This Green Chile Chicken Soup is warm and comforting, with tender chicken, tasty green chiles, and a mix of spices. It’s perfect for a cozy night in!
I love how quick this soup comes together. Just toss in the ingredients, let it simmer, and enjoy a bowl of spicy goodness. Don’t forget some tortilla chips on the side! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is a great base for sautéing. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil for a similar effect.
Onion: A medium onion adds great flavor. If you’re short on fresh onions, you could use onion powder (1 tablespoon) or shallots if you have those instead.
Chicken: I often go for rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you want a healthier option, boil your chicken breasts instead. Make sure to shred it well for even distribution in the soup.
Green Chiles: These add a nice kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, go for mild chiles. Alternatively, jalapeños can work, just adjust the amount to your taste.
White Beans: I love using cannellini beans for their creaminess. If you’re not a fan, feel free to swap them for kidney beans or black beans. It all works!
How Can You Get the Best Flavor from Your Soup?
Getting rich flavor in your soup means paying attention to how you cook your ingredients, especially the aromatics. Start by sautéing your onions until they are translucent; this helps build the base flavor. Then add garlic just until fragrant—avoid browning, as it can turn bitter.
- Heat oil in a pot; add onions and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and stir for 1 minute. This unlocks their full flavor!
- Mix in your main ingredients and let it simmer to meld the flavors.
Don’t rush this process; giving everything time to combine will give you a deliciously comforting soup! Plus, adding lemon or lime juice at the end adds a fantastic fresh note.
Green Chile Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Sliced avocado, for topping
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping
- Tortilla chips or strips, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal. With about 30-35 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious pot of Green Chile Chicken Soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent. This step is essential for building flavor.
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
3. Mixing in the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the star ingredients! Toss in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, diced green chiles, white beans, ground cumin, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Simmering the Soup:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Adding Fresh Flavor:
Once the soup is flavorful and heated through, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
6. Serving the Soup:
Now it’s time to enjoy your creation! Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and additional cilantro leaves for garnish.
7. Optional Crunch:
If you like a little crunch, serve the soup with tortilla chips or strips on the side. They’re perfect for dipping!
Enjoy this cozy, flavorful Green Chile Chicken Soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal! It’s sure to warm you up and bring a smile to your face. 🌶️🥑
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it first. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
If you’d like a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans, like black beans or chickpeas, for protein. Also, consider adding more vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and consider leaving out any toppings (like avocado and sour cream) until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level to your taste! For a milder soup, use mild green chiles and reduce or skip any additional spices. If you prefer more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or even some cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you!
