If you love the bold, smoky flavors of fajitas and the comfort of a warm bowl of soup, this Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup is the perfect fusion dish! Packed with tender shredded chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, and creamy broth, this recipe is both hearty and satisfying. The rich blend of fajita seasoning and creaminess makes every bite irresistibly delicious. Top it with your favorite add-ons like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crispy tortilla strips for a personalized touch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to enjoy on a cold day, this soup delivers on both flavor and comfort. Plus, it’s easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it a must-try for busy families and soup lovers alike!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (can substitute with red, yellow, or orange)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 20 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (2 cans of mild Rotel recommended)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half)
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (or taco seasoning as an alternative)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack)
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeño slices
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Black olives
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Black beans or pinto beans
- Corn
- Tortilla strips
- Fresh lime juice
Directions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir to incorporate.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juice from the cans), chicken broth, heavy cream, and fajita seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add in the cooked, shredded chicken and stir to combine.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Cooking Times & Nutritional Info:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Kcal per serving: 248 kcal
- Servings: 6
What Makes This Soup Special?
Chicken fajitas are a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, known for their sizzling presentation of seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and onions. They’re typically served with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and other toppings. This soup takes all those elements and transforms them into a creamy, spoonable dish that’s perfect for cozy nights at home.
What sets Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup apart from other soups is its unique blend of spices and textures. The base of the soup consists of a creamy broth infused with fajita seasoning, creating a rich, slightly smoky flavor. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the sautéed peppers and onions add a slight crunch. Topped with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips, every bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Another great aspect of this soup is its flexibility. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto-friendly, or gluten-free diet, this recipe can be easily adapted to fit your dietary needs. By skipping the tortilla chips or using dairy-free substitutes, you can modify the soup while still keeping it incredibly delicious.
Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
While this soup is undeniably indulgent, it also comes packed with nutritional benefits. Here’s why it can be a healthy addition to your meal rotation:
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High in Protein – The shredded chicken in this soup provides a generous amount of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle growth and repair. Protein-rich meals can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote weight management.
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Rich in Vitamins and Minerals – Bell peppers, a key ingredient in fajitas, are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support immune function and skin health. Onions and garlic also provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
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Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly – If you’re following a low-carb diet, this soup is a great option. By skipping traditional flour tortillas and using full-fat dairy, this dish provides the satisfying richness of a keto meal without the extra carbs.
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Supports Gut Health – Ingredients like garlic and onions contain prebiotics that nourish the good bacteria in your gut. Additionally, if you opt for bone broth instead of regular chicken broth, you’ll get an extra dose of collagen, which supports digestive health and joint function.
Customizing the Soup to Your Taste
One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup is its adaptability. Whether you want to make it spicier, creamier, or even swap out ingredients, there are endless ways to customize this dish to suit your preferences.
Adjusting the Spice Level
If you enjoy a little heat in your meals, you can increase the spice level by:
- Adding chopped jalapeños or sliced serrano peppers while sautéing the onions and bell peppers.
- Using hot Rotel (diced tomatoes with habaneros) instead of the mild version.
- Sprinkling in extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika for an added kick.
On the other hand, if you prefer a milder soup, simply reduce the amount of fajita seasoning or use mild taco seasoning as an alternative.
Making It Dairy-Free
If you need to make this soup dairy-free, you can:
- Replace cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of shredded cheese for toppings.
Switching Up the Protein
While chicken is the classic choice, you can easily switch it up by using:
- Shrimp – Add shrimp toward the end of cooking for a seafood twist.
- Beef or ground turkey – Brown the meat first before adding it to the soup for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Version – Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or tofu for a delicious meatless alternative.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
Although this soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with a few side dishes can elevate the meal even further. Here are some delicious options:
1. Cornbread
A slice of warm, buttery cornbread complements the flavors of the soup and provides a bit of sweetness to balance out the spice.
2. Warm Tortillas
Soft flour or corn tortillas on the side are perfect for dipping into the soup or using to scoop up the delicious toppings.
3. Guacamole & Chips
A bowl of homemade guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips makes for an excellent appetizer or side.
4. Side Salad
A simple Mexican-inspired salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal.
5. Mexican Rice
If you want to make this a heartier meal, serve it alongside a small portion of Mexican-style rice.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This soup stores well, making it a great meal prep option. Here’s how you can store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you want to make a big batch and freeze some for later, allow the soup to cool completely and then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Conclusion:
Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines bold Mexican flavors with a rich, creamy texture. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a cold evening or looking for a quick and delicious meal for the family, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Its versatility allows for endless variations, so you can make it your own by adjusting the spice level, swapping proteins, or adding your favorite toppings. Plus, with its high protein content, low-carb options, and immune-boosting ingredients, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
