Spicy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe

Fiery Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Comfort meets heat in this robust spicy green chili chicken soup that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with every spoonful of this hearty Mexican-inspired dish.

Green chilies infuse the broth with a vibrant, fiery kick that distinguishes this soup from ordinary recipes.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among diced vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Fresh herbs and spices elevate each ingredient, transforming simple components into a memorable culinary experience.

The recipe balances warmth and zest, making it perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something with a spicy edge.

Prepare to be delighted by this soul-satisfying soup that brings restaurant-quality flavor directly to your kitchen.

Ways to Serve Green Chili Chicken Soup

  • Zesty Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco on top for a burst of texture and flavor that elevates the soup's creamy base.
  • Hearty Side Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or crusty sourdough to soak up the rich, spicy broth and create a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Cooling Contrast Technique: Add a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado to balance the soup's heat and create a creamy, cooling counterpoint that complements the green chili's spiciness.
  • Protein Power-Up: Transform the soup into a more substantial dish by adding extra shredded chicken or topping with a soft-boiled egg for an extra protein boost that makes the meal more filling.

Best Way to Store Chicken Soup

  • Transfer soup to shallow containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and preserve flavor integrity.
  • Store soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping liquid-based meals sealed tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months, removing dairy ingredients before freezing to prevent separation.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator, then reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to restore creamy texture and prevent scorching, adding splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 462 kcal

Servings: 4

Green Chili Chicken Soup Ingredients

For Base and Flavor:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and create a rich, smooth cooking foundation.
  • Onion: Adds deep, sweet undertones and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic: Brings intense, pungent flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
  • Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy spice with southwestern essence.
  • Oregano: Provides herbal, slightly peppery background notes.
  • Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant color.
  • Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate other ingredients.
For Protein and Bulk:
  • Shredded Chicken: Hearty protein that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base and intensifies savory chicken flavor.
For Creamy Texture and Richness:
  • Green Chiles: Adds bright, mild heat and southwestern character.
  • Corn: Brings sweet crunch and textural interest.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety smoothness.
  • Half-and-Half: Enhances creaminess and softens overall soup intensity.

Tools for Spicy Chicken Soup Prep

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the soup base and combining all ingredients, providing ample space for simmering and stirring.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions and preparing ingredients safely and efficiently.
  • Sharp Knife: Ideal for dicing onions and shredding chicken with precision.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and ensuring even cooking without scratching the pot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for adding the right amount of spices like cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Can Opener: Useful if using canned green chiles or corn.
  • Shredding Forks or Two Forks: Helpful for pulling apart and shredding cooked chicken.

Cooking Green Chili Chicken Soup

  • Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Heat a large pot on medium, creating a cozy cooking environment for your soup adventure.

  • Soften The Aromatics

Toss diced onions into the warm pot, letting them dance and become translucent and tender.

  • Spice It Up

Sprinkle in garlic and your favorite zesty spices, awakening a burst of flavor that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Build The Soup Foundation

Drop in tender chicken pieces, vibrant green chiles, sweet corn kernels, and rich chicken broth. Let everything mingle and get acquainted.

  • Create Creamy Magic

Swirl in cream cheese, watching it melt and transform the soup into a luxurious, velvety treasure. Gently introduce half-and-half to enhance the dreamy texture.

  • Final Flavor Finishing

Taste your creation, adding a pinch of seasoning if needed. Let the soup simmer softly, developing deep, comforting flavors.

  • Serve With Joy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, inviting friends and family to enjoy this heartwarming meal. Top with your favorite garnishes for extra excitement.

Soup Tips for Great Texture and Kick

  • Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot green chiles based on your personal spice tolerance. Roasted Hatch chiles work wonderfully for an authentic southwestern flavor.
  • Prepare the soup base in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add cream cheese and half-and-half just before serving to maintain perfect texture and freshness.
  • Replace chicken with shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like jackfruit for vegetarian guests. Each protein brings a unique twist to the classic recipe.
  • Skip the corn and use cauliflower rice instead to reduce carbohydrates. This simple substitution keeps the soup creamy and satisfying while meeting keto dietary requirements.
  • Elevate the soup's presentation with toppings like crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded monterey jack cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness and complexity.
Print
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Spicy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe

Spicy Green Chili Chicken Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Spicy and comforting, green chili chicken soup delivers a bold Mexican-inspired flavor explosion that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising you a delicious journey through robust southwestern culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups chicken (cooked, shredded)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
  • 1 (4 oz) can green chiles (diced)
  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
  • 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Caramelize onions until translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness.
  2. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce garlic and dry spices, stirring quickly to awaken their intense flavors and create a robust foundation for the soup.
  3. Protein and Vegetable Integration: Fold in shredded chicken, green chiles, and corn, then pour chicken broth to create a harmonious liquid base.
  4. Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat and incorporate cream cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and smoothly integrated into the liquid.
  5. Final Refinement: Gently pour half-and-half into the soup, maintaining a delicate simmer without boiling. Allow the mixture to thicken slightly and meld flavors for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Seasoning Calibration: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  7. Presentation: Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls and embellish with preferred garnishes for a visually appealing and delectable meal.

Notes

  • Adjust green chiles and chili powder based on heat tolerance; remove seeds for milder soup or add extra chiles for more kick.
  • Cube cream cheese beforehand and stir gradually to prevent clumping; ensure smooth, even melting by maintaining low heat.
  • Use shredded rotisserie chicken for richer flavor and tender meat; alternatively, poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
  • Swap half-and-half with coconut milk for dairy-free version; use Greek yogurt for lower-fat alternative without compromising creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 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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