Spicy Chicken and Corn Soup
Spicy chicken and corn soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that blends tender pieces of chicken, sweet corn, and bold spices to create a satisfying, comforting meal. This soup is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their food, as it packs a spicy punch with the addition of chili flakes and jalapeños.
The sweetness of corn balances out the heat, making it a well-rounded and delicious soup that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of year. Whether served as a light meal on a cool evening or as a starter for a larger spread, this soup will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into small chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 2 cups fresh corn kernels)
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream (for garnish, optional)
Tortilla chips or crusty bread (for serving, optional)
How to Make Spicy Chicken and Corn Soup
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1 minute to allow the spices to toast and become fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Return the Chicken and Finish
Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to heat the chicken through and ensure all the flavors combine well.
Stir in the lime juice, and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lime juice as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish and serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
Chef’s Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat according to your preference by modifying the amount of jalapeños and cayenne pepper. For a milder soup, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use just one. For a more intense heat, add more cayenne pepper or even some chili sauce.
Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts for added convenience. Simply add the shredded chicken after adding the broth and tomatoes.
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob gives the soup a sweeter, fresher flavor, but canned corn works perfectly fine as well. For a twist, you can use fire-roasted corn for a smokier flavor.
Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 280
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 6% of the Daily Value
Iron: 12% of the Daily Value
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Spicy chicken and corn soup is a simple yet delicious dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals. With the combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and bold spices, this soup offers a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream and a side of tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort meal.