Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts!

As the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, I always find myself craving a soul-warming bowl of soup. There’s just something magical about a hot, spicy bowl of goodness that makes everything feel right, don’t you think? Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite “Healthy Food Recipes” that perfectly fits this seasonal vibe: Spicy Chicken Soup with Black Beans. It’s nutritious, delicious, and just the right amount of kick to spice up your day!

Let’s jump in, shall we?

### Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great here)
– 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
– Juice of one lime
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
– Avocado slices and tortilla chips for serving (optional, but highly recommended!)

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### Step 1: Prep and Sauté
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent. Toss in the minced garlic, red, and green bell peppers, and continue to cook for another couple of minutes. Lovely smells, right? That’s your kitchen welcoming fall with open arms!

#### Step 2: Spice it Up
Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is coated with these delicious spices. This is the heart of our “Healthy Food Recipes” magic—the spices truly transform this dish!

#### Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and undrained tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Now’s a good time to do a little kitchen dance. I won’t judge!

#### Step 4: Mix in the Stars
Next, add the black beans, shredded chicken, and corn. Stir everything together and let your soup simmer for another 10 minutes. The black beans and chicken pack this dish with protein, keeping it fulfilling and in line with our “Healthy Food Recipes” goal.

#### Step 5: Finish with Zest
Before serving, squeeze in the lime juice. The acidity from the lime adds a refreshing twist to the spicy notes of the soup. Garnish with chopped cilantro. If you’re feeling a bit extra, slice up some avocado and grab a handful of tortilla chips for a crunchy sidekick.

### Tips and Personal Insights

– **Chicken Choices**: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is your best friend. Though if you prefer cooking your own, simply season and bake chicken breasts beforehand.

– **Spice Level**: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance. I’m a “bring on the heat” kind of gal, but you do you!

– **Leftovers Love**: This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

So there you have it—a spicy chicken soup that’ll have you ready to embrace the sweater weather! I love how simple and nourishing this dish is, aligning perfectly with my passion for “Healthy Food Recipes”. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do.

Let me know how your soup turns out, or if you have any fun twists on this recipe! Until our next culinary adventure, happy cooking!

Warmest cooking wishes,
[Your Name] 🍲❤️