Spicy Chicken & Black Bean Soup

Introdcution

When you’re searching for a meal that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly healthy, the search can feel endless. But let me introduce you to a recipe that will become your new go-to: this Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Soup! Imagine a rich, savory broth infused with smoky spices, packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and vibrant vegetables. It’s a powerhouse of flavor that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. This is one of those perfect protein soups that masterfully balances cozy comfort with high protein, low calorie nutrition, proving that a healthy soup can be the most delicious thing on the menu.

One of the best things about this soup is its wonderful versatility. It is a fantastic low carb soup enjoyed all on its own, delivering a complete and satisfying meal in a single bowl. But you can also serve it over a small scoop of brown rice or quinoa for extra complex carbs, or with a side of low-carb tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. It’s a protein dinner that adapts perfectly to your needs!

Full Recipe: Spicy Chicken & Black Bean Soup

Ready to make one of the easiest and most delicious healthy soup recipes ever? Let’s go!

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Ro-Tel), undrained
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For garnish: Plain Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper and add it to the pot. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the same pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the spices are very fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, rinsed black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return the seared chicken breast to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Carefully remove the chicken from the soup and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return the shredded meat to the pot.
7. Stir everything to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories (per serving, estimated): Approximately 280-330 kcal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High Protein, Low Calorie: This soup is designed to fill you up without weighing you down, making it a perfect healthy meal.
• Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, this delicious protein dinner is on the table in about 40 minutes, ideal for weeknights.
• Pantry Staples: It’s made with simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Bold & Savory Flavor: Blooming the spices before adding the liquid creates a deep, smoky, and incredibly satisfying taste.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, add corn or other vegetables, or even use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken to make it even faster!

This soup draws its inspiration from the vibrant, soulful flavors of Southwestern cuisine. The cooking technique of “blooming” the spices, which means toasting them in the pot with the vegetables before adding liquid, is a simple but crucial step. It awakens the essential oils in the dried spices, dramatically deepening their flavor and giving the soup its signature smoky, aromatic character.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with a generous dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and an extra boost of protein.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, creamy diced avocado, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors.
• Add a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese or crumbled cotija cheese.
• Serve with a few high-fiber crackers or low-carb tortilla chips for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure your pot is hot and don’t overcrowd it. This ensures you get a nice golden-brown crust, which adds a ton of flavor.
• Easy Shredding: The easiest way to shred the cooked chicken is with two forks. Or, for a super-fast hack, you can place the cooked chicken in the bowl of a stand mixer and use the paddle attachment on low speed for a few seconds.
• Control the Heat: The heat in this recipe comes from the jalapeños and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. For a milder soup, omit the jalapeños and use a can of plain diced tomatoes instead.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving. A final pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime can make all the difference.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. This soup is one of those easy soups that tastes even better the next day!

Closing Paragraph

I truly hope you fall in love with this incredible Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Soup! It’s one of my favorite protein soup recipes because it delivers so much flavor and satisfaction with such little effort. It’s the perfect recipe to add to your rotation of healthy, quick, and delicious meals.

If you try it, please come back and let me know what you think! Leave a comment and a rating below, I absolutely love hearing from you!

🎀 Final Thoughts (Emma’s voice)

This soup is my go-to when I need a reset button. It’s warm, it’s zesty, and it just makes me feel good from the inside out. There’s something so wonderful about making a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and genuinely nourishing for your body. I hope it brings a little bit of cozy, healthy happiness to your kitchen!