This Green Chile Chicken Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, zesty green chiles, and tasty spices, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how quick it is to make—just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. Plus, I can’t resist adding a dollop of sour cream on top—it makes it even yummier!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness to the soup. You could swap it with avocado oil or any neutral oil if needed.
Onion: Use yellow onion for a classic base, but feel free to substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
Green Chiles: Hatch chiles are fantastic, but if unavailable, canned green chiles or even jalapeños can be used for some kick.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great, but low-sodium store-bought options work too. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace chicken with tofu or more beans.
White Beans: If you prefer, you can use black beans or chickpeas for a different twist.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but frozen works just as well, making it easier year-round.
How Do I Get The Best Flavors In My Soup?
A big part of this recipe’s success is layering flavors properly. Start by cooking the onions until they’re translucent; this step is essential to build a solid base. Then, add the garlic and spices to let them bloom before adding the liquids.
- Heat olive oil in a pot, then add onions and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic, green chiles, cumin, and oregano, cooking for 2 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- When adding the broth, bring it to a boil and allow it to simmer to let everything meld nicely for at least 15-20 minutes.
These simple steps will maximize the flavor, making your soup truly delicious! Don’t skip on seasoning—taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy your flavorful bowl of goodness!
Green Chile Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups roasted green chiles (preferably Hatch), chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1-2 fresh jalapeño slices (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Warm bread or tortillas (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. So, in just around 30 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of Green Chile Chicken Soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, around 5 minutes. This helps to build a flavorful base for your soup.
2. Add the Flavors:
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped green chiles, cumin, and oregano. Cook everything for another 2 minutes, allowing those delicious smells to fill your kitchen!
3. Build the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the shredded chicken, white beans, and corn. Stir everything together so it’s nice and mixed.
4. Simmer for Flavor:
Bring the soup to a boil. After it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is where all the flavors combine beautifully!
5. Season to Taste:
After simmering, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Give it a taste—adjust the seasoning as needed!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices if you like a little extra heat. Don’t forget to offer lime wedges and sour cream on the side so everyone can customize their soup as they wish. Pair it with warm bread or tortillas for the perfect meal!
This soup is hearty, flavorful, and has a nice balance of mild heat and freshness—perfect comfort food for any day!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag. You can add the thawed chicken directly during step 3 of the recipe.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can add extra beans, like black beans or chickpeas, and more vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
What Are Some Good Toppings for the Soup?
For toppings, fresh cilantro and lime wedges are fantastic. You can also add diced avocado, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips for extra crunch and flavor. Sour cream is a great creamy addition too!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make it a day in advance. Just let the soup cool, then store it in the fridge. The flavors will intensify, plus it reheats beautifully. For best results, reheat gently over low heat on the stove.