High-Protein Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
All the bold fajita flavors in a rich, creamy, low-carb soup — ready in 35 minutes
This is fajita night turned into a cozy, high-protein soup. Tender shredded chicken, sweet bell peppers, and onions simmer in a creamy, spiced broth that tastes like the real thing without the tortillas or the carbs. A cool dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro finish every bowl.
One pot, 35 minutes, 32 g of protein, and only 5 g net carbs per serving. Perfect for meal prep, chilly evenings, or anyone who wants restaurant-style flavor that still fits low-carb and sugar-free goals.
Why you’ll love this soup
- 32g protein per serving — a complete meal in a bowl
- Only 5g net carbs and completely sugar-free
- Creamy texture without heavy cream overload
- Ready in 35 minutes start to table
- One pot, minimal cleanup
Health notes
- High protein: Shredded chicken keeps you full for hours.
- Low carb vegetables: Bell peppers and onion add color and fiber with almost no net carbs.
- Creamy but light: Cream cheese or Greek yogurt creates richness without excess carbs.
- Bold spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika deliver classic fajita flavor cleanly.
Key element — bloom the spices
Toast the chili powder, cumin, and paprika in the pot for 30–60 seconds before adding liquid. This wakes up the oils in the spices and gives the soup authentic fajita depth instead of a flat, raw spice taste.
A-High Protein
High-Protein Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup
- Prep10 min
- Cook25 min
- Total35 min
- Servings6 servings
- Calories260 kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken. Season chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove, shred with two forks, and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables. In the same pot, add onion and bell peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly charred. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Bloom the spices. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add shredded cheese if using.
- Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, cilantro, green onions, and any optional toppings. Serve hot.
Notes & Tips
- Soften the cream cheese first so it melts smoothly without lumps.
- Do not skip blooming the spices — it makes a big difference in flavor.
- For extra creamy texture, blend a cup of the soup and stir it back in.
- The soup thickens slightly as it cools; add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.
- Rotisserie chicken cuts the active time significantly on busy nights.
Variations & serving ideas
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and skip the shredded cheese.
- Spicier: Add extra cayenne or a diced jalapeño with the peppers.
- Rotisserie shortcut: Use 3–4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce simmer time.
- Thicker soup: Simmer uncovered an extra 5 minutes or add an extra ounce of cream cheese.
- Extra cheesy: Stir in an extra ½ cup shredded cheese at the end and top with more.
- Spicy chipotle: Add 1–2 tsp chopped chipotle in adobo with the spices for deep smoky heat.
- Loaded bowl: Top with avocado, extra cilantro, jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime.
- Slow cooker: Add everything except cream cheese to the slow cooker; cook on low 4–5 hours. Shred chicken, stir in cream cheese, and serve.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days (Covered; reheat gently on the stove)
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (Freeze without sour cream topping; thaw overnight)
- Meal prep: Up to 4 days (Portion into containers; add fresh toppings when serving)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · makes 6 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Total fat | 11 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 7 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this soup keto-friendly?
Yes. At 5g net carbs per serving it fits most keto plans. Keep toppings low-carb and skip any sugary additions.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Use 3–4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken and add it when you would normally return the cooked chicken to the pot. Saves time and still tastes great.
How do I keep the cream cheese from clumping?
Soften it first and cut it into small cubes. Stir it in off the heat or over very low heat until completely melted and smooth.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Replace cream cheese with full-fat coconut cream and skip the shredded cheese. The texture will still be creamy.
What can I serve with it?
A simple side salad, cauliflower rice, or extra avocado. Keep sides low-carb to stay on track.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes. Freeze without the sour cream or fresh toppings. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
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