Hearty White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots Recipe

Cozy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of white chicken soup, where tender meat and robust flavors create a delightful culinary experience.

Delicate herbs and creamy broth mingle with chunks of succulent chicken, promising warmth in every spoonful.

Crispy seasoned tots add an unexpected crunch that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary soup.

Weeknight dinners call for something simple yet satisfying, and this recipe delivers pure comfort.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together, transforming basic pantry staples into a nourishing meal.

The aroma will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor this hearty creation.

Dive into a bowl that feels like a culinary hug, promising satisfaction with each delectable bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

Spicy Chicken Soup with Tots Ingredient Rundown

For Crispy Topping:
  • Seasoned Tater Tots: Crunchy potato bites that add a golden texture and playful crunch to the soup.
For Soup Base and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, foundational flavor that deepens the soup's complexity.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent, robust essence that enhances overall taste profile.
  • Oil: Creates a smooth cooking base and helps develop rich flavors.
For Protein and Creamy Elements:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender, lean protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • White Beans: Adds creamy texture and boosts protein and fiber content.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and smooths out the soup's spiciness.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety consistency to the soup.
For Spices and Heat:
  • Green Chiles: Delivers a mild, fresh heat and bright pepper flavor.
  • Cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones characteristic of southwestern cuisine.
  • Oregano: Contributes an herbal, slightly peppery note.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates all other flavor components.
For Optional Thickening:
  • Cornstarch: Helps create a silkier, more substantial soup texture if desired.
For Garnish:
  • Cilantro: Adds fresh, citrusy herb notes that brighten the dish.
  • Green Onions: Provides a mild, crisp onion flavor with visual appeal.
  • Hot Sauce: Allows personal heat customization for each serving.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid foundation of the soup, carrying.

What Tools You’ll Need for White Chicken Soup

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the soup base and simmering all ingredients together.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing garnishes.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping of ingredients like cilantro and green onions.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding spices like cumin and oregano.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into bowls evenly.
  • Baking Sheet: Used for baking the crispy tater tots to golden perfection.

Instructions for Spicy White Chicken Soup

  • Fire Up the Crispy Tots

Grab those tater tots and bake them until they’re golden and crunchy. These will be your magical soup topper, so make sure they’re extra crisp.

  • Kick-Start the Flavor Base

Warm up some oil in a big pot and dance some onions around until they’re soft and fragrant. Toss in garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment, releasing those heavenly aromas.

  • Spice It Up

Sprinkle in green chiles, cumin, and oregano. Let these ingredients mingle and get to know each other, creating a flavor explosion that’ll wake up your taste buds.

  • Build the Soup Symphony

Drop in white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth. Let everything simmer and get cozy. Swirl in sour cream and heavy cream to create a luxurious, creamy texture.

  • Optional Thickness Trick

Want a heartier soup? Stir in a cornstarch mixture and let it bubble gently, thickening to perfection.

  • Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crown your creation with those crispy tots. Shower with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a zesty splash of hot sauce for that final flavor punch.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Soup + Tots

  • Blend a portion of the white beans and return to the soup for a creamier, thicker consistency without using extra cornstarch.
  • Replace chicken with shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick flavor transformation and convenient meal prep.
  • Prepare the soup base a day ahead and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to intensify and develop a deeper, richer profile.
  • For gluten-free version, use cornstarch carefully and ensure tater tots are gluten-free. Dairy-free adaptation can include coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free sour cream alternative.
  • Adjust spiciness by selecting mild or hot green chiles, or adding extra jalapeños for more intense heat. Always remove chile seeds for milder flavor or keep them for extra kick.

How to Serve White Chicken Soup with Tots

  • Festive Soup Bowl Adventure: Create a vibrant soup experience by arranging crispy tater tots dramatically on top of the steaming white chicken soup, creating a textural masterpiece that delights both eyes and taste buds.
  • Creamy Comfort Combo: Pair this spicy soup with warm, crusty sourdough bread or soft corn tortillas to soak up the rich, creamy broth and balance the zesty green chile flavors.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Offer individual hot sauce bottles at the table, allowing each guest to adjust the spiciness to their personal preference, transforming the meal into an interactive dining experience.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro and green onions just before serving, adding a burst of bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the soup's creamy richness and provides a beautiful green color contrast.

Planning Ahead with Chicken Soup & Tots

  • Let the soup cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then transfer to airtight containers for efficient refrigeration.
  • Safely store the soup in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Keep the crispy tater tots separate to maintain their crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze the soup base without cream or tater tots for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding fresh cream and crispy tots just before serving.
  • Warm the soup slowly on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. For the tater tots, reheat in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispness, avoiding microwave to prevent mushiness.
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Hearty White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots Recipe

Hearty White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Comforting Mexican spicy white chicken soup with seasoned tots delivers a zesty culinary adventure straight from traditional kitchens. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a memorable meal that promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chiles
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 ½ tsps ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tsps salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 (16 oz) bag frozen seasoned tater tots
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Crispy Tots: Bake seasoned tater tots until golden and crunchy, setting them aside for a zesty topping.
  2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions in a large pot until translucent, then quickly introduce minced garlic, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
  3. Spice Awakening: Incorporate green chiles, cumin, oregano, and salt, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense flavors.
  4. Liquid Harmony: Merge white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth, gently bringing the mixture to a simmer. Swirl in sour cream and heavy cream for a luxurious texture.
  5. Optional Thickening: For a more robust consistency, integrate a cornstarch slurry and allow the soup to gently thicken over medium heat.
  6. Final Flourish: Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, crown with crispy tater tots, and embellish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Notes

  • Spread tater tots on a wire rack while baking to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Temper sour cream and heavy cream by slowly adding a small amount of hot soup before fully incorporating to avoid separation.
  • Customize heat by using mild or hot green chiles, or add additional jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
  • Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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