Print

Gordon Ramsay Spicy Mexican Soup

Gordon Ramsay Spicy Mexican Soup - recipe card

Inspired by bold Mexican flavors, this spicy soup delivers a rich, smoky broth loaded with tender chicken, black beans, and sweet corn. Fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten every spoonful, while the simmered chiles leave a lingering warmth. Serve it with creamy avocado and crispy tortilla strips for a satisfying, non-alcoholic meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp chipotle paste (or 1 chipotle in adobo, minced)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • For serving: diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add chicken to pot in a single layer and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken should release easily from the pot when browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside; it will finish cooking in the soup.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you stir—they add flavor to the soup.
  3. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds. Do not let the spices burn; if they start to darken, immediately add a splash of broth.
  4. Stir in chipotle paste and cook for 30 seconds more. The mixture should smell smoky and slightly sweet.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste the broth and adjust salt if needed.
  6. Add the seared chicken along with any accumulated juices, black beans, corn, and remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Stir to combine. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and flavors have deepened. The soup should be slightly thickened but still brothy; if too thick, add a splash more broth.
  7. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne. Remove from heat.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot with desired toppings: diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and a lime wedge on the side.
  9. Alternative oven method: If you prefer to finish the soup in the oven, after step 6, transfer the pot (oven-safe) to a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven and bake for 15 minutes, then stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Notes

Storage: Cool soup completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 10 minutes). Do not boil. For best texture, add fresh lime juice and cilantro after reheating. Toppings are best added fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy Mexican soup, Gordon Ramsay soup, Mexican chicken soup, spicy soup recipe, non-alcoholic soup, tortilla soup, black bean soup, weeknight dinner, one-pot soup, chipotle soup, healthy Mexican soup, easy spicy soup