I’m so happy to share my Chicken Chile Verde Soup recipe with you! This is a hearty, cozy soup with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and a green chile sauce that adds just a little kick. Everything cooks together in one pot, which makes it simple and stress free. It’s comforting, family friendly, and perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without much effort.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 40 minutes
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Cook Time: about 30 minutes
Yield: about 12 cups
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mexican inspired
I still remember the first time I made this soup at home. I loved that I could put everything into one pot and let it simmer while I handled other things. The smell alone made everyone excited for dinner.
This soup is warm, filling, and full of simple flavors. Shredded chicken, celery, and onion cook in a savory broth with chile verde sauce, then cheese melts right into the soup. It tastes rich and comforting without being complicated.
This is a great recipe for long days, family dinners, or meal prep. You can eat it right away or freeze leftovers for later, which makes life much easier.
How to Make Chicken Chile Verde Soup
This soup brings together tender chicken and bold green chile flavor in the easiest way possible. Here’s how it all comes together:
• Soft onion and celery cooked in olive oil
• Cooked chicken added for quick prep
• Chicken broth and chile verde sauce for a rich base
• Gentle simmer to blend all the flavors
• Shredded cheese stirred in until melted
• Optional toppings added at the end for extra flavor
It’s a true one pot meal that saves time and cleanup while still tasting homemade.
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cups celery, chopped into large pieces
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 24 ounces chile verde sauce (canned or jarred)
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for topping)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and celery and stir to coat with oil.
- Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until softened.
- Add the Soup Base:
- Pour in the chicken broth and chile verde sauce.
- Stir well so everything mixes evenly.
- Add the Chicken:
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot.
- Stir and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Let the soup simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir once in a while so nothing sticks.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Mix until the cheese melts into the soup.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust if needed.
- Serve hot with optional toppings if you like.
Process Details
• Softening the Vegetables: Cooking the onion and celery first helps build flavor right from the start.
• Using Cooked Chicken: Pre cooked chicken saves time and makes this a fast meal.
• Simmering: Letting the soup simmer helps all the flavors blend together.
• Melting the Cheese: Stirring the cheese in at the end keeps the soup smooth and creamy.
• Toppings: Adding toppings at the end lets everyone customize their bowl.
Tips for Success
• Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
• If you want less heat, use regular jack cheese instead of pepper jack.
• Stir the soup now and then while simmering to prevent sticking.
• Taste before serving and adjust salt or spice to your liking.
• This soup thickens slightly as it cools, which is normal.
Serving Ideas
• Simple Bowl: Serve on its own for a warm and filling meal.
• Fresh Toppings: Add sour cream, cilantro, or chopped onion on top.
• Light Side: Pair with a simple side salad.
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches during the week.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Let soup cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well. Add a splash of broth if it thickens.
• Texture Note: Cheese may thicken the soup after chilling, which is normal.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~180
• Protein: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~6g
• Fat: ~12g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~900mg
• Sugar: ~4g
My Chicken Chile Verde Soup is warm, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. It’s full of comforting flavors, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in one pot, which makes it perfect for busy days.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this soup as much as I do. Once you try it, it may become one of your favorite go to meals for cozy nights and easy leftovers.
