Bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures, this Mexican Corn Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. It’s loaded with tender chicken, sweet corn, and warm spices, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed: A blend of Mexican spices, fresh corn, and creamy broth delivers irresistible taste.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Nourishing: Protein-rich chicken and wholesome veggies make it a satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
Ingredients for Mexican Corn Chicken Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Optional toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla strips or chips
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Mexican Corn Chicken Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Add Corn and Tomatoes
- Stir in the corn, diced tomatoes, and black beans (if using). Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Add Cream and Lime
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream or coconut milk. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
- Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mexican Corn Chicken Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and lime juice add vibrant flavor to the soup.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Simmer just until tender for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans or diced veggies for protein.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Skip the cooking and shredding steps by adding cooked rotisserie chicken during Step 5.
Q2: Can I make this soup spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
Q3: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: For a lighter option, use half-and-half, plain Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
Conclusion: A Bowl Full of Comfort!
This Mexican Corn Chicken Soup is a warm, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of year. With its creamy texture, vibrant spices, and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and elevate your soup game!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Enjoy this vibrant, wholesome soup, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
PrintMexican Corn Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures, this Mexican Corn Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week. It’s loaded with tender chicken, sweet corn, and warm spices, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Optional toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla strips or chips
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Add Corn and Tomatoes
- Stir in the corn, diced tomatoes, and black beans (if using). Simmer for another 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Add Cream and Lime
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream or coconut milk. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
- Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and lime juice add vibrant flavor to the soup.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Simmer just until tender for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans or diced veggies for protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American