If you are craving something vibrant, hearty, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor, this Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a soul-warming bowl of goodness loaded with tender chicken thighs, colorful bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and black beans—all coming together to create a symphony of bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this soup brings the best parts of classic fajitas into a cozy, satisfying soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but powerful, each playing a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and vibrant color of this Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe. From fresh peppers to bold spices, you’ll find everything you need right at your fingertips.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when browned just right.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and enhancing flavors.
- 3 bell peppers (chopped): Bring bright color and a mild sweetness that balances the spices.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the broth with aromatic richness and a little kick.
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Gives a smoky, robust tomato flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The liquid gold that ties everything together with savory warmth.
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can black beans (drained): Adds hearty texture and protein, making this soup extra filling.
- 1 (4 fluid ounce) can diced green chilies (with juices): Infuses subtle heat and enhances the authentic fajita vibe.
- 1 (1 ounce) packet fajita seasoning: The secret blend of spices that brings all the classic fajita flavors.
- 6 chicken thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for shredding into the soup.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): To elevate and balance the flavors just right.
- Optional toppings (chopped cilantro, Tex Mex cheese blend, lime juice, sour cream/plain Greek yogurt, tortilla strips): To customize and enhance your serving experience.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 7 minutes until it turns lightly browned. This gentle caramelization adds a deep, sweet flavor base that you’ll notice in every spoonful.
Step 2: Prep Your Peppers
While the onion is doing its magic, chop the bell peppers. Their freshness will bring lively color and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Step 3: Cook Peppers and Garlic
Add the chopped peppers and minced garlic to the pot with the browned onions. Stir everything together and cook for about one minute. The garlic will quickly release its fragrant aroma without burning, and the peppers will soften just enough.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Seasonings
Next, pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, black beans, diced green chilies with juices, and the fajita seasoning packet. Toss in the whole chicken thighs, then crank the heat to high and bring this vibrant mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Final Seasoning
Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred them using two forks or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot, stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe is now ready to be savored just as it is or with your choice of delicious toppings!
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Giving your bowl of soup a finishing touch with fresh garnishes adds layers of texture and flavor. Chopped cilantro adds freshness, a squeeze of lime juice brightens the rich broth, and a sprinkle of Tex Mex cheese or a dollop of sour cream provides creaminess that makes every spoonful extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm tortilla chips for scooping, a side of Mexican rice, or even a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. These add-ons complement the hearty soup without overshadowing its bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in colorful bowls with toppings arrayed on the side, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini bell peppers or large crispy tortilla bowls to impress your guests visually and tastefully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a next-day lunch that tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave room for expansion and label your containers with the date for easy organization.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Though chicken thighs remain juicier and more tender after simmering, boneless skinless chicken breasts work just as well; just watch cooking times to prevent drying out.
Is the fajita seasoning necessary?
While you can experiment with your own spice blends, the fajita seasoning really brings the authentic flavor profile that defines this soup, making it worth including for that classic taste.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra beans or some grilled veggies can keep it hearty and filling.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the mild heat from the green chilies and fajita seasoning. You can always adjust by adding more chili or a pinch of cayenne if you prefer it spicier.
What toppings do you recommend?
Chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, a squeeze of fresh lime, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips are my favorites. They add freshness, creaminess, and texture that make each bite exciting.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe enough if you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s colorful, satisfying, and warms you up from the inside out. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of this fabulous soup that will quickly become a go-to favorite!
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Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken Fajita Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by classic fajita flavors. Packed with tender chicken thighs, fire-roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, and black beans, this comforting soup combines the smoky, zesty taste of fajita seasoning with a rich broth. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal, served with optional toppings like cilantro, cheese, lime juice, and tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (4 fluid ounce) can diced green chilies with juices
- 1 (1 ounce) packet fajita seasoning (Old El Paso recommended)
- 6 chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Tex Mex cheese blend
- Lime juice
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 7 minutes until it is lightly browned, which enhances the flavor of the soup.
- Chop Peppers: While the onion cooks, chop the bell peppers to prepare for the next step.
- Add Peppers and Garlic: Add the chopped bell peppers and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for about one minute to release their aroma.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, drained black beans, diced green chilies with their juices, fajita seasoning, and chicken thighs. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred or cut them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot as is or with your choice of toppings such as chopped cilantro, cheese blend, lime juice, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and tortilla strips.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly before adding shredded chicken back in.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs but may require less simmering time to avoid drying out.
- Adjust fajita seasoning amount according to taste preference and salt content.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the sodium level if desired.
