If you're looking for a healthy and flavorful option for lunch or dinner, try a serving of Southwest Chicken Soup. This delicious soup contains just 90 calories per 5-ounce serving, making it a great option for anyone watching their calorie intake.

In addition to being low in calories, Southwest Chicken Soup is also a good source of protein and fiber, with 9 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. It's also packed with vegetables, including tomatoes, corn, and beans, which provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, benefits, and how to make Southwest Chicken Soup, as well as some variations and tips for serving it.

Calories in Southwest Chicken Soup

As mentioned before, a serving of Southwest Chicken Soup contains just 90 calories. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to lose weight or maintain their weight. It's important to note that the calorie count can vary depending on the recipe and specific ingredients used. Be sure to check the nutrition label or calculate the calories yourself if you're making homemade soup.

Ingredients in Southwest Chicken Soup

The exact ingredients in Southwest Chicken Soup can vary depending on the recipe, but some common ingredients include chicken breast, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, corn, black beans, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. These ingredients provide a variety of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Benefits of Southwest Chicken Soup

There are many benefits to eating Southwest Chicken Soup. First and foremost, it's a delicious and satisfying meal that can help curb your appetite and keep you feeling full for longer. It's also a great way to get a variety of important nutrients in one meal. The chicken in the soup provides a good source of protein, while the vegetables provide fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the spices in the soup, such as cumin and chili powder, may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Lastly, making a large batch of Southwest Chicken Soup can be a great way to meal prep for the week, saving you time and money on lunch or dinner.

How to Make Southwest Chicken Soup

Making Southwest Chicken Soup is relatively easy and can be done in just a few steps. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
• Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until softened.
• Add 1 pound of cubed chicken breast and cook until no longer pink.
• Add 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can of corn (drained), 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
• Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your personal preferences. For example, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option or add some diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Vitamins and Minerals in Southwest Chicken Soup

Southwest Chicken Soup is packed with a variety of important vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the key nutrients found in each serving:

• Protein: 9 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Vitamin A: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 25% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Keep in mind that the exact nutrient content can vary depending on the recipe and specific ingredients used.

Tips for Serving Southwest Chicken Soup

Here are some tips for serving Southwest Chicken Soup:

• Top with some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
• Serve with some tortilla chips or warm bread for dipping.
• Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
• Experiment with different spice combinations to find your preferred flavor profile.

Overall, Southwest Chicken Soup is a versatile and delicious meal that can be customized to suit your tastes.

Variations of Southwest Chicken Soup

There are many variations of Southwest Chicken Soup that you can try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add some diced sweet potato or butternut squash for extra nutrition.
• Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option.
• Add some diced bell peppers or zucchini for more vegetables.
• Use vegetable broth and substitute the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spice combinations to find your perfect Southwest Chicken Soup recipe.

Allergic Reactions to Southwest Chicken Soup

If you have any food allergies or intolerances, be sure to check the ingredient label carefully when making or buying Southwest Chicken Soup. Common allergens in the soup include chicken, corn, and beans. If you're allergic to any of these ingredients, you can try substituting them with other options or omitting them altogether.

Nutrition Comparisons with Other Soups

Compared to other soups, Southwest Chicken Soup is a relatively healthy and nutrient-dense option. Here are some nutrition comparisons with other popular soups:

• Chicken Noodle Soup: 1 cup contains 114 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbs, 7 grams of protein, and 1 gram of fiber.
• Tomato Soup: 1 cup contains 111 calories, 3 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbs, 3 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber.
• Minestrone Soup: 1 cup contains 114 calories, 2 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbs, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber.

Overall, Southwest Chicken Soup is a great option for anyone looking for a nutrient-dense and flavorful soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Southwest Chicken Soup in a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Q: How long does Southwest Chicken Soup keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, Southwest Chicken Soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.