Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

Enjoy the warmth of Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup, a delicious one-pot meal loaded with smoky flavors and tender chicken. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where comfort food is needed. With its rich texture and a hint of spice, this recipe stands out as a favorite for all soup lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The chipotle sauce adds a smoky kick that elevates the dish, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal suitable for any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken, beans, and vegetables, this soup is nutritious without compromising on taste.
• Garnish to Impress: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but adds freshness to each bowl.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making your Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup, gather the necessary tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and perfect for simmering soups without burning.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accuracy in ingredient proportions for the best flavor balance.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

Enjoy the warmth of Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup, a delicious one-pot meal loaded with smoky flavors and tender chicken.

Ingredients:
– 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, (divided)
– 1 can (7 ounces) Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, (Chipotle peppers removed (use only the sauce))
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
– 2 cans (15.25 ounces each) sweet corn, (drained, or 1 bag (16 ounces) frozen sweet corn)
– 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, (drained, rinsed)
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes, (drained)
– ¼ cup red onion, (diced)
– 1 medium jalapeño pepper, (seeded, diced)
– 5 cups (40 ounces) chicken broth
– 1 cup (185 g) instant rice, (uncooked)
– 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
– salt and pepper, (to taste)
– parsley, (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken.
• Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Base Flavor

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers, coriander, cumin, and garlic. Stir for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add corn, pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, onion, jalapeño pepper, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Pot

Return seared chicken along with any juices back into the pot.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Step 7: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from pot. Shred using two forks before returning it back into the pot.

Step 8: Add Rice

Stir in instant rice into the soup mixture. Simmer uncovered for about ten minutes while stirring occasionally until rice is tender.

Step 9: Make It Creamy

Reduce heat to low again. Slowly stir in heavy cream until soup becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.

Step 10: Serve Hot

Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy your Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Warm Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A freshly baked baguette complements the soup’s creaminess perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a savory kick that pairs well with the smoky flavors of the soup.

Add Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances the spice.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and a refreshing taste.

Serve with Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing create a delightful contrast to the hot soup.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette can refresh your palate between bites.

Use as a Filling

• Stuffed Peppers: Use the soup as a filling for bell peppers, then bake until tender for a unique twist.
• Tacos: Serve the soup in taco shells topped with cheese and fresh herbs for an exciting fusion.

How to Perfect Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

For an even more delicious bowl of Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup, consider these handy tips.

• Bold Flavors: Increase the amount of chipotle adobo sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables for the best flavor.
• Simmer Longer: Letting it simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing taste complexity.
• Adjust Consistency: Add more broth or cream based on your desired thickness; thicker soup is heartier, while thinner is lighter.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or green onions for added freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

Complement your Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup with these delightful side dishes. They make excellent companions to this flavorful meal.

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a perfect balance to the spicy soup and is easy to prepare.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies provides a nutritious boost alongside the rich soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add texture and flavor, making your meal more wholesome.
4. Cheesy Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese provide an indulgent side that pairs wonderfully.
5. Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a fun appetizer option before enjoying your soup.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs enhances the comforting nature of the meal.
7. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the flavor or texture.

• Bold seasoning: Forgetting to season properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Bold overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Be sure to simmer just until it’s tender and reaches 165°F.
• Bold not shredding the chicken: Leaving the chicken whole after cooking makes it harder to enjoy in each bite. Shred it for a more satisfying experience.
• Bold skipping the cream at the right time: Adding cream too early can cause it to curdle. Stir it in at the end for a smooth finish.
• Bold using stale ingredients: Old spices and canned goods can change the taste. Always check expiration dates before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup unique?

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup stands out due to its smoky chipotle flavor combined with creamy richness, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Can I make Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.

What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk or half-and-half as alternatives for a lighter option while still achieving creaminess.

How spicy is Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup?

The spice level primarily depends on how much chipotle sauce you add. Adjust based on your personal preference by adding less if desired.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap beans for other types like black beans for variety.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup is a warm and inviting dish that combines smoky flavors with creamy goodness. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately six servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup is a comforting one-pot meal that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table. This richly textured soup features tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty beans, all enveloped in a creamy, smoky broth infused with chipotle sauce. Perfect for cozy evenings, gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfies the whole family. Garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor, each bowl is a delightful experience that combines spice and creaminess in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 can (7 ounces) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (use only the sauce)
• 2 cans (15.25 ounces each) sweet corn
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown; set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium; add adobo sauce, coriander, cumin, and garlic to the pot; sauté for about 30–60 seconds.
4. Stir in corn, beans, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño pepper, and chicken broth; combine well.
5. Return seared chicken to the pot along with any juices.
6. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. Shred the chicken using two forks; return shredded meat to the pot.
8. Add instant rice; simmer uncovered for about ten minutes until rice is tender.
9. Stir in heavy cream until smooth; season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10. Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 110mg