Santa Fe Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 poblano pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 cup diced onion

2 tablespoons olive oil

32oz chicken broth

4 garlic cloves, minced

12oz Eagle Brand® Evaporated Milk

2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour

2 tablespoons water

2 ½ cups chicken breast, cubed and fully cooked

15oz can corn, drained

15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1:

To a large pot, drizzle in the olive oil.

Add the chopped red bell pepper, poblano pepper, and onion to the pot.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Cook 7-8 minutes until peppers are a bit soft and the onion is slightly translucent.

Step 2:

Add in the chicken broth, evaporated milk, and garlic cloves.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch or flour and the water.

Add the mixture to the pot and stir well.

Continue cooking on medium heat.

Step 3:

Next, add in the cubed chicken, corn, black beans, and seasonings.

Stir well, then allow to cook on medium heat for another 10 minutes.

Topping options: Top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup of soup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but keep in mind that it may result in a thinner consistency compared to evaporated milk.

Evaporated milk is thicker and creamier, so using it will provide a richer texture to the soup.

What can I substitute for poblano peppers if I can’t find them?

If you can’t find poblano peppers, you can substitute them with green bell peppers or Anaheim peppers, which have a milder flavor.

You can also use canned green chiles for a similar flavor profile.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer a spicier Santa Fe Chicken Soup, you can increase the amount of chili powder, add some crushed red pepper flakes, or include a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables.

Adjust the spice level to your taste.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You can also add more beans or other plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.

What are some good toppings for this soup?

Popular toppings for Santa Fe Chicken Soup include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla strips.

You can customize the toppings based on your preferences and add a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Yes, you can use fresh corn kernels instead of canned corn. Simply cut the kernels off fresh corn cobs and use them in the recipe.

You may need about 2-3 ears of corn, depending on their size.

What can I substitute for smoked paprika if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or a combination of paprika and a small amount of ground cumin for a similar flavor.

Smoked paprika has a unique smoky flavor, so try to replicate it with a touch of cumin if possible.

How can I make this soup creamier without using evaporated milk?

If you prefer a creamier soup without evaporated milk, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half as a substitute.

Just keep in mind that this will make the soup richer, so adjust the quantity to your taste.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

Reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

What are some additional toppings or garnishes for this soup?

In addition to the suggested toppings in the recipe, you can garnish your Santa Fe Chicken Soup with chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of guacamole.

These toppings can add extra flavor and freshness to your soup.