If you’ve been craving something that combines warmth, spice, and comfort in one bowl, you’re going to love this Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe. This soup brings together tender shredded chicken, vibrant green chiles, and creamy cheese to create a heartwarming Southwest-inspired dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Whether you’re settling in for a cozy night or planning a flavorful meal prep, this soup hits all the right notes with just the right amount of kick and creaminess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe plays an important role in delivering a balanced and tasty experience. From the tender chicken to the fragrant spices, the components are simple but essential for building layers of flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: A smooth, fruity base for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a pungent, aromatic boost that wakes up the soup.
- Diced green chiles (4 oz can): The signature spicy and slightly tangy kick essential to this recipe.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings that smoky, earthy warmth familiar in Southwestern dishes.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle herbal note to round out the spices.
- Chili powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a flavorful and comforting liquid base.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): The hearty protein that makes this soup filling and satisfying.
- White beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Provides creamy texture and fiber for extra heartiness.
- Frozen corn (½ cup, optional): Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (½ cup): Gives a tangy creaminess that balances the spices beautifully.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese (½ cup): Melts into the soup for a luscious, cheesy finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the soup perfectly to your taste.
- Optional toppings: Avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips, or extra cheese to customize your bowl.
How to Make Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and cook them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re soft, translucent, and just beginning to sweeten. Then stir in the minced garlic, diced green chiles, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Let everything cook together for about a minute so those bold spices can bloom and mingle with the aromatics.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Next, pour in the chicken broth to introduce flavor depth and richness. Add your cooked shredded chicken, white beans, and if you’re including it, the frozen corn. Bring everything to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering step helps all the flavors meld perfectly while the soup thickens just a little.
Step 3: Add the Creaminess
When the soup is bubbling happily and your kitchen smells irresistible, it’s time to stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt along with the shredded cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the broth, creating a velvety texture. Before serving, taste your soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you like.
How to Serve Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe really shines when you add fresh garnishes. Creamy slices of avocado, a handful of chopped cilantro, bright lime wedges for a zesty squeeze, crunchy tortilla strips, or an extra sprinkle of cheese all elevate the soup’s textures and flavors, adding fun contrast and freshness.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve the soup alongside warm, crusty bread or fluffy corn muffins that help soak up every delicious drop. A light salad with citrusy dressing also pairs beautifully, balancing the creaminess and bringing in vibrant freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or casual gatherings, serve this soup in rustic bowls with colorful toppings placed in small bowls so guests can customize. Or try layering it in a large casserole dish for a hearty baked soup style topped with melted cheese and chips for scooping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and you’ll have a completely ready-to-eat meal that gains even more flavor overnight.
Freezing
You can also freeze Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just cool the soup completely before freezing to preserve its creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Avoid freezing the sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer; you can stir them in fresh after reheating if you like.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick and finish with fresh sour cream or cheese for that freshly made feel.
FAQs
Can I make this Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe spicy?
Absolutely! For an extra spicy kick, swap the mild green chiles for hot ones or add fresh diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions. Adjust carefully to keep the balance you like.
What type of chicken works best for this soup?
Using rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful, but you can also poach chicken breasts or thighs and shred them yourself. Either way, cooked shredded chicken is key to the hearty texture.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Simply leave out the sour cream and cheese or substitute with your favorite plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan cheese for a luscious dairy-free version.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Sure thing, but remember to soak and cook your dry beans ahead of time until tender. Canned beans are a great shortcut to save cooking time without compromising on flavor.
How long does it take to make this Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe?
This recipe is wonderfully quick, with about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, making the total time just around 30 minutes from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a soup that’s bursting with flavor, comforting, and easy to whip up any night of the week, give this Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe a try. It balances creaminess, heat, and heartiness so well, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes that you’ll make again and again. Cozy up with a bowl and enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Green Chili Chicken Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy dish made with shredded chicken, green chiles, beans, and a creamy broth. It offers a perfect blend of comfort and bold Southwestern flavors, ideal for cozy nights, meal prep, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla strips
- Extra cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, diced green chiles, ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Main Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, rinsed white beans, and frozen corn if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Incorporate Dairy: Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until they melt and create a smooth, creamy broth.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips, or extra cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use hot green chiles or add a diced jalapeño with the onion.
- To make this soup dairy-free, omit the cheese and sour cream or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
