If there’s one soup that’ll knock your socks off AND keep you cozy, it’s Green Chili Chicken Soup. My husband whipped this up last weekend, and OH. MY. GOSH. It was love at first bite. Creamy, spicy, and loaded with tender chicken, this soup is a total flavor bomb. Plus, it’s a one-pot deal so, hello, EASY cleanup!
Grab your ladle and let’s dive into this irresistible bowl of goodness.
Looking for more quick and tasty dinner ideas? Head over to our Dinner Recipes and get inspired for your next family meal!
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🌶️ WHAT MAKES GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP SO GOOD?
This soup is like a warm hug with a little spicy kick. The star? Green chilies, of course! They add a smoky, slightly tangy heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy base. Add shredded chicken, beans, and some bright lime juice, and you’ve got a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and anything but boring.
Best part? You can tweak the spice level. Go mild if you’re feeding the kids, or crank it up for the spice lovers in your life. Either way, you’re winning dinner tonight.
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🛒 INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
This soup uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—no fancy stuff required!
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
Soup Staples:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (like cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Creamy Finish (optional):
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional but SO GOOD):
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
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⏲️ HOW TO MAKE GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP (30 MINUTES, TOPS!)
Sauté the base
Heat olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 5 minutes, or until everything’s soft and fragrant.
Add the flavor bombs
Stir in your green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let it cook for 1 minute to wake up those spices.
Build the soup
Pour in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, white beans, and corn. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, so all the flavors blend beautifully.
Make it creamy (optional)
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes don’t let it boil, or it might curdle.
Finish it up
Squeeze in the lime juice, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Ladle it into bowls, load it up with your favorite toppings, and DIG IN.
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🤩 WHY YOU’LL LOVE GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP
Here’s why Green Chili Chicken Soup deserves a spot on your weekly menu:
- CREAMY & SPICY: A perfect balance of heat and richness.
- EASY TO MAKE: One pot, minimal chopping, MAX flavor.
- KID-FRIENDLY OPTIONS: Adjust the spice level to keep everyone happy.
- VERSATILE: Use leftover chicken, turkey, or even make it vegetarian.
- TACO TUESDAY VIBES: Tastes like a deconstructed green chili taco—YUM.
If creamy, dreamy soups are your thing, you’ve GOT to check out our Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s another one-pot wonder that’s guaranteed to win hearts literally!
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📊 NUTRITIONAL INFO (PER SERVING)
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 20g |
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🌟 TIPS FOR THE BEST GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP
- ROAST YOUR OWN CHILIES: If you’re feeling fancy, roast fresh green chilies for a smoky, homemade touch.
- USE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN: It’s a huge time-saver and tastes amazing.
- DON’T SKIP THE LIME: That little hit of acid at the end ties everything together.
- ADD TORTILLA CHIPS: Crush them on top for the BEST crunch.
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GREEN CHILIES: THE SECRET WEAPON
Let’s take a second to appreciate the real MVP of this soup—GREEN CHILIES! They’re not just about heat. Oh no, they’re bringing smoky, tangy magic to the table. Whether you’re using canned, roasted, or fresh chilies, they give this soup that signature kick. Pro tip: If you can get your hands on Hatch green chilies, DO IT. They’re the Beyoncé of chilies ICONIC.
PERFECT PAIRINGS FOR GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP
This soup is AMAZING on its own, but if you want to make it a full-on feast, here are some ideas. Pair it with warm flour tortillas (perfect for dunking), crispy tortilla chips, or even some sweet cornbread for a little contrast. Feeling extra? Whip up a margarita or grab a cold lime soda to balance the heat. Trust me, you’ll be living your best life.
Craving a classic soup-and-sandwich vibe? Pair this soup with a gooey grilled cheese! And if you’re feeling extra nostalgic, our Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup recipe is a MUST-TRY.
THE ULTIMATE GAME DAY SOUP
Game day food doesn’t have to be all chips and wings—this soup is a TOTAL WINNER. Make a big pot, set out a toppings bar (think cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla strips), and let everyone customize their bowls. It’s cozy, spicy, and way easier than juggling a bunch of separate snacks. Plus, your friends will be talking about that green chili kick long after the final whistle.
WHY YOU SHOULD TRY HOMEMADE BROTH
If you’ve got the time, let me tell you: HOMEMADE BROTH is a game-changer. It makes the soup richer, deeper, and just… better. Plus, you can freeze any extra broth for future soups, stews, or even gravy (YES, gravy!). If you’re short on time, no worries—a good-quality boxed broth will still get the job done.
Want to take your broth game to the next level? Check out our guide to Soup Bones. Trust me, homemade broth is a TOTAL game-changer.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR SPICE LEVEL
Here’s the beauty of this soup—you get to decide how spicy you want it! Keep it mellow with mild green chilies, or crank up the heat with a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. One time, I added habanero just to see what would happen… let’s just say, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. But hey, if you love a challenge, go for it!
TURN LEFTOVERS INTO TACOS
Leftover soup? OH, YOU’RE IN LUCK. Shred the chicken a little more and use it as taco filling, or spoon it over rice for a quick chili bowl. My personal fave? Pour it on top of nachos, add a little extra cheese, and throw it under the broiler. BAM—leftovers just became next-level delicious.
A LITTLE HISTORY ON GREEN CHILIES
Here’s a fun fact: Green chilies have been a staple in Southwestern cooking for CENTURIES. They’re especially famous in New Mexico, where Hatch green chilies are so beloved, they get their own festival every year. If you’ve never tried Hatch chilies, trust me—they’re worth tracking down. They’ve got this smoky, slightly sweet flavor that’s just UNREAL.
TACO TUESDAY’S BEST FRIEND
Tacos are great, but you know what takes Taco Tuesday to the next level? THIS SOUP. Serve it as a side or let it steal the show—it’s got all the flavors of your favorite green chili taco in cozy soup form. Bonus points if you load it up with crunchy tortilla strips and a little extra lime juice.
HOW TO MAKE IT A CROWD-PLEASER
Hosting a party? Green Chili Chicken Soup is a total crowd-pleaser. Double the recipe, keep it warm in a slow cooker, and set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their dream bowl. Cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, jalapeños—you name it. It’s easy, fun, and will make you look like the HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS.
THE FLAVOR OF COMFORT IN GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP
This soup is like a warm hug with a spicy kick. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or serving it to a crowd, it’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel GOOD. It’s creamy, hearty, and so full of flavor that you’ll be going back for seconds—and maybe thirds.
MAKE YOUR OWN GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP
What I LOVE about this soup is how easy it is to make it your own. Want it extra creamy? Add more sour cream. Need to stretch it for a bigger crowd? Toss in extra beans or corn. Cooking for vegetarians? Ditch the chicken and load up on veggies. However you make it, this soup is gonna be a hit.
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FAQS: GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Totally! It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently.
What if I don’t eat dairy?
No problem swap the cream and sour cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Leave out the dairy when freezing and add it in when reheating for the best texture.
How spicy is this soup?
It’s mild with just the green chilies, but you can dial it up with jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with extra beans and use veggie broth.
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🌟 FINAL THOUGHTS ON GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SOUP
Green Chili Chicken Soup is like a bowl of cozy comfort with a spicy twist. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for warming up on chilly nights. Whether you’re hosting friends or just whipping up a quick dinner for the fam, this soup’s got your back.
Let me know how yours turns out—I can’t wait to hear if it becomes a new family favorite! 😊
