This Green Chile Chicken Soup is warm and comforting, filled with tender chicken and zesty green chiles. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy evening!
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it more than once! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a great flavor to the base of the soup. If you’re out of olive oil, you can easily use canola oil or avocado oil instead—both will work fine!
Onion: A medium onion is perfect for this recipe, bringing sweetness and depth. If you prefer a milder flavor, you could use a shallot or even green onions.
Green Chiles: Use canned diced green chiles for convenience. If you want a fresher taste, you can roast and chop fresh green chiles or jalapeños. Adjust the heat level based on your taste!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth can enhance the flavor, but store-bought is perfectly acceptable. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, choose low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Shredded Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor. If you don’t have any, just boil some chicken breasts and shred them for a quick alternative.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Garlic?
Garlic can elevate the flavors in your soup. To get the most out of it, always mince it fresh. Avoid pre-minced garlic from a jar; it loses that vibrant flavor. When cooking, add the garlic after the onion is soft to prevent burning.
- Cook onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and stir for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
How Can You Make Your Soup Creamier Without Cream?
If you want a creamier soup without adding cream, simply blend a portion of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender. This adds body while keeping it light. You can also add an avocado when blending or top with mashed avocado to achieve creaminess.
Green Chile Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot depending on preference)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Sour cream for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 10 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying this comforting dish in about 40 minutes total, perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which will take about 5 minutes. This builds a great foundation for your soup!
2. Adding Garlic and Spices:
Next, add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute, until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the diced green chiles, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Let this cook for another 2 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
3. Creating the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to deepen and create a delicious broth.
4. Finishing Touches:
Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
5. Serving It Up:
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot with warm tortillas or flatbread on the side for dipping!
Enjoy this flavorful and slightly spicy Green Chile Chicken Soup that’s perfect for comforting meals!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Cook the thawed chicken as per the instructions, and it will work perfectly!
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Yes, if you like it spicy, you can add more diced green chiles or include fresh jalapeños for extra heat. Consider using hot green chiles or adjusting the amount based on your heat preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use legumes like chickpeas or black beans in place of the chicken, and add more veggies to make it hearty. You can still enjoy the flavors of the green chiles while keeping it vegetarian!
