This Green Chile Chicken Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, zesty green chiles, and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, I can’t resist how cozy this soup makes me feel. Pair it with some tortilla chips, and you’ve got a comfy meal that warms the heart. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Great for sautéing, but you can use any cooking oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil. I personally love olive oil for its flavor and health benefits!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time. You can substitute it with leftover chicken, or cook chicken breasts in the pot before adding other ingredients. Just make sure they’re cooked through!
Green Chiles: Canned roasted green chiles add depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast fresh chiles yourself or use jalapeños for more heat. Adjust based on your spice preference!
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans work best here. If you’re avoiding beans, you can omit them or add corn for extra texture.
Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth is the best for flavor, but store-bought works fine. For a lighter version, swap with vegetable broth.
How Do I Make Sure the Flavors in My Soup Are Just Right?
To ensure your flavors are pleasant, seasoning and simmering are key. Here’s how:
- Start with cooking aromatic ingredients like onions and garlic until they’re soft. This builds a great base.
- Add spices (cumin, oregano) to bloom their flavors before adding liquids. This small step makes a big difference!
- Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes. This allows time for all the ingredients to mingle and develop a rich flavor.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Add more salt, lime juice, or even a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick, based on your cravings!
Enjoy making your Green Chile Chicken Soup, full of warmth and flavor!
Green Chile Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 2 cans (4.5 to 5 oz each) roasted green chiles (mild or medium heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (plus lime slices for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh jalapeño slices (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Chile Chicken Soup takes approximately 10 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking time. Total time: around 30 minutes to enjoy a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step brings out the sweet flavor of the onions!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic into the pot and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!
3. Mix in the Main Ingredients:
Stir in the shredded chicken, roasted green chiles, and white beans. Mixing these ingredients creates the base of your lovely soup!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. The broth brings everything together and makes it soupy!
5. Season it Up:
Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors meld together.
6. Let It Simmer:
Let the soup gently simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop fully, making every bite delicious!
7. Finish with Lime:
Once it’s done simmering, remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. This adds a bright, zesty kick to the soup!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish it with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, lime wedges, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add extra flavor and a fun presentation!
9. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot with optional tortilla chips or warm tortillas on the side for dipping. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy!
This Green Chile Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting and hearty experience in every spoonful. Enjoy the warmth and flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen chicken! Just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing in the fridge overnight or using the quick method of submerging it in cold water can work well. You can cook the thawed chicken in the pot before adding other ingredients if you aren’t using pre-cooked chicken.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or corn for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! To adjust the spice level, you can opt for mild green chiles and skip the chili powder or use fresh jalapeños as a garnish. Conversely, if you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using hotter varieties of chiles.
