Introduction: Warm your soul with the inviting flavors of Southwestern Chicken Soup, a comforting and Weight Watchers-friendly dish that combines the richness of chicken with the bold spices of the Southwest. This hearty soup is not only a delightful culinary experience but also aligns seamlessly with your wellness goals. Dive into the heartwarming bowl of Southwestern Chicken Soup, where every spoonful carries the essence of a flavorful and nourishing journey.

Ingredients: The success of Southwestern Chicken Soup lies in the carefully chosen ingredients that create a harmonious blend of taste and nutrition:

  1. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast:
    • Lean and protein-packed chicken breast serves as the foundation, adding substance to the soup without excess fat.
  2. Vegetables:
    • An array of vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, black beans, and tomatoes infuses the soup with vibrant colors, textures, and essential nutrients.
  3. Southwestern Spices:
    • Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper bring the distinctive Southwestern flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the soup.
  4. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:
    • Low-sodium chicken broth forms the flavorful base, contributing to the soup’s richness while allowing for control over sodium intake.
  5. Fresh Lime Juice and Cilantro:
    • Fresh lime juice and cilantro add a refreshing and citrusy element, elevating the overall flavor and providing a burst of freshness.
  6. Greek Yogurt (Optional):
    • A dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired, serves as a light and creamy garnish, enhancing the soup’s texture and adding a touch of indulgence.

Preparation Method: Explore the culinary process of crafting Southwestern Chicken Soup with these simple yet impactful steps:

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Begin by cooking the boneless, skinless chicken breast until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté Vegetables:
    • In a large pot, sauté a medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, black beans, and tomatoes until they become tender and release their flavors.
  3. Add Southwestern Spices:
    • Introduce the Southwestern spices – cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper – to the sautéed vegetables. Allow the spices to meld with the vegetables, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
  4. Combine Chicken and Broth:
    • Add the shredded chicken to the pot, followed by low-sodium chicken broth. Allow the soup to simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and the flavors to develop.
  5. Finish with Lime Juice and Cilantro:
    • Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup for a zesty kick. Garnish with chopped cilantro to enhance the freshness and add a pop of color.
  6. Optional Greek Yogurt Garnish:
    • For an extra touch, consider garnishing each bowl of Southwestern Chicken Soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt. This adds a creamy element without compromising on the Weight Watchers points.

Serving and Enjoyment: Present the Southwestern Chicken Soup in bowls, allowing the aromas to entice your senses. Serve with a side of whole-grain tortillas or a sprinkle of shredded low-fat cheese for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Southwestern Chicken Soup exemplifies the art of creating a comforting dish that’s both flavorful and aligned with Weight Watchers principles. Embrace the richness of the chicken, the warmth of Southwestern spices, and the freshness of lime and cilantro in each spoonful. This soup is a nourishing journey into the heart of Southwest-inspired cuisine, proving that wholesome and delicious can coexist on your wellness journey.

Total Time :34 min

Prep :12 min

Cook :22 min

Serves :4

Difficulty

Easy

Classic Tex-Mex ingredients—including jalapeño, lime, corn, and avocado—give this soup bold flavor without a lot of fuss. Cutting the chicken breast into small bite-size pieces cuts down on cooking time. Ready in just under 40 minutes, preparation is easy and uses only one pot. Full of delicious vegetables, this warming soup makes a wonderful weeknight meal when a chill sets in. Serve with crunchy tortillas to keep with the Tex-Mex theme. Leftovers make a wonderful lunch so prepare a double batch.

Ingredients
Olive oil

2 tsp

Uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast

1 pound(s), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Table salt

½ tsp

Black pepper

¼ tsp

Uncooked onion

1 medium, chopped

Bell pepper

1 item(s), small, green variety, chopped

Jalapeño pepper

1 medium, seeded and minced

Garlic

2 clove(s), minced

Chili powder

1 Tbsp

Ground cumin

2 tsp

Reduced sodium chicken broth

29 fl oz, 2 (14 1/2-oz can)

Canned diced tomatoes

14½ oz, 1 can, drained

Uncooked corn

1 cup(s), fresh or frozen

Fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp

Avocado

½ item(s), medium, Hass variety, pitted, peeled, and cut into 8 slices

Cilantro

¼ cup(s), lightly packed leaves

Instructions
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to pot and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate.
Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to pot. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño and cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, and cumin and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in broth, tomatoes, and corn. Cover and bring to boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook just until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.
Ladle soup evenly into 4 bowls. Top each with 2 slices avocado and sprinkle evenly with cilantro.
Serving size: 1¾ cups soup with 2 slices avocado
Notes
Make a double batch of the soup and cover and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.