Sante Fe Chicken Chowder

My husband loves Mexican food and it is obviously fall so I decided to make one of our favorite soup/chowder recipes. I’ve taken this dish to other functions and have received great reviews. There’s typically not many leftovers which is a good sign. This chowder is perfect for game days also – nothing like football and a spicy, chunky soup on a cold day! The combination of veggies and sauce for this chowder go perfect together. This makes quite a bit but it freezes well for a quick lunch another day.

1 large chicken breast, cooked however you like & chopped

1 can of black beans, rinsed
1 cup (or one can) corn
1 large bell pepper, diced
½ cup onion, diced
½ cup carrot, diced
1 cup chicken broth, or water
1 tsp chili powder (more for spicier version)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp black pepper
8 oz cream cheese (dairy free works great in this!)
½ cup milk
avocado, finely diced
fresh tomato, finely diced
tortilla strips
shredded cheese

• In a large stockpot, combine chicken, beans, corn, peppers, onion, carrot and broth. Bring to a slow boil.
• Add in cream cheese, cut into chunks and chili powder, salt, paprika, cumin, and black pepper.
• Return to  a slow boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until cream cheese is melted.
• Add in milk and cook for 3-5 more minutes.
• Ladle chowder into bowls and top with desired toppings. We like avocado, tomatoes, cheese and tortilla strips.