Creamy Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup

How to make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup onion (diced)

4 bell peppers (cut into bite-sized pieces (make it pretty with different colored peppers!)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1″ pieces)

1 recipe or packet fajita seasoning mix

24 ounces chicken broth

8 ounces chunky salsa

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)

½ cup sour cream (or more, if desired)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional thickener: ½ teaspoon xanthan gum mixed with ½ teaspoon olive oil, or 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of cold water or broth.

Instructions:

Crockpot Instructions

Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, chicken thighs, broth, and fajita seasoning. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until chicken is done.

About 30 minutes before serving, bring heavy cream and sour cream to room temperature.

Add salsa and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.

Stir in heavy cream and then sour cream.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Instant Pot Instructions

Add onion, bell peppers, garlic, chicken thighs, broth, and fajita seasoning to the Instant Pot.

Secure lid and cook on High pressure for 4 minutes. Quick-release pressure after the cooking cycle is complete.

While the soup is pressure cooking, bring heavy cream and sour cream to room temperature.

Remove the lid from the pot once pressure is released. Add salsa and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.

Add heavy cream and then sour cream.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breast tends to cook faster than thighs, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Is there a way to make this soup less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of fajita seasoning or use a mild version of the seasoning mix.

Additionally, using a mild or medium salsa instead of a spicy one will also help to reduce the overall spiciness of the soup.

Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply heat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warmed through.

Can I freeze the leftover soup?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover soup for later consumption. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.

Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How can I make the soup thicker if I prefer a creamier consistency?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use the optional thickener mentioned in the recipe. Mix ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum with ½ teaspoon of olive oil and stir it into the hot soup until it thickens.

Alternatively, you can dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water or broth and add it to the hot soup, stirring continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream or half and half?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use whole milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt as a substitute for heavy cream or half and half.

This will still give the soup a creamy texture, but with fewer calories.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in the recipe. While sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to customize the taste according to your preference.

Can I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can use a spicier variety of salsa or increase the amount of fajita seasoning mix. You can also add additional minced jalapeños or other spicy peppers to the soup while it’s cooking.