Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Craving the bold flavors of chicken fajitas but in the mood for something warm and comforting? Look no further than this Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup. It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and all the classic fajita spices, simmered together in a creamy, cheesy broth that’s impossible to resist.
The best part? Your slow cooker does all the hard work, so you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
In this article, we’ll guide you through each step of making this delectable soup, provide tips for perfecting the recipe, and offer ideas for serving. Let’s dive into this hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices. This prep work will make assembling the soup in your slow cooker quick and easy.
Step 2: Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, layer the chicken breasts at the bottom. Then, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and canned tomatoes with green chilies. Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the top.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred by the end of the cooking time.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
With the chicken shredded and back in the soup, stir in the heavy cream. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the soup is creamy and cheesy.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, tortilla strips, and avocado slices. These toppings add color, texture, and extra layers of flavor to your dish.
Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Chicken Fajita Soup
Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients
The freshness of your ingredients can make a big difference in the final taste of your soup. Opt for fresh bell peppers, quality chicken, and good cheese for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Toppings
The toppings are more than just a garnish—they add important flavors and textures that enhance the overall dish. The crunch of the tortilla strips, the creaminess of the avocado, and the freshness of the cilantro all contribute to a more satisfying meal.
Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste
If you prefer a spicier soup, feel free to add extra chili powder, or even some hot sauce or diced jalapeños. If you like it milder, you can reduce the chili powder or omit the green chilies.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Fajita Soup
With Warm Tortillas
Serve your soup with warm tortillas on the side. They’re perfect for dipping into the creamy, cheesy broth and scooping up the tender chicken and veggies.
Over Rice
For a heartier meal, you can serve the soup over a scoop of rice. The rice will absorb some of the flavorful broth and make the dish even more filling.
As a Party Dish
This soup is a great option for parties or gatherings. Set up a toppings bar with different garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, cheese, and tortilla strips, and let guests customize their bowls.
Variations on Cheesy Chicken Fajita Soup
Low-Carb Chicken Fajita Soup
To make this soup low-carb, omit the tortilla strips and consider reducing the amount of cheese or replacing it with a lower-fat option. You can also serve the soup over cauliflower rice for a healthy, low-carb alternative.
Vegetarian Fajita Soup
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or a meat substitute like tofu or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra Cheesy Fajita Soup
If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding extra cheese to the soup. You can stir in an additional cup of cheddar or even some Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. For an even richer soup, top it with a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of Cheesy Chicken Fajita Soup
This soup is not just delicious but also nutritious. Chicken provides a great source of lean protein, while bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C. The cheese adds calcium and a creamy texture, while the spices offer antioxidant properties.
To make the soup even healthier, consider using low-fat cheese and cream, or increase the vegetable content by adding more bell peppers or even some zucchini or spinach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make Cheesy Chicken Fajita Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q3: What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with warm tortillas, over rice, or with a fresh salad. You can also add a toppings bar with sour cream, jalapeños, and avocado slices for extra flavor and texture.
Q4: How can I make this soup spicier?
To make the soup spicier, add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. You can also use a can of diced tomatoes with habaneros instead of green chilies.
Q5: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Shred the cooked chicken and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to heat through. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and still enjoy a flavorful meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the bold flavors of chicken fajitas with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a hearty soup. With its vibrant colors, rich textures, and satisfying taste, this soup is perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknight dinners to casual gatherings with friends. Whether you’re serving it with warm tortillas, over rice, or with a variety of toppings, this dish is sure to please. Give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness of chicken fajitas in every spoonful!
Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Craving the bold flavors of chicken fajitas but in the mood for something warm and comforting? Look no further than this Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup. It's packed with tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and all the classic fajita spices, simmered together in a creamy, cheesy broth that’s impossible to resist. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the hard work, so you can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 15 oz corn, drained
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed well
- 1 C yellow onion
- 3/4 C green bell pepper
- 3/4 C red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 3 1/2 C chicken broth
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, freshly shredded **
- 1 C heavy cream
- 4 Tb all purpose flour *see notes
- TOPPINGS:
- chives or green onions
- Avocado
- tortilla strips
- ground black pepper
Instructions
To the bowl of a 5-6 quart slow cooker add chicken, vegetables, spices and chicken broth. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. Remove chicken and shred with forks, set aside.
Grate an 8oz block of cheddar cheese, adding to the warm soup in batches. Stir to melt and combine.
Whisk together flour and heavy cream until smooth and combined well. Stir into soup. Return shredded chicken to soup. Cover and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes.
Serve warm with optional chives or green onions, avocado and tortilla strips.