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Southwest Corn & Chicken Crockpot Soup - Cozy, Flavor-Packed Comfort

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 3 cups corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed (or 1/2 cup heavy cream)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional toppings: avocado slices, tortilla strips or crushed chips, sour cream, extra cheese

Method
 

  1. Layer the base: Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.
  2. Add the chicken and broth: Place chicken on top of the veggies. Pour in chicken broth.
  3. Season well: Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir around the chicken to distribute the spices.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken shreds easily.
  5. Shred the chicken: Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
  6. Make it creamy: Stir in cream cheese (or heavy cream) and shredded cheese, if using. Cover and cook on Low for another 15–20 minutes, until smooth and melted. Stir well.
  7. Brighten it up: Add lime juice and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips, and a dollop of sour cream if you like.