If you are on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together without fuss, then let me introduce you to the Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe. This soup is a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, zesty green chilies, creamy white beans, and sweet corn all swimming in a savory broth that warms you right to your soul. It’s amazingly simple to make, yet the combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a dish bursting with bright color, texture, and layers of mouthwatering flavor. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or something to cozy up with on a chilly day, this soup has you covered without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe means gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients that each bring their own magic. From the aromatic garlic and onions creating a flavorful base, to the creamy beans and tangy sour cream adding richness and body, each element plays an essential role in the final dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, subtle richness for sautéing the aromatics.
- Small onion (diced): Provides a mild sweetness and texture that softens as it cooks.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with a deep, savory aroma that is indispensable.
- Canned diced green chilies: Brings the signature tangy zip and mild heat to the soup.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Dried oregano: Offers a hint of Mediterranean herbal brightness.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that forms the hearty base.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or leftovers for tender protein packed with flavor.
- Canned white beans (drained and rinsed): Provide creaminess and a subtle nutty taste.
- Frozen corn: Adds pops of sweetness and a fresh bite.
- Sour cream: Stirred in at the end to lend a silky, tangy richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing all ingredients.
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional): Fresh herb and citrus accents that brighten each spoonful.
How to Make Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step lets the onion’s natural sweetness start to develop, which is crucial for a rich flavor base. Then stir in the minced garlic, diced green chilies, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook everything together for another minute or two until the fragrance really fills your kitchen — this blend of spices and aromatics is what gives the soup its inviting warmth.
Step 2: Add broth and simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This will allow all those delicious flavors you’ve built to start mingling. The simmer also softens the green chilies further, making their flavor more integrated and mellow in the soup.
Step 3: Incorporate the main ingredients
Next, stir in your cooked shredded chicken, rinsed white beans, and frozen corn. These ingredients add heartiness, texture, and a satisfying mouthfeel. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the flavors ample time to blend together beautifully. This simmer is key for turning simple ingredients into a bowl of soul-satisfying goodness.
Step 4: Finish with sour cream and seasoning
Turn the heat down to low and gently stir in the sour cream until it melts smoothly into the broth. This step gives the soup its creamy, luscious texture and soft tang that balances the slight heat from the chilies perfectly. Now taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed — season gradually, since the broth already carries some saltiness.
How to Serve Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this soup to something truly special, fresh garnishes are your best friends. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds an herbaceous freshness and vibrant color that brightens each bite. Squeezing a wedge of lime over the top right before eating adds a lively citrus kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture. These simple touches turn an everyday soup into something restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This soup stands well on its own, but pairing it with some warm corn tortillas or crusty bread makes for a perfect meal. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing balance and complement the richness of the soup. For a heartier option, try serving alongside Mexican-style rice or a bright avocado salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and serve with colorful toppings on the side like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips for crunch. You could also serve the soup in small cups as an appetizer at a casual dinner party. Its vibrant green tones and inviting aroma make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the soup rests, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to stir well before reheating as some ingredients may settle.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Since it contains sour cream, it may slightly separate upon thawing, but a good stir or quick whisk while reheating usually restores its creamy consistency without a hitch.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the sour cream from breaking. A splash of broth or water can also help loosen the texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green chilies instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green chilies will add a brighter, more intense flavor, though you might want to roast or sauté them beforehand to soften and enhance their taste. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative that adds a similar creaminess with a slightly tangier flavor. Just stir it in at the end off the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Increase the beans and corn for added protein and heartiness, and consider adding diced potatoes or zucchini for more texture.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level in the Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe is mild thanks to the canned green chilies, which are usually mild. You can easily make it spicier by adding jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking.
What can I do with leftover soup?
Leftover soup makes a fantastic base for a quick lunch, or you can ladle it over cooked rice or quinoa for a filling bowl. It can also be thickened slightly and turned into a delicious stew by adding extra beans or vegetables.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of soup that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, and that’s exactly what you get with the Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe. This recipe checks all the boxes—quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor—making it your go-to whenever you want something wholesome and cheerful. Give it a try and share the joy of this vibrant, soulful soup with friends and family; it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!
Print
Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Green Chili Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and a zesty green chili base, it’s rich, creamy, and gluten-free. The combination of cumin, oregano, and fresh lime brings a bright southwestern twist to a hearty chicken soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (such as rotisserie chicken)
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Spices and Chilies: Stir in the minced garlic, diced green chilies, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Add Broth and Bring to Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
- Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, drained white beans, and frozen corn. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until fully blended into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired for added freshness and acidity.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicier soup.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier creamy option.
- This soup is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a suitable sour cream alternative.
