Spiced Chicken and Avocado Soup

Name: Spiced Chicken and Avocado Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 ripe avocados, diced; Juice of 1 lime

Highlighted under: Healthy Light Meals

When it comes to comforting meals, I can never say no to a hearty soup, especially one that has the kick of spices and the creamy goodness of avocado. This Spiced Chicken and Avocado Soup has become a staple in my kitchen, with its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients. In just 30 minutes, you can have a bowl of warm, fragrant soup that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:05:28.310Z

This soup is not just about warmth; it’s about the explosion of flavors that comes from the spices. I learned that to enhance the taste, it's important to sauté the onion, garlic, and spices before adding the broth. This technique brings out deeper flavors that infuse the entire soup, making every spoonful a delight!

What I love most about this recipe is that you can tailor it to your preference. If you want more heat, just add a bit more cayenne. The creamy avocado on top not only makes it look appealing but also adds a luscious finish that complements the spices beautifully. Enjoy it with some crusty bread!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A delightful blend of spices that invigorates the senses
Creamy avocado adds richness and texture
Quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal

      

Choosing and Preparing Ingredients

The success of this Spiced Chicken and Avocado Soup lies in the freshness and quality of your ingredients. I recommend using ripe avocados for the best texture and flavor. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy. Fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch, but if it's out of season, frozen corn is an excellent substitute. Just make sure to add it straight from the freezer, as thawing it can lead to a mushy texture in the soup.

When it comes to chicken, roast or poach the meat beforehand for more nuanced flavors. You can substitute cooked turkey or even use rotisserie chicken when time is tight. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, maintaining some of its juices to prevent the soup from drying out.

Mastering the Cooking Process

Sautéing the aromatics properly is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the soup. Look for the onions to become translucent with a slight golden edge, signifying they're ready for the garlic and spices. Keep an eye on the heat; if it gets too high, the garlic can burn quickly, resulting in a bitter taste. Moderate heat will allow the flavors to marry beautifully.

Simmering is another important step. Aim for a gentle bubble rather than a vigorous boil; this helps preserve the integrity of the ingredients, especially the avocados that will be added later. After 10 minutes of simmering, give the soup a taste before serving to adjust seasoning as desired; this is an opportunity to enhance those rich flavors even further.

Serving and Storing Tips

For serving, I love to garnish the soup with extra lime wedges and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream to enhance its richness. Pairing it with warm crusty bread or tortilla chips elevates the meal, making it hearty and satisfying.

If you have leftovers, this soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, do so over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. However, for optimal freshness, I suggest adding the avocados just before serving each time to keep them vibrant and creamy.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious soup:

Soup Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 ripe avocados, diced
Juice of 1 lime

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Spiced Chicken and Avocado Soup:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.

Add the Broth and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, corn, and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld.

Finish with Avocado and Lime

Once the soup is cooked, stir in the diced avocado and lime juice just before serving. This will keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.

Your delicious soup is now ready to serve. Enjoy it hot!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding fresh cilantro or garnish with lime wedges before serving.

Dietary Variations and Substitutions

This soup is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with canned chickpeas or lentils; these legumes will offer protein while keeping the dish hearty. Additionally, use vegetable broth for the base to maintain the soup's depth of flavor without meat.

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can entirely skip the corn and instead add cauliflower florets for texture. The cauliflower softens beautifully during simmering, mimicking the comforting mouthfeel without the extra carbohydrates.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

If you want to prepare this soup in advance, you can make it entirely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I recommend adding the avocados just before serving to maintain their fresh taste and creamy consistency.

Should you wish to freeze the soup, cool it completely then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently simmer until heated through, adjusting the texture with a little extra broth as needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

→ Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even cooked beans for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this soup are gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivity.