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Copycat Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup: A Delicious Recipe to Warm Your Soul

This hearty and spicy chicken soup is a flavorful blend of tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a variety of spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, easy to make, and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
  4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked through, pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, and corn. Stir everything together to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
  7. During the last few minutes of simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  8. Remove the soup from the heat. If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup, or transfer a cup or two to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
  9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side.

Notes

  • This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.
  • For added flair, consider topping each bowl with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.