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
Scale
- 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