Easy & Delicious Chipotle Chicken Soup: Your New Favorite Cozy Meal
This Chipotle Chicken Soup recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking a flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal. Far heartier than a traditional fideo soup, it’s the perfect choice when you need a quick yet impressive dinner or lunch solution. The thoughtful addition of creamy avocado and protein-rich chickpeas elevates this soup, giving it a delightful texture and a nutritional boost, all while being loaded with good protein and healthy fats. For an extra punch of bright flavor that beautifully complements the soup’s inherent spiciness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top is an absolute must.
The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl: Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Soup
Is there anything quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup? For many, including myself, soup evokes feelings of coziness, reminiscent of curling up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket on a rainy, chilly, or snowy day. It’s a timeless comfort food, and this particular chipotle chicken soup delivers that comforting sensation in spades. Its inherent spiciness adds another layer of warmth, making you feel snug and content even when the weather outside is anything but inviting.
What truly sets this soup apart is its hearty and satisfying nature. The generous amount of shredded chicken combined with wholesome chickpeas ensures you’re getting a significant boost of protein. This dynamic duo works together to fill you up, leaving you feeling fully satisfied and perhaps even a little ready for a post-meal snooze on the couch. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul.
This delightful recipe finds its roots in the acclaimed 300 Sensational Soups cookbook, a treasure trove of comforting creations. The cookbook wisely suggests accompanying this flavorful soup with crispy tortilla chips – a recommendation we wholeheartedly endorse. Tossing some of these golden, crunchy strips on top adds a textural contrast that perfectly complements the smooth, rich broth. We’ve included the simple instructions for making your own homemade crispy tortilla strips further down, guaranteeing that perfect crunch with every spoonful.
One of the best aspects of this chipotle chicken soup is its versatility. While delicious as is, it also welcomes customization. On your next culinary adventure with this recipe, consider adding extra depth with ingredients like tender red potatoes, sweet corn, or even black beans. Feel empowered to experiment with other vegetables or ingredients you think would enhance the flavor profile. The beauty of homemade soup lies in the ability to tailor it precisely to your taste preferences!
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Unleashing the Flavor: The Magic of Chipotle Peppers
At the heart of this incredible soup lies the distinctive flavor of chipotle peppers. For those unfamiliar, chipotle peppers are simply smoked, dried jalapeño peppers. This smoking process imparts a deep, earthy, and uniquely smoky flavor that is both complex and utterly delicious, adding far more than just heat. When combined with the rich adobo sauce they are typically packed in, they create a savory base that transforms ordinary chicken soup into something truly extraordinary.
The beauty of using chipotles in adobo is how easily you can control the spice level. Starting with one pepper provides a pleasant warmth, while two will give you a more pronounced kick. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust! This smoky spice plays wonderfully with the robust chicken stock, garlic, and fresh lime, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Mastering the Ingredients: What You’ll Need and How to Customize
Crafting the perfect Chipotle Chicken Soup starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the key components and how they contribute to the final masterpiece, along with ideas for making this recipe truly your own:
Ingredients for Chipotle Chicken Soup:
- 6 cups chicken stock: The foundation of our soup. Using good quality chicken stock or homemade broth will significantly enhance the overall flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that is essential to any savory soup.
- 1 to 2 chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce, minced: These are the stars! Mincing them finely ensures their smoky, spicy flavor is evenly distributed. Start with one if you prefer a milder heat, and add a second for a bolder kick.
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper: A universal seasoning that enhances other flavors and adds a subtle bite.
- 2 14-oz cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) provide a wonderful creamy texture and a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber, making the soup extra filling.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: The primary protein source. This is a fantastic recipe for using leftover roasted or boiled chicken. For a super quick meal, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves a lot of time!
- Salt to taste: Always season as you go. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed to bring out all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous, and fresh finish that complements the spicy and smoky notes beautifully.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy avocado adds a rich, healthy fat component that cools the palate and provides a luxurious texture.
- 1 lime, cut into 6 wedges: Fresh lime juice is crucial for brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Crispy Tortilla Strips (see below): The perfect crunchy topping that adds texture and makes every spoonful more exciting.
Elevate Your Bowl: Customization Ideas
This chipotle chicken soup is wonderfully versatile, offering plenty of room for creative additions:
- Veggies Galore: Beyond the initial suggestion of red potatoes, consider adding other vegetables like corn (fresh or frozen), diced bell peppers for sweetness and crunch, or even zucchini. A handful of spinach or kale stirred in at the end wilts into the broth beautifully.
- Bean Varieties: Swap out one can of chickpeas for black beans or pinto beans for a slightly different flavor and texture profile, keeping that protein and fiber content high.
- Dairy Dream: A dollop of sour cream, Mexican crema, or a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack or cotija cheese just before serving can add a creamy richness that balances the spice.
- Spice It Up (or Down): If you love extra heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be added to individual bowls. If you’re sensitive to spice, use only half a chipotle pepper and remove the seeds, which hold most of the heat.
- Heartier Grains: While the chickpeas and chicken make it hearty, you could also stir in a cup of cooked rice or quinoa towards the end of cooking for an even more substantial meal.
The Perfect Crunch: Homemade Crispy Tortilla Strips
While optional, homemade crispy tortilla strips are highly recommended for this soup. They provide a fantastic textural contrast that takes the soup from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. Making them at home is surprisingly simple and yields a much fresher, crunchier result than store-bought versions.
Crispy Tortilla Strips Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 6 6-inch corn tortillas, halved, then cut crosswise into matchstick-size strips
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions for Crispy Tortilla Strips:
In a medium saucepan, heat about 3/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, a good test is to drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and turn golden quickly.
Once the oil is at temperature, carefully add the tortilla strips in 4 small batches. Frying them in batches prevents overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy strips. Fry each batch until they are crisp and lightly golden brown, which typically takes only 30 to 45 seconds. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, swiftly remove the fried tortilla strips and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess oil, ensuring maximum crispiness. Immediately season the hot strips with salt to taste. Let them cool completely, and for the best texture, use them within 3 hours. If you’re short on time, good quality store-bought tortilla chips or strips can be a suitable alternative.
Simple Steps to a Flavorful Bowl: Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken stock, thinly sliced garlic, minced chipotles (to your desired taste/heat level), and freshly ground black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it cook for at least 15 minutes. This crucial simmering step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic broth that is the soul of this soup.
Step 2: Add the Hearty Components. After the broth has simmered and deepened in flavor, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Season the soup with salt to taste. Remember to start conservatively and add more if needed, as the salt content in chicken stock can vary.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve. Ladle the hot soup into warmed bowls. Garnish generously with the chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh lime wedges. Encourage diners to squeeze the lime over their soup right before eating – it truly brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish that’s not to be missed!
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Soup Success
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience even smoother. Here are some essentials that will come in handy for making this chipotle chicken soup, and many other dishes:
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp, reliable chef’s knife is indispensable for mincing garlic, chopping cilantro, dicing avocado, and preparing your chipotle peppers.
- Stockpot: A large, heavy-bottomed stockpot is ideal for simmering the broth and combining all the ingredients without overflow.
- Cutting Board: Protect your countertops and make chopping safe and efficient with a sturdy cutting board.
- Saucepan: Perfect for preparing those crispy tortilla strips, allowing for controlled oil temperature.
- Candy Thermometer: While not strictly necessary for the soup itself, it’s incredibly helpful for achieving the perfect oil temperature for frying the tortilla strips safely and effectively.
And if you’re eager to explore more comforting recipes, click here to check out the 300 Sensational Soups cookbook that inspired this recipe!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Soup
This chipotle chicken soup makes for excellent leftovers! To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
While this Chipotle Chicken Soup is a complete meal on its own, a few simple additions can make it even more special. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors. A side of warm cornbread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. For beverages, a refreshing glass of iced tea, a sparkling water with lime, or even a light Mexican beer would pair wonderfully with the soup’s spicy notes.
So yummy! I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this spicy chipotle chicken soup as much as I do. It’s definitely a recipe to keep in your rotation for those days you need a comforting and flavorful meal. What are your favorite go-to soups to make when you’re craving warmth and flavor?
Looking for more fantastic soup ideas for dinner or lunch? You’ll love this Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup, which is always a popular and incredibly delicious choice! And I recently tried this Asparagus Soup, and it was so good – I know it will be a frequent visitor to my kitchen!
This post was originally published on this blog on October 22, 2008, and has been updated and expanded for clarity, SEO, and more comprehensive cooking insights.
Chipotle Chicken Soup
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Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce minced
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 14- oz cans of chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 lime cut into 6 wedges
- Crispy Tortilla Strips
Instructions
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In a large pot, bring stock, garlic, chipotles to taste and pepper to a boil over medium-high heat. reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors. Add chickpeas, chicken and salt to taste.
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Ladle into heated bowls and garnish with cilantro, avocado, tortilla strips and lime wedges. Diners may squeeze the lime over their soup, if they desire.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
