Zesty Low-Carb Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe That Warms The Soul

My kitchen experiments with low-carb chicken fajita soup always bring unexpected delights.

Peppers and spices dance together in a vibrant bowl of comfort.

Hearty ingredients mingle without heavy carbohydrates, creating a satisfying meal for wellness enthusiasts.

Lean protein combines with rich Mexican-inspired seasonings that spark exciting flavor profiles.

Simple techniques transform ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary and nutritious.

Home cooks can easily craft this delicious soup with minimal preparation.

Each spoonful promises a zesty adventure that keeps you feeling energized and nourished.

Dive in and savor every delectable moment of this culinary creation.

Chicken Fajita Soup with Low-Carb Flavors

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the soup.
• Onion, Garlic, Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and texture to the soup.
• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Oregano: Spices that create a rich, complex fajita-style flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth, Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and additional layers of taste to the soup.
• Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Bright, fresh elements that enhance the overall flavor and add a zesty kick.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking to the pot.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste.

Fajita Soup (Low-Carb) Cooking Method

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, creating a perfect base for your delicious soup adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Add diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and slightly translucent, releasing their aromatic magic.

Step 4: Awaken the Spices

• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook for a minute to intensify the spices’ vibrant flavors.

Step 5: Create the Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop depth.

Step 6: Reunite the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to become best friends.

Step 7: Add Creamy Richness

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

Cook until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious and smooth texture.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish that will make taste buds dance.

Chicken Fajita Soup Tips With Fewer Carbs

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Toast spices briefly in the pot to enhance their depth and release more intense flavors before adding liquid.
• Add cheese and cream off direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free option or add cauliflower rice for extra volume without carbs.
• Let soup simmer longer to allow spices and ingredients to meld, creating a more robust and complex taste profile.

Warming Up Chicken Fajita Soup Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as cream-based soups can separate.

Warm Pairings For Fajita Soup

• Pair with Crisp Margarita: Shake up a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to complement the soup's spicy Mexican flavors and cut through the creamy richness.
• Serve with Crunchy Tortilla Chips: Offer crispy, lightly salted tortilla chips on the side for dipping and adding textural contrast to the smooth, hearty soup.
• Match with Zesty Avocado Salad: Create a light avocado and lime salad with fresh cilantro to balance the soup's bold spices and provide a refreshing accompaniment.
• Select Chilled Mexican Lager: Pour a cold, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to enhance the soup's southwestern profile and provide a clean, crisp finish.

Fajita Soup Low-Carb Options

• Keto Friendly Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for protein-rich meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Remove cheese and cream, using coconut milk and nutritional yeast for creamy texture and added flavor complexity.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and incorporate chipotle pepper for extra heat and smoky flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder and smoked paprika. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of spices used.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese entirely for a lactose-free version.

• What makes this soup low-carb?

This soup is low-carb because it focuses on chicken, vegetables, and spices without adding high-carb ingredients like beans, rice, or corn. It uses low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and provides a protein-rich meal.

• How can I add more protein to the soup?

You can increase protein by adding extra chicken, stirring in some cooked bacon bits, or topping with additional shredded cheese. Greek yogurt or sour cream can also boost protein content.

Chicken Fajita Soup That’s Low Carb And Loaded

• Quick Family Weeknight Meal: Whips up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy households craving delicious, hassle-free dinner solutions.
• Nutrient-Dense Low-Carb Option: Packed with protein from chicken and vegetables, satisfying hunger without excessive carbohydrates, ideal for health-conscious eaters.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Easily adjustable spice levels and optional toppings allow everyone to personalize their soup experience, making it versatile for different taste preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with single pot cooking, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Low-Carb Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Chicken Fajita Soup delivers bold southwestern flavors without excess carbohydrates. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and rich broth combine for a satisfying meal that brings Mexican kitchen warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 0.5 cup diced tomatoes

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature to create a flavorful foundation.
2. Introduce diced chicken into the heated oil, allowing it to transform into a golden-brown exterior for approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer the seared protein to a separate dish.
3. Utilize the same pot to sauté a vibrant medley of chopped onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers until they become tender and translucent.
4. Awaken the aromatics by sprinkling a harmonious blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices briefly to release their intense flavors.
5. Pour chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, creating a rich, simmering liquid base.
6. Reunite the previously cooked chicken with the bubbling mixture, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 10 minutes.
7. Transition the heat to a gentle low setting, then gracefully incorporate heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese dissolves completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
8. Elevate the soup’s presentation by scattering fresh cilantro across the surface and accompanying with zesty lime wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Boost protein by adding extra chicken or stirring in shredded rotisserie meat for more substantial meal.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeño slices for spice enthusiasts.
• Prepare soup ahead and store in refrigerator up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 502
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 162 mg