Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Delight!

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making easy Green chili chicken soup at home! This vibrant and hearty dish combines tender chicken with the bold flavors of green chilies, cilantro, and aromatic spices, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or as a delicious lunch option. Originating from the Southwestern part of the United States, this soup has made its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of many food enthusiasts. What makes this soup uniquely delightful is its ability to bring warmth and comfort while being light enough for a satisfying lunch. Whether you’re looking for a homemade Green chili chicken soup from scratch or want to explore a vegan Green chili chicken soup variation, this recipe has it all!

Prepare to dive into a culinary experience like no other as we immerse ourselves in the zesty flavors and vibrant colors of this dish. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, cooking time of 30 minutes, and a total time of 50 minutes, you will soon be serving up 6 hearty bowls of flavor that your family and friends will absolutely love!

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (green or yellow), diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeded for milder flavor)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

For Customization:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas for a vegetarian option
• Replace chicken with tofu or lentils for a vegan Green chili chicken soup
• Use zucchini or squash in place of corn for a lower-carb variation
• Add avocado slices for a creamy texture in each serving

Equipment List

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Can opener (if using canned ingredients)
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering and chopping all your ingredients. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños, and mince the garlic. If your chicken isn’t cooked, either boil it or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and chopped jalapeños, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander, stirring all the ingredients together. This will create a wonderfully aromatic base for your soup. Allow it to cook for an additional minute, letting the spices bloom and fill your kitchen with delightful scents.
4. Incorporate the Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the Main Components: Add the cooked shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and corn to the pot. Stir well to combine. This blend will create a comforting soup filled with hearty textures and flavors.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes over low heat, uncovered, so that all the flavors can meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as necessary.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the soup is ready, remove it from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime juice if desired. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with additional cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors with crusty bread or tortilla chips!

Special Notes

If you have leftovers, this easy Green chili chicken soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness. When reheating, add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers.

Troubleshooting: If the soup is too thick, you can easily remedy this by adding 1-2 tablespoons of broth until the desired consistency is achieved. If you find that it’s lacking flavor, a dash of hot sauce or extra lime juice can perk it right up.

Variations and Customizations

This homemade Green chili chicken soup is exceptionally versatile. Here are a few variations you can consider:

• Gluten-Free: Rest assured, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no flour or gluten products. Ensure your broth is also gluten-free for a perfect match!
• Vegan Option: Use chickpeas or tofu as a protein source, substitute in vegetable broth, and omit any animal products. It remains just as comforting and flavorful!
• Low-Carb: Add more chopped vegetables like spinach or cauliflower instead of corn. The soup remains nourishing without the added carbohydrates from grains.

Nutritional Information

If you’d like to keep track of your nutritional intake, here’s an estimate per serving based on this recipe’s ingredients:

• Calories: 270
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g

Engaging Visual Details

Your Green chili chicken soup should look absolutely mouth-watering in the bowl, with vibrant greens from the cilantro, flecks of bright yellow corn, and tender pieces of chicken nestled in a beautifully spiced broth. The aromatic smell of cumin and roasted tomatoes should waft through the air, inviting everyone to the dinner table. Consider capturing this masterpiece! Photos of the step-by-step process, from sautéing the aromatics to the final delicious bowl served with a lime wedge, would enhance your readers’ experience wonderfully.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the tools and tips to create this delightful Green chili chicken soup, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and experience the comforting flavors of this dish in your kitchen! Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or sharing it with friends, this soup is sure to impress. We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe, or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy cooking!