Perfect choice! 🌶️🍗
Green Chili Chicken Soup is cozy, flavorful, and full of zesty southwestern goodness — tender chicken, mild green chilies, and a creamy broth that’s irresistible.
Here’s a classic creamy version (with lighter options included):
🥣 Green Chili Chicken Soup
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced or shredded (rotisserie works too)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (or use roasted Hatch chilies if available)
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (like cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup cream, half-and-half, or evaporated milk (optional, for creamy texture)
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sauté aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. - Add chicken & seasonings:
Stir in chicken, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes. - Simmer:
Add broth, beans, and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes (until chicken is tender and flavors meld). - Make it creamy (optional):
Stir in cream or evaporated milk and simmer another 5 minutes — don’t boil. - Finish:
Add lime juice and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
🍋 Topping Ideas
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack)
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Avocado slices
- Jalapeño rings
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
🌿 Make It Mediterranean-Style
For a lighter, anti-inflammatory twist:
- Use olive oil and boneless chicken thighs (higher in omega-3s).
- Replace cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
- Add baby spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- Use fresh green chilies or roasted poblano for natural heat and flavor.
