Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime is a smoky, bright, and filling soup that warms you from the first spoon.

Introduction to Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

This Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime blends bold chipotle heat with fresh lime brightness.
It is quick to make and uses simple pantry items for a hearty weeknight meal.

If you like chicken soups with rich flavors, try a related option like the curried chicken lentil and rice soup with spinach for another easy comfort bowl.

Why make Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

Make this Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime because it is fast, tasty, and filling.
It uses cooked chicken and canned beans for speed and still feels homemade.

This soup is great when you want protein and fiber in one pot, and it stretches well for leftovers.

How to make Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

Start by sautéing aromatics, then add the main ingredients and simmer.
The chipotle gives a smoky spice while lime lifts all the flavors.

• Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
• Add shredded chicken, black beans, tomatoes, chipotle, cumin, and broth.
• Simmer 20 minutes, then season with lime, salt, and pepper.

You can also serve the chicken in a sheet-pan meal first, then shred it into soups like this after baking — see a similar chicken idea at sheet pan chicken thighs with snap peas and peppers.

Ingredients for Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions for Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, chipotle pepper, cumin, and chicken broth.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

How to serve Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

Serve this Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime hot with simple toppings.
Recommended toppings include chopped cilantro, a squeeze of extra lime, and a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.

For low-carb sides, pair it with a salad or roasted vegetables instead of bread; see options to replace refined carbs in our guide on healthy carbohydrate swaps.

How to store Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

Cool the soup to room temperature before storing.
Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Tips to make Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor.
• Taste for salt after adding lime; acidity can change seasoning needs.
• Add more chipotle if you want more heat, or use less for milder flavor.

Try a tomato-and-bean twist by swapping spices or adding extra tomatoes as inspired by this tomato and bean soup.

Variation for Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

• Make it vegetarian: replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use roasted sweet potatoes for texture.
• Make it creamier: stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end.
• Make it spicier: add an extra chopped chipotle or a pinch of cayenne.

FAQs about Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
A: Yes. Soak and cook the dried black beans first, then add them in step 2. This gives better texture but adds time.

Q: How do I make this less spicy for kids?
A: Use half a chipotle pepper or remove the seeds. You can also serve lime and hot sauce on the side so each person can adjust heat.

Q: Where can I buy chipotle peppers in adobo?
A: You can buy them at many grocery stores or online. Buy it here if you prefer delivery.

Q: Can I freeze this soup with the lime added?
A: Yes, but the lime flavor may fade slightly. For best flavor, add fresh lime juice after reheating.

Smoky Black Bean & Shredded Chicken Soup with Chipotle and Lime

A smoky, bright, and filling soup that combines chipotle heat with fresh lime brightness for a hearty weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Comfort Food, Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped Adjust amount for desired spiciness.
• 4 cups chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 lime, juiced More can be served on the side.
• to taste salt and pepper Taste after adding lime juice as acidity can change seasoning needs.

Instructions

 

Cooking

• In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
• Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, chipotle pepper, cumin, and chicken broth.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
• Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Cool the soup to room temperature before storing. Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Keyword Black Bean Soup, Chicken Soup, chipotle, lime, smoky soup