatives.

Low-Sodium Option: Select reduced-sodium chicken broth, minimize added salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro, lime juice, and additional spices to maintain a robust taste without excess sodium.

What Makes Chicken Fajita Soup Comforting

  • Packed with zesty fajita seasoning, tender chicken, and vibrant bell peppers, this soup delivers a punch of southwestern-inspired flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
  • Customize your soup with an array of toppings like creamy avocado, sharp cheese, or crunchy tortilla strips, making it a hit for families, dinner parties, or solo comfort food nights.
  • Loaded with protein from chicken and a mix of colorful vegetables, this soup provides a balanced, nourishing meal that will keep you full and energized throughout the evening.

Ingredients That Build Flavor in Chicken Fajita Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation with rich, savory depth.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onions: Provide sweet, foundational flavor to the soup base.
  • Bell Peppers: Add vibrant color and fresh, slightly sweet pepper taste.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic undertone to enhance overall flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Contribute tangy acidity and natural thickness to the soup.
Seasonings and Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and develop initial flavor layers.
  • Fajita Seasoning: Delivers signature southwestern spice profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting other flavors.
  • Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertone typical in Mexican-inspired dishes.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel.
  • Lime: Provides bright, fresh citrus accent to finish the dish.
Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy, melty garnish.
  • Cilantro: Offers fresh, herbal brightness.
  • Avocado: Brings creamy, smooth texture.
  • Tortilla Strips: Provides crunchy textural contrast.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Fajita Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
  • Add onions and cook until translucent
  • Toss in garlic, bell peppers, and fajita seasoning
  • Stir and let vegetables soften

Step 2: Transform Chicken

  • Move vegetables to pot's side
  • Add chicken pieces
  • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cumin
  • Sauté until chicken exterior turns white

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

  • Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes
  • Mix all ingredients thoroughly
  • Bring mixture to rolling boil
  • Reduce heat and simmer until chicken becomes tender

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

  • Blend heavy cream into soup
  • Allow soup to simmer additional minutes
  • Watch soup thicken and develop rich consistency

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Scoop soup into serving bowls
Possible Toppings:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Crispy tortilla strips
  • Fresh lime wedges

Serve immediately while hot and steamy

Tips for Thick, Hearty Chicken Fajita Soup

  • Boost Vegetable Flavor: Toast fajita seasoning in the pot before adding vegetables to unlock deeper, more complex flavors and enhance the overall taste profile of the soup.
  • Prevent Chicken Dryness: Cut chicken into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture, preventing tough or rubbery chicken texture.
  • Customize Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, lactose-free alternative that adds a subtle tropical hint to the soup's richness.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Adjust soup thickness by simmering longer to reduce liquid or adding extra broth if it becomes too thick, giving you perfect control over texture.
  • Elevate Toppings Game: Layer fresh, crunchy toppings like tortilla strips, jalapeños, or pickled onions moments before serving to add exciting textural contrast and bright flavor bursts.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Fajita Soup

  • Store leftover chicken fajita soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F.
  • Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup is thoroughly hot.
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Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe

Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy chicken fajita soup brings zesty Mexican flavors straight to your kitchen, delivering a comforting meal packed with colorful peppers and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients simmer together, creating a robust soup that welcomes hungry diners with warm, satisfying spoonfuls.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) fajita seasoning mix
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups (32 fluid ounces / 946 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Create a flavor foundation by sautéing aromatic vegetables in a spacious cooking vessel. Warm olive oil over medium heat and transform diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic, vibrant bell peppers, and robust fajita seasoning into the pot. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings and allow vegetables to soften and release their natural essences, about 5 minutes.
  3. Relocate the vegetable mixture to one side of the pot and incorporate raw chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Quickly sear chicken until exterior turns opaque, ensuring initial protein development.
  4. Flood the pot with rich chicken broth and chunky diced tomatoes, including their natural juices. Integrate all components seamlessly, creating a harmonious liquid base.
  5. Elevate temperature to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce heat. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, transforming ingredients into a cohesive soup structure for approximately 20 minutes.
  6. Enrich the soup’s texture by stirring in heavy cream or coconut milk. Permit an additional 5-minute simmering period to develop complexity and achieve desired consistency.
  7. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, embellishing with complementary garnishes like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or crispy tortilla strips. Finalize with a vibrant lime juice squeeze for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

  • Customize the seasoning by adjusting the fajita spice blend to match your preferred heat level, using more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper.
  • Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or black beans to create a vegetarian version that maintains the delicious southwestern flavor profile.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content, allowing home cooks to season gradually and prevent over-salting the soup.
  • Quickly shred leftover rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time and add extra flavor depth without additional cooking steps.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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