Chicken Queso Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of Chicken Queso Soup, filled with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a hint of zesty lime.

There’s something truly comforting about its rich, savory aroma wafting through your kitchen.

This delightful Mexican-inspired dish is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in or a family favorite dinner.

As the ingredients meld together, the flavors transform into a hearty masterpiece.

Let’s bring this delicious soup to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 ladle
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Queso Soup, here’s a suggested timeline that includes reading, prep work, and cooking activities:

1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Quickly read through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes)
   • Gather all the necessary equipment: large pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, ladle, and measuring cup.
   • Measure out olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.
   • Cube the chicken breasts.
   • Chop the onion and cilantro.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Drain and rinse the black beans.
   • Open the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
3. Cooking Time (30 minutes)
   • Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat (1 minute).
   • Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (5 minutes).
   • Remove chicken from the pot and set aside (1 minute).
   • Add onion and garlic to the pot, sauté until onion is translucent (5 minutes).
   • Stir in cumin and chili powder, cooking for an additional minute (1 minute).
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer (2 minutes).
   • Add diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans (2 minutes).
   • Return chicken to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes (15 minutes).
   • Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese, cooking until cheese is melted (3 minutes).
4. Final Steps (Resting Time: 10 minutes)
   • Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice (2 minutes).
   • Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.

Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.

Stir in cumin and chili powder, cooking for an additional minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Add diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans to the pot.

Return the chicken to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese, cooking until cheese is melted.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice.

Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and a perfect match for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Warm Cornbread: Pair with a slice of warm cornbread to complement the savory flavors and add a touch of sweetness.
• Avocado Slices: Top the soup with fresh avocado slices for creaminess and a cool contrast to the warm, spicy flavors.
• Sour Cream Dollop: Add a dollop of sour cream for a rich, tangy addition that enhances the overall creaminess of the soup.
• Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy freshness that brightens the dish.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Queso Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.

Freezing

To freeze Chicken Queso Soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers.

Leave space for expansion and label with the date.

Consume within three months.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken Queso Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, in 30-second intervals.

Stir in between.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Queso Soup is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with a comforting warmth.

With its blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant spices, this soup is sure to become a favorite.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or enjoying it as a cozy meal on a chilly day, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Don’t forget to customize it to your taste with extra toppings or heat, making it uniquely yours.

Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors and the joy of a well-made meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Chicken Breasts?

You can definitely use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup after sautéing the onions. This substitution saves time while still packing the dish with flavor.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup Dairy-Free?

You can make it dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using dairy-free cheese. These alternatives maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor, ensuring you enjoy a satisfying, flavorful soup without dairy.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream in This Recipe?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. Both options maintain a rich texture and mellow flavor, ensuring the soup remains creamy and delicious without compromising its authentic taste.

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?

To make it vegetarian-friendly, replace chicken with more beans or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like bell peppers for flavor. Make certain the cheese is vegetarian or substitute with a plant-based option.

Are There Gluten-Free Alternatives for This Soup?

To make it gluten-free, guarantee your chicken broth and canned tomatoes are labeled gluten-free. Replace any thickening agents with cornstarch. Focus on fresh ingredients and spices to enhance flavors while maintaining a safe, delicious dish.