Fiery Chicken Soup Recipe for Bold, Comforting Flavor

A steaming bowl of spicy chicken soup is the perfect way to warm up after a chilly day. This one-pot recipe is simple to make, family-friendly, and great for meal prep lunches.

a ladle full of spicy chicken soup over a full dutch oven

As someone who loves soup, I’m always trying new recipes, and this spicy chicken soup is a standout. After experimenting with seasonings and canned ingredients, this version delivers the right balance of heat and savory flavor. It’s the kind of bowl that clears your sinuses and has everyone coming back for seconds.

Warning: This soup is spicy. If you prefer something milder, try a chicken fajita, chicken poblano, or jalapeño popper style soup.

Why you will love this soup:

  • One Pot – Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup. You’ll only need a pot with a lid, a cutting board, a knife, and two forks.
  • Super Easy – No complicated techniques required; this is a great recipe for beginners.
  • Diet Friendly – It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free. The soup is also relatively low in calories, carbs, and fat, making it allergen-friendly.
overhead shot of a bowl of spicy chicken keto soup
closeup of a spicy soup full of peppers and juicy shredded chicken

Spicy Chicken Soup Ingredients

Below is an overview of the ingredients used in this easy soup. Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card further down.

  • Chicken – Two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts were used, but thighs or tenderloins work well too.
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Jalapeño, and Garlic – Dice the peppers and onion; mince the garlic.
  • Olive Oil – Use your preferred cooking oil if you’d rather switch it out.
  • Spices – Chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt give the soup bold, layered flavor.
  • Canned Ingredients – Tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), spicy tomato sauce, chicken broth, and a bit of chipotle adobo sauce add depth and heat.

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Soup

This soup comes together quickly with minimal equipment. Use a large pot or Dutch oven and follow these straightforward steps.

Sauté and simmer

chopped bell pepper, jalapenos, and red onions in a pot
chicken breasts added atop sauteed bell peppers, jalapenos, red onions, and garlic
seasonings, canned tomatoes, and broth added to a pot

Warm a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped bell pepper and onion until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables, sprinkle in the spices, and pour in the canned tomatoes (with green chilies), spicy tomato sauce, chicken broth, and chipotle adobo sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover, lower the heat, and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.

Shred the chicken and finish

shredded chicken in a spicy adobo soup
chicken and peppers mixed into a spicy soup

Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks or an electric mixer. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Serve with optional garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

What to Serve with Spicy Soup

This soup is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with creamy garnishes and simple sides. A fresh salad or a baked potato makes the meal heartier. For bread, classic buttermilk biscuits or jalapeño cheddar cornbread waffles are excellent choices. If you’re keeping it low-carb, try rosemary garlic keto rolls or cheesy keto biscuits.

Storage and Reheating

Cool the soup completely before storing. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3–6 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, covered, stirring frequently, or warm individual servings in the microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.

overhead shot showing a ladle full of spicy soup over a dutch oven full of chicken and pepper soup
closeup of spicy soup full of chicken and peppers

Tips and Variations:

  • If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, skip cooking raw breasts. Add shredded or cubed cooked chicken and simmer only long enough to soften the vegetables, about 15–20 minutes.
  • Prefer a creamier texture? Stir in 4–8 ounces of cream cheese after removing the chicken, and stir until fully melted.
  • Want to use different protein? Cooked ground beef or turkey can be substituted for shredded chicken.

More Great Recipes

  • Chicken Enchilada Soup
  • Marry Me Chicken Soup
  • Crack Chicken Soup
  • Tuscan Chicken Soup
  • Chicken Lemon Rice Soup
  • Turtle Candies
a ladle full of spicy chicken soup over a full dutch oven

Get the Recipe:
Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Juicy shredded chicken and tender peppers swim in a flavorful, slightly spicy broth. This one-pot soup is ready in about 25–30 minutes and makes a comforting family dinner.
Print
Leave a Review
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

 

  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cups bell pepper
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons each paprika, cumin, garlic powder and onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large chicken breast
  • 2 10 ounce can tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 8 ounce spicy tomato sauce
  • 32 ounces chicken broth
  • 1.5 tablespoons chipotle adobo sauce

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Instructions

 

  • Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion and sauté until softened.
  • Add minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken breasts, spices, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and adobo sauce.
  • Cover and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken, shred it, then return it to the pot and stir to combine.
  • Serve with garnishes such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Net carbs per serving: 12.9
Serving: 1.5 cups (or 1/6th of recipe), Calories: 222kcal, Carbohydrates: 18.7g, Protein: 23.8g, Fat: 5.8g, Cholesterol: 58.5mg, Sodium: 1087.3mg, Fiber: 5.8g, Sugar: 8.8g
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!