Chicken Black Bean Soup

Satisfying, surprisingly quick, and perfectly cozy— this chicken black bean soup features tender chunks of chicken breast and rich beans swimming in a smoky salsa-kissed broth brimming with flavorful southwestern spices. Finished with squeeze of bright lime and flurry of fresh herbs, it's the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out—and makes you forget it came together in under 30 minutes with 9 ingredients. One spoonful and you’ll declare it your new favorite weeknight soup recipe!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 TBS Olive Oil
• 1 medium Yellow Onion (– diced (SEE NOTES))
• 2 cloves Garlic (- minced)
• 2 tsp EACH: Ground Cumin & Chili Powder
• 2 (15 ounce) cans Black Beans (– rinsed and drained)
• 2 Cups Chunky Salsa ((homemade or store-bought))
• 4 Cups Low Sodium Vegetable Stock
• 3 Cups Cooked Chicken (– shredded or chopped)
• 1/3 Cup Fresh Cilantro (– chopped, plus more for garnish)
• to taste Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Optional Garnishes: Diced Avocado, Sliced Green Onions, Sour Cream, Sliced Jalapeños, Shredded Cheese, Tortilla Strips

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Sauté Onions and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onions to the pot and season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add in garlic, ground cumin and chili powder. Sauté, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
2. 2Add Black Beans, Chicken, Salsa and Stock: Add Black Beans, Chicken, Salsa, and Stock: Add the black beans, salsa, stock and cooked chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and then increase heat to high to bring the soup to a boil.
3. 3Simmer Soup Uncovered: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4Add Herbs, Adjust to Taste: Add in the fresh cilantro and stir to combine. Grab a spoon and give the black bean chicken soup a taste and then adjust for seasoning.
5. 5Serve Black Bean and Chicken Soup: Ladle the warm soup into serving bowls and top with optional garnishes. Serve immediately and enjoy.