Chicken Black Bean Soup
The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Black Bean Soup is a hearty blend of spices, tender chicken, and nutritious black beans. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for warming up on cold nights. Make it tonight for a cozy meal!
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 1 small onion diced small
- 1 cup celery diced small
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 T ground cumin
- 1 T chili powder
- 1 tsp. celery seed
- 1 tsp. garlic powder or minced garlic
- 4 cups canned chicken broth
- 1 can vegetable broth 14 oz.
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes 14.5 oz.
- 1 cup Pace Picante Sauce
- 6-8 drops Green Tabasco Sauce or your favorite hot sauce
- 1 can black beans 15 oz.
- 3 cups cooked chicken cut in very small pieces
- 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems (optional)
- 3 T fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1 slice fresh lime for serving
- 1 T sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large heavy soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, sautéing them for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to be soft but not browned, which will keep the flavors fresh.
- Next, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, celery seed, and garlic powder. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing those spices to bloom and release their aromas.
- Pour in the chicken broth, vegetable broth, petite diced tomatoes, and Pace Picante Sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 10 minutes. This is where the flavors start to meld together.
- After simmering, taste your soup for heat. If you like it spicy, add a few drops of Green Tabasco Sauce to kick it up a notch.
- Now, add the black beans and cooked chicken into the pot. Let it simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. The soup should thicken slightly, and the chicken should be heated through.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the cilantro. Wash and chop enough to make about 1 cup. Also, squeeze enough limes to extract 3 tablespoons of juice.
- Once the soup has simmered, stir in the chopped cilantro. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Finally, add the fresh lime juice and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. This step brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra lime slices and sour cream if desired. Enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort!
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Pairing: Serve with warm tortillas, a slice of cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or hot sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end enhances the soup's brightness.