Green Chili Chicken Soup

Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavors, Green Chili Chicken Soup is a delightful twist on traditional chicken soups. This recipe combines tender chicken breast, hearty cannellini beans, and a zesty salsa verde base enriched with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander.

Enhanced with the heat of jalapeños and the tang of lime juice, this soup offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. Topped with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro, it’s a vibrant dish that promises to satisfy your craving for a hearty, flavorful soup.

Green Chili Chicken Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 medium green bell pepper, diced

2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced

1 small jalapeño, finely chopped

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons green chilis in brine, drained and chopped

1 can (14 oz / 400 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 jar (8.5 oz / 250 g) mild salsa verde

5 cups (1.25 liter) chicken stock

2 tablespoons lime juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven and sauté the onion and green bell pepper for 5 minutes over medium heat.

Add the garlic and jalapeño and continue to cook for another minute.

Stir in the ground cumin and coriander and cook for a further minute, stirring often.

Add the chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes until sealed.

Stir in the green chilis, cannellini beans, salsa verde and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in the lime juice, season to taste and serve topped with sliced avocado, fresh coriander and extra lime wedges.

Notes:

Flavorful Base: The combination of sautéed onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño forms a robust flavor base for the soup, providing a balance of sweetness from the onion, mild heat from the jalapeño, and aromatic depth from the garlic.

Aromatic Spices: Ground cumin and coriander add earthy and warm flavors to the soup, complementing the chicken and other ingredients.

Protein and Texture: Tender chicken breast pieces add protein and texture to the soup, cooking quickly alongside the aromatic vegetables.

Green Chilis and Salsa Verde: The use of chopped green chilis and mild salsa verde enhances the soup with tangy and slightly spicy flavors, giving it a distinctive character.

Hearty Addition: Cannellini beans contribute heartiness and nutritional value to the soup, making it more filling and adding a creamy texture when combined with the broth.

Broth: Chicken stock serves as the base liquid, enriching the soup with savory flavors and ensuring a comforting consistency.

Finishing Touch: The addition of lime juice at the end brightens the flavors of the soup, while salt and pepper are added to taste to enhance all the flavors.

Garnishes: Sliced avocado, fresh coriander (cilantro), and lime wedges are recommended garnishes that add freshness, color, and additional layers of flavor to the soup when served.

Cooking Method: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together, ensuring a rich and harmonious taste profile.

Serving: This soup is best enjoyed hot, immediately after garnishing with avocado, coriander, and lime wedges to preserve the vibrant flavors and textures.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of beans instead of cannellini beans in this Green Chili Chicken Soup recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans as a substitute for cannellini beans.

The choice of beans can alter the flavor and texture of the soup slightly, but it should still be delicious.

Is it possible to make this Green Chili Chicken Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this soup vegetarian, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

For a vegan version, make sure to use vegetable broth and also check that the salsa verde and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

How spicy is this Green Chili Chicken Soup with the jalapeño and green chilis?

The spiciness of the soup can vary depending on the level of heat in the jalapeño and green chilis used.

If you prefer a milder soup, you can remove the seeds from the jalapeño or reduce the amount of jalapeño and green chilis in the recipe.

Can I prepare this Green Chili Chicken Soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it’s warmed through.

What can I serve as side dishes with this Green Chili Chicken Soup?

This soup pairs well with various side dishes. Some options include tortilla chips, a side salad with avocado and lime dressing, Mexican rice, or even some cornbread for a comforting and hearty meal.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken in this Green Chili Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can use other types of meat such as turkey, pork, or even shrimp as a substitute for chicken.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose to ensure it is fully cooked.

Can I make this Green Chili Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker, sauté the onions, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño in a skillet as instructed.

Then transfer the sautéed mixture along with all the other ingredients (except lime juice) to the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the lime juice before serving.

Can I freeze this Green Chili Chicken Soup for later consumption?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for later consumption.

Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the Green Chili Chicken Soup?

If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of jalapeño or use hotter varieties of green chilis.

Conversely, to make it milder, reduce the amount of jalapeño or use mild green chilis. Taste the soup as you cook and adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I add other vegetables to this Green Chili Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as corn, diced tomatoes, or diced zucchini.

These additions can enhance the flavors and add more nutrients to the dish.

Just be mindful of the cooking time for the added vegetables to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.