I recently tried making this cheesy slow cooker chicken fajita soup, and let me tell you—it was a game changer! The flavors melded perfectly, and the cheese added a creamy richness that was irresistible.
Plus, the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting, making it a breeze to prepare. It’s now a staple in our weekly dinner rotation. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that’s both comforting and easy to make, this is it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast: Tender and lean, perfect for shredding.
- 15 oz corn, drained: Adds a sweet crunch that balances the spices.
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides protein and fiber.
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped: Brings a savory depth to the soup.
- ¾ cup green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- ¾ cup red bell pepper, chopped: Offers a hint of sweetness and color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall aroma and taste.
- 1½ tsp chili powder: Gives the soup its signature warmth.
- ¼ tsp cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky undertone.
- ¼ tsp paprika: Contributes a subtle smokiness.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances all the flavors.
- ¾ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra kick.
- 3½ cups chicken broth: The base that brings everything together.
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, freshly shredded: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup rich and velvety.
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to a perfect consistency.
Note: This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
- 6-quart slow cooker: Ideal for this recipe’s portion size.
- Grater: For shredding the cheddar cheese.
- Whisk: To blend the flour and heavy cream smoothly.
- Tongs or two forks: For shredding the cooked chicken.
How to Make Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup?
Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to make this cheesy slow cooker chicken fajita soup.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Begin by adding the raw chicken breasts, chopped onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, drained corn, and black beans into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together to combine. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to incorporate.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Cream
Gradually add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the hot soup, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cover and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes on high until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings such as sliced avocado, chopped chives or green onions, and crispy tortilla strips. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheesy chicken fajita soup.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this soup several times, I’ve picked up a few tips to make it even better.
- Freshly Shred Your Cheese: I always shred my own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded versions. It melts more smoothly and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider making it a day in advance for a quick and easy meal.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup?
Serve this soup in warm bowls to keep it hot longer. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a few crispy tortilla strips for added texture. Pair it with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 427 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 23 g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese and cream. Allow it to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, then proceed with adding the cheese and cream as directed.
Storage
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove until hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This cheesy slow cooker chicken fajita soup is a hit for several reasons:
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s a hassle-free meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices, cheese, and cream creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: It stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by adding the raw chicken breasts, chopped onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, drained corn, and black beans into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together to combine. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to incorporate.
- Gradually add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese to the hot soup, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.
- Slowly pour this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cover and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes on high until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings such as sliced avocado, chopped chives or green onions, and crispy tortilla strips. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheesy chicken fajita soup.
Notes
- Freshly Shred Your Cheese: I always shred my own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded versions. It melts more smoothly and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider making it a day in advance for a quick and easy meal.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like shredded lettuce, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavor and presentation.
