Chicken Fajita Soup

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 lb. chicken breast – cut into thin strips

1 red bell pepper – cut into thin 1-inch strips

1 green bell pepper – cut into thin 1-inch strips

1 medium onion – cut into thin 1-inch strips

4 cloves garlic – minced

1 tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. coarse kosher sea salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. Mexican seasoning blend

1 tsp. paprika – smoked or regular

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

6 c. low-sodium chicken broth

1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed

3/4 c. fire roasted diced tomatoes

1 c. white rice

1/4 c. chopped cilantro

juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

Step 1:

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven set over medium heat, add the olive oil.

When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 2:

Add the bell peppers and onion, sauté for 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Sprinkle in the chili powder, salt, garlic powder, Mexican seasoning blend, paprika, cumin, and black pepper.

Stir for 1 minute, then pour in the chicken broth, beans and diced tomatoes.

Step 3:

Bring the mixture to a gently boil.

Allow to cook, uncovered for 10 minutes.

Add the rice, stir, and cover.

Cook for 12 minutes, then remove the lid and stir in the cilantro and lime juice.

Once the rice is cooked throughout, remove from the heat and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of rice in this soup?

While the recipe calls for white rice, you can use other types of rice like brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa if you prefer.

Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of rice you choose.

What is Mexican seasoning blend, and can I make it at home?

Mexican seasoning blend typically includes a mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.

You can make your own blend by combining these spices according to your taste preferences, or you can use a store-bought Mexican seasoning blend.

Can I make this soup less spicy?

If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce or omit the chili powder or choose a mild chili powder.

Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste.

What can I use instead of black beans?

If you don’t have black beans or prefer a different type of bean, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas as a substitute.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days.

Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

However, keep in mind that the rice may absorb some of the liquid over time, so you may need to add extra broth or water when reheating.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook than thin strips of chicken breast.

What is the difference between smoked paprika and regular paprika?

Smoked paprika has a distinct smoky flavor because the peppers used to make it are smoked before being ground into a powder.

Regular paprika does not have the smoky flavor.

You can use either based on your flavor preference.

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 extra beans or tofu for protein.

Is Mexican seasoning blend the same as taco seasoning?

Mexican seasoning blend and taco seasoning are similar but may have slight differences in flavor.

Mexican seasoning blend typically includes a mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

You can use taco seasoning as a substitute if you don’t have Mexican seasoning blend on hand.

Can I freeze Chicken Fajita Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for later.

Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Be sure to leave some space for expansion.

When reheating, you may need to add extra broth or water as the rice may absorb some liquid during freezing.