Skinny One-Pot Chicken Fajita (Print View)

Light and flavorful soup with tender chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, and fajita spices, perfect for a wholesome meal.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), sliced thinly

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 medium green zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Liquids

08 - 4.2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1 tsp chili powder
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1/2 tsp salt, adjusted to taste
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
16 - 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, optional for heat
17 - Juice of 1 lime
18 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, plus additional for garnish

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add the garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini, and cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is just opaque.
05 - Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
06 - Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and restaurant-quality while staying genuinely light and under 250 calories per bowl.
  • You can have dinner ready in 45 minutes with minimal prep, which means weeknight cooking becomes something you'll actually do.
  • The spice balance is perfect for people who want real flavor without needing to adjust the heat every single time.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the spices for even one second; this is where the difference between good soup and restaurant-quality soup lives.
  • If you're worried about the chicken being dry, remember that thin slices in a simmering broth stay tender as long as you don't overcook them beyond that opaque stage.
  • Lime juice is not optional; it's the magic that lifts every flavor and makes the soup taste bright instead of flat.
03 -
  • If you have time, char your bell peppers under the broiler for two minutes before slicing them; it adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire soup.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half in portions; this soup reheats beautifully and gives you dinner on nights when cooking feels impossible.
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