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Santa Fe Green Chile Chicken Soup

Santa Fe Green Chile Chicken Soup

Warm up with flavorful Santa Fe Green Chile Chicken Soup, a hearty and comforting dish packed with zesty roasted green chiles, tender shredded chicken, sweet corn, and aromatic spices. This soup offers an authentic burst of Southwest flavor with a perfect balance of gentle heat and nourishing ingredients, ideal for cozy meals any time you crave something spicy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 1 cup roasted green chiles, peeled and chopped (fresh or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (optional)
  • Crispy tortilla strips (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic to create a flavorful base. Roast and peel fresh green chiles or gently rinse canned roasted green chiles to prepare them for cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, which builds the foundation for the soup’s flavor.
  3. Add Green Chiles and Spices: Stir in the roasted green chiles along with ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom and infuse the oil for about one to two minutes to enhance their aroma.
  4. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows the flavors from the chiles and spices to meld perfectly with the broth.
  5. Incorporate Chicken and Corn: Add the shredded cooked chicken and corn kernels to the simmering soup. Let them heat through and combine with the broth for about 10 minutes to develop richness and texture.
  6. Final Touches and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro just before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add optional garnishes such as sour cream, lime juice, tortilla strips, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use roasted green chiles for authentic smoky flavor that enhances the soup’s depth.
  • Shred the chicken finely to ensure even distribution and comforting texture in every bite.
  • Allow the soup to simmer gently to let the flavors meld and develop fully.
  • Add salt gradually, seasoning in stages for the best balanced taste.
  • Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro right before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
  • Can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with beans or tofu and using vegetable broth.
  • This soup freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture and prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Santa Fe, Green Chile, Chicken Soup, Southwest Soup, Spicy Soup, Comfort Food, Gluten Free