Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder

Teresa Ambra

2013 – Gluten Free Living

Southwest Chicken Chowder is a terrific recipe. It’s especially delicious on cold fall or winter nights when you’re looking for something to heat you up a little bit. 🙂 It’s a very tasty and hearty chicken chowder with chick peas, pinto beans, corn, carrots, onions, leeks, red potatoes and spinach. It’s seasoned with parsley, thyme, cumin and sage. You can also add cilantro and jalapeno peppers if you desire. I call it southwestern because I added pinto beans and corn along with the garbanzo beans.

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Last week I tried out a delicious new soup recipe with chicken, chick peas, and potatoes, along with many other veggies. I made a few improvements but I wanted to make another batch with some significant differences–black or pinto beans and corn–yet, I didn’t want to add chili powder or a lot of hot spices because we were having small children for dinner who don’t like spicy food. I also needed to make it dairy free due to food allergies from one of my guests.

If you’re looking for a wonderful healthy, low calorie, gluten free and dairy free chowder recipe consider giving this one a try. I really enjoyed this chowder and I believe you will too, especially if you’re a fan of pinto bean s and garbanzo beans.

When I initially posted this recipe in January of 2013, it was before the advent of my new Canon camera so my pictures were not of particularly great quality. I recently remade this recipe (May 2015), and since it was for John and me (and no kids), I went ahead and made some changes.

This time I added additional cumin and green chilies to give it some more kick. I also made it and had it before I pureed part of the soup and afterwards, so I have pictures both ways. Black beans don’t particularly make a soup look all that great after pureeing so I decided to take before and after pictures this time.

I really enjoyed this healthy, clean-eating soup and because it makes SO much, I gave half of it to some friends who were moving into a new home. I had frozen part of the soup so I brought it along with the meal I was providing and they were able to have another meal a couple of days later when they finished up the first batch of food! Everybody was very happy. 🙂

I know by now you think I’m a picture and recipe fanatic! 🙂 But I wasn’t totally happy with the pictures from May 2015. This really isn’t a soup you can puree in the blender. Black beans and spinach turn it into a sickly greenish/grayish color that’s not appealing at all. I decided to remake this recipe again (February 2018), but made no attempt to puree the soup. I decided to use pinto beans instead of black beans and I liked that much better. While I didn’t use a ton of broth, you can always add more or add water if you want to stretch the soup a little.

While John and I ate most of it, I also sent some to a friend when we had lunch together. I thought she could use it for lunches at work during the week. I got a text back from her later that day exclaiming over how tasty she thought the soup was. This delicious Southwest Chicken Chowder really is wonderful. It’s perfect not only for regular dinner meals, but for company and lunches. It’s great reheated for leftovers. It’s also chocked full of veggies and healthy ingredients so it’s clean eating and low calorie as well. If you enjoy Tex-Mex flavors, you’ll love this soup.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder is one of our favorite soup recipes. It’s perfect for cold winter nights when you want to warm up!

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

This savory soup is just what the doctor ordered! It’s chocked full of veggies and healthy ingredients.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder is hearty and delicious.

Here’s what I did.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

I used these ingredients. I used pre-shredded chicken purchased from the grocery store. I also had diced onions on hand that I wanted to use up so I used that instead of a fresh onion.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Add a few splashes of olive oil into a large stock pot. Add diced onions. 

I love adding leeks to soups and chowders. Cut off the top green leafy portion and discard. You will probably see the dirt and sand in the layers of the leeks. Run water over the leeks and peel back some of the layers in order to clean out the sand. Once clean, slice the leeks. Add to the stock pot. 

Add diced celery. Add garlic, thyme, sage and cumin. I prefer rubbed sage rather than ground. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Saute a few minutes.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Add chicken broth. 

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Add red potatoes, carrots, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, green chilies, chicken and corn. My corn was frozen. 

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Stir to combine. Cover with lid and cook about 30-45 minutes until veggies are tender.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Add chopped spinach and heat through.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Serve Southwest Chicken Chowder garnished with fresh thyme, if desired.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder tastes delicious enough to serve for company!

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder is served! If you enjoy Tex-Mex flavors, you’ll love this soup.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

This flavorful soup is so filling and nourishing. It’s packed with lots of vitamins from all the veggies added to it. This recipe provides 6 substantial portions. Serve with your favorite bread and you have a complete meal!

Here’s the recipe.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN CHOWDER

(My own concoction)

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder

Teresa Ambra
This savory chicken soup has a southwestern flavor and is chocked full of veggies and beans. It's terrific for cold winter nights when you're looking for comfort food to warm you up! This recipe is healthy, low calorie, gluten free, dairy free and clean eating.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soups, Stews & Chowders
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 12
Calories 279 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large soup pot
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 vegetable peeler
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 soup ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1 leek green top removed, washed thoroughly and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried sage
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley
  • 1-2 tsp. cumin depending on taste
  • 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 3-4 cups cooked chicken diced
  • 2-1/2 cups red potatoes unpeeled and diced
  • 15 oz. can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup carrots peeled and sliced
  • 15 oz. can pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 16 oz. frozen corn (you can also use fresh or canned corn)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
  • 4 oz. can green chiles mild, diced

Instructions
 

  • To large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
  • Add onions, leeks, garlic, celery, thyme, cumin, sage, parsley, salt, and black pepper and cook 6-7 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are tender.
  • Add chicken broth, chicken, potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, pinto beans, green chilies and corn and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook 30-45 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in spinach, immediately remove from heat, and serve.

Notes

NOTE: If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce if you want a spicy soup with some heat.
 
NOTE: Add additional water or chicken broth if you want to thin the soup.
 
NOTE: Preparation time does not include time required to pre-cook the chicken.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 719mgPotassium: 681mgFiber: 9gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2502IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg
Keyword chicken, gluten free, main dish, soup, Tex Mex
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Southwest Chicken Chowder[/b]
Recipe Type: Soups, Stews & Chowders
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Author: Teresa Ambra 
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Savory chicken soup with a southwestern blend of veggies and seasonings.
Ingredients
  • 1 glug olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1 leek, green top removed, sliced
  • 1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic from a jar
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried sage
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley
  • 1-2 tsp. cumin, depending on taste
  • 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, baked and cubed (I used the meat from one whole rotisserie chicken)
  • 2-1/2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1-15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1-15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained,
  • 10-oz. frozen corn (I used 16-oz.)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 7-oz. can mild diced green chiles
  • 1 quart water, as needed
Instructions
  1. To large soup pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil; add onions, leeks, garlic, celery, thyme, cumin, sage, parsley, salt, and black pepper and cook 6-7 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are tender.
  2. Add chicken broth, chicken, potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, black beans, green chiles and corn and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook 30-45 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
  3. If desired, using an immersion blender, puree soup lightly (you’ll want to retain the texture of some whole veggies and chicken); stir in spinach, immediately remove from heat, and serve.
Notes
If you don’t have an immersion blender, puree half the soup in a regular blender (Careful! Soup is hot!), then stir pureed soup back into un-pureed soup.[br][br]If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce if you want a spicy soup with some heat. [br][br]This really works better if you stir in the spinach right before serving rather than cooking it with all the veggies like I did for the second batch.[br][br]Preparation time does not include time required to pre-cook the chicken.
Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

You will love this pleasing and mouthwatering Tex-Mex soup.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder is healthy, low calorie, gluten free, dairy free and clean eating.

Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

I’ve saved a bowl of Southwest Chicken Chowder for you. Come and enjoy!

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Corn Chicken Chile Chowder

Corn Chicken Chile Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fantastic #TexMex #soup is hearty, satisfying & so filling. It's filled with Southwestern flavors that give it zest, but it's not overpowering. #corn #chicken #chowder #GreenChilies #CornChowder #GlutenFree #CornChickenChileChowder

Chicken-Chickpea-Potato Soup

Chicken-Chickpea-Potato Soup | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this spectacular #soup is made in the #crockpot. So easy, so delicious, and healthy too! #chicken #glutenfree

Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Soup | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | This amazing #chicken #soup is filled with #potatoes, #carrots, #greenbeans, #corn & a lovely garlic & rosemary seasoning. It's perfect comfort food for fall. This hearty, filling & satisfying entree is also incredibly easy since it's made in the #crockpot. #glutenfree #slowcooker
Southwest Chicken Chowder | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this delicious #soup is chocked full of veggies like #corn, red #potatoes, #garbanzo & #pinto beans. The #TexMex flavors are awesome yet not so spicy that kid's can't enjoy it. It's terrific for cold winter nights. #chicken #glutenfree #dairyfree #cleaneating

Southwest Chicken Chowder

Teresa Ambra
This savory chicken soup has a southwestern flavor and is chocked full of veggies and beans. It’s terrific for cold winter nights when you’re looking for comfort food to warm you up! This recipe is healthy, low calorie, gluten free, dairy free and clean eating.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soups, Stews & Chowders
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 12
Calories 279 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large soup pot
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 vegetable peeler
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 soup ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1 leek green top removed, washed thoroughly and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried sage
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. dried parsley
  • 1-2 tsp. cumin depending on taste
  • 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 3-4 cups cooked chicken diced
  • 2-1/2 cups red potatoes unpeeled and diced
  • 15 oz. can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup carrots peeled and sliced
  • 15 oz. can pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 16 oz. frozen corn (you can also use fresh or canned corn)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
  • 4 oz. can green chiles mild, diced

Instructions
 

  • To large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
  • Add onions, leeks, garlic, celery, thyme, cumin, sage, parsley, salt, and black pepper and cook 6-7 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables are tender.
  • Add chicken broth, chicken, potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, pinto beans, green chilies and corn and bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cook 30-45 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in spinach, immediately remove from heat, and serve.

Notes

NOTE: If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce if you want a spicy soup with some heat.
 
NOTE: Add additional water or chicken broth if you want to thin the soup.
 
NOTE: Preparation time does not include time required to pre-cook the chicken.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 18gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 719mgPotassium: 681mgFiber: 9gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2502IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg
Keyword chicken, gluten free, main dish, soup, Tex Mex
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

10 Comments

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  • Amy Tong

    March 3, 2013 at 1:30 am

    What a delicious creation! With all the yummy goodness in here, this truly is one satisfying chowder. Your picture illustrate is so clear and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Teresa

      March 3, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      We thought this was really tasty. Hope you try it sometime!

  • Amy

    January 29, 2013 at 4:42 am

    Reblogged this on Living Too Large and commented:
    I ran this through Master Cook to get calories and such. This is higher on calories, but it is full of healthy stuff so it would be pretty filling! She says it makes 6 servings. If you do it as 6-servings, the calorie count is 444 per serving and 10g Fat (19.9% calories from fat); 34g Protein; 56g Carbohydrate; 11g Dietary Fiber; 48mg Cholesterol; 1629mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 1 Fat. If you made the portion size smaller and ate this in addition to something, you need to watch it! But this seems pretty hearty and delicious!

  • Tamara Leigh: The Kitchen Novelist

    January 28, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    Looks gorgeous, Teresa!

    1. Teresa

      January 29, 2013 at 11:50 am

      My company really loved the flavors of this soup.

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