Mediterranean Southwest Chicken Soup

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

• 1½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp chili powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• Juice of 1 lime

Mediterranean Finish

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (for serving)

• Optional toppings: avocado slices, feta cheese, olives, whole-grain tortilla strips

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Build the base
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Add veggies & spices
   Stir in bell peppers, jalapeño, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Cook the chicken
   Add chicken breasts and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook 15–18 minutes until chicken is tender.

4. Shred the chicken
   Remove chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the pot.

5. Finish the soup
   Add diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.

6. Brighten it up
   Stir in lime juice and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning.

7. Serve
   Ladle into bowls and top with Greek yogurt, avocado, feta, or olives.

🌿 Mediterranean + Southwest Balance

• Olive oil & herbs for Mediterranean heart health

• Beans, corn & spices for Southwest warmth

• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Add everything except beans, corn, lime, and herbs. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours. Shred chicken, then add remaining ingredients for 20 minutes.

Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: Mild to medium. Skip jalapeño and chili powder for a mild version.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. Add shredded chicken in step 5 and simmer 10 minutes.

Q: How do I make it dairy-free?
A: Skip Greek yogurt and feta; use avocado or olive oil drizzle instead.

Q: Freezer-friendly?
A: Yes—freeze up to 3 months (without yogurt topping).