Are you craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further! This green chili chicken soup recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a chilly evening or a quick, healthy weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant green chiles, and a medley of aromatic spices, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It's one of those best recipes that's surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your homemade cooking.
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Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth, diced green chilies (undrained), diced tomatoes (undrained), cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with a lime wedge for a squeeze of extra citrusy brightness. This delicious dish is perfect as a healthy meal.
Tips for the Best Green Chili Chicken Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder soup, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount. For those who love a kick, add more!
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, black beans, or potatoes for a heartier soup.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamier texture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with 1 (15 ounce) can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the onion and garlic for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This green chili chicken soup recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and delicious dishes you can make at home. It's a healthy meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!