Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

Green Chili Chicken Soup is a flavorful, hearty, and comforting dish that combines the warmth of a rich chicken broth with the spicy kick of green chilies. This soup is the perfect balance of heat and flavor, with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the unmistakable taste of green chiles, making it a fantastic choice for a cozy meal any time of year. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or seeking a satisfying, easy-to-make meal, this soup will quickly become a favorite.

Green Chili Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can adjust the heat to suit your tastes by using mild or spicy green chilies, and the soup can easily be made ahead of time, making it great for meal prepping. This guide will walk you through the preparation process, provide helpful tips for success, and offer variations to try for a different twist.

Why You’ll Love Green Chili Chicken Soup

• Bold and Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and green chiles provides a satisfying and bold flavor profile. This soup is perfect for those who love a bit of spice.
• Comforting and Hearty: With its rich, flavorful broth and the addition of vegetables and chicken, this soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spiciness of the soup depending on your preference, making it as mild or as hot as you like. You can also easily add different vegetables or toppings to suit your taste.
• Quick and Easy: While the soup has a lot of flavors, it doesn’t take long to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an easy recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup holds up well in the refrigerator and can be frozen for future meals. Make a big batch, and you’ll have a ready-to-go lunch or dinner for days.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or just a quick weeknight meal, this soup is perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredient variations.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Green Chili Chicken Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 2 cups green chilies (canned or fresh), chopped (adjust to desired heat)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream for garnish (optional)
• Tortilla chips or strips for serving (optional)

Special Equipment

Although Green Chili Chicken Soup doesn’t require specialized tools, having the right equipment can help streamline the process and ensure that your soup turns out perfectly:

1. Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for simmering the soup. It provides enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly and allows the flavors to meld together.
2. Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board will make chopping the vegetables, chicken, and chilies a breeze.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for getting the right balance of seasonings. Be sure to have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand.
4. Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring the soup and ensuring everything is well mixed, a wooden spoon or ladle is a must.
5. Citrus Juicer: A citrus juicer can be helpful to easily extract lime juice for the soup and garnishes, ensuring you don’t waste any juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your vegetables and chicken. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the green chilies into small pieces. If using fresh chilies, be sure to remove the seeds if you want to control the heat. Chop the potatoes and prepare the corn (if using fresh corn, cut it off the cob). If you’re using canned corn, drain it well.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

4. Add the Chilies and Spices

Next, add the chopped green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture to combine and cook for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.

5. Add the Liquids and Vegetables

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and corn. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the soup cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

6. Return the Chicken to the Pot

Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder, depending on your preference.

7. Finish with Lime Juice and Garnish

Once the soup is ready, stir in the lime juice for a touch of brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some crispy tortilla chips or strips. The toppings add texture and extra flavor, enhancing the overall experience of the soup.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Green Chili Chicken Soup immediately, accompanied by tortilla chips or strips on the side. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Green Chili Chicken Soup

• Adjust the Spice Level: The heat of this soup depends on the type of green chilies you use. For a milder soup, use mild green chilies or remove the seeds from the chilies to reduce their heat. For more heat, opt for spicier chilies like jalapeños or even hatch green chilies.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer more flavor in your broth, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. After cooking the chicken, remove the bones and shred the meat before adding it back to the soup.
• Add More Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to the soup, you can include bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. These will add extra texture and flavor.
• Use Homemade Chicken Broth: While store-bought broth works fine, using homemade chicken broth will give the soup a richer flavor. If you have time, make your own broth by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and herbs.
• Make It Creamier: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese once the soup is done simmering.

Variations of Green Chili Chicken Soup

• Green Chili Chicken and Corn Chowder: To make the soup richer and heartier, add some cream or milk for a chowder-style version. You can also add diced potatoes for a creamier base.
• Slow Cooker Green Chili Chicken Soup: For a hands-off version, make this soup in the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Once done, shred the chicken and serve.
• Green Chili Chicken Soup with Rice: For a filling meal, add cooked rice to the soup just before serving. This makes the soup even heartier and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
• Vegetarian Green Chili Soup: Skip the chicken and add more beans or vegetables for a vegetarian version. Black beans or white beans are great alternatives to chicken.

Storage and Shelf Life

Green Chili Chicken Soup stores well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed for several days after making. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. The soup will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove over low heat.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Green Chili Chicken Soup

Pair this soup with complementary side dishes to enhance the meal:

• Tortilla Chips or Crispy Tortilla Strips: These make a great topping for the soup and add an extra crunch.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add a cool and refreshing contrast to the spicy soup.
• Mexican Rice: Serve the soup with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• Cheese Quesadillas: A gooey cheese quesadilla is a perfect side dish to serve with Green Chili Chicken Soup, providing a comforting and cheesy complement to the soup.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky grilled corn is a great pairing with the spicy soup, balancing out the heat.

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Conclusion

Green Chili Chicken Soup is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, spicy green chilies, and comforting broth. With its bold flavor and customizable spice level, this soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home. Easy to make and even easier to love, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.