25-Minutes Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe Perfect For Dining Time

Spice. Warmth. Comfort. Dive into a bowl of Chipotle Chicken Soup and journey through an adventure of flavors. Each spoonful tells a tale. Try chipotle chicken soup recipe to soothe your senses.

Fresh vegetables meld with tender chicken. The smoky hint of chipotle peppers envelopes the senses. 

A gentle simmer turns simple ingredients into a symphony of tastes. As seasons change, this soup remains timeless. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a hug from the inside. Professionals treasure it for its rich profile. 

Home cooks love its simplicity. Each bowl promises more than warmth; it’s an invitation to savor every moment. Discover the magic of this soup. Let your taste buds dance. Today, we embark on this culinary voyage. Dive in. Your soul awaits.

What Is Chipotle Chicken Soup?

Chipotle Chicken Soup is a savory blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich broth infused with the smoky flavor of chipotle peppers. This soup combines traditional ingredients with a spicy twist, resulting in a comforting and refreshing dish. 

Often garnished with toppings like avocado, lime, and cilantro, it offers layers of taste that delight the palate. It’s a fusion of classic comfort and bold zest, perfect for warming up on cold days.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

Here’s how you can adapt the Chipotle Chicken Soup to various dietary preferences:

Keto

• Remove corn and beans, which are higher in carbs.
• Add more chicken and perhaps some avocados for healthy fats.
• Instead of sugar, use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.

Paleo

• Omit corn, beans, and sugar.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones to avoid preservatives.
• You can add other paleo-friendly veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

Gluten-Free

• Ensure that the chicken bouillon granules and adobo sauce are gluten-free. Some may contain hidden gluten or be processed in facilities with gluten-containing foods.
• Always read the labels for any canned items.

Whole30

• Remove corn, beans, and sugar.
• Ensure the diced tomatoes and adobo sauce don’t have any added sugars or non-compliant additives.
• Add more veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery.

Vegetarian

• Substitute chicken with tofu or a hearty vegetable like cauliflower or mushrooms.
• Replace the chicken bouillon granules with vegetable bouillon.

Vegan

• Follow the vegetarian recommendations.
• Additionally, ensure all added products like adobo sauce or bouillon are free from animal-derived ingredients.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers or add some jalapeños for extra heat.
• Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish for a pescatarian version.
• Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit.

Add-Ons

• Grains: Add cooked quinoa, rice, or barley to fill the soup.
• Greens: Spinach or kale can be added for an extra nutrient boost. They’ll wilt perfectly in the hot soup.
• Lime Zest: Grate some lime zest into the soup for an extra citrusy punch.

Toppings

• Avocado Slices: They add creaminess and are a delicious contrast to the soup’s spiciness.
• Tortilla Strips: Toasted or fried, they provide a delightful crunch.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a tangy touch and to balance the heat.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.
• Sliced Radishes: For a peppery crunch.

Can I Make Chipotle Chicken Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

The Chipotle Chicken Soup can be adapted to both slow cookers and Instant Pots. Here’s how:

Slow Cooker

• In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and brown them slightly. This enhances the flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker.
• Sauté the onions in the same skillet until translucent, and add garlic for a minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.

• Add the chicken bouillon, adobo sauce, sugar, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and water to the slow cooker.
• Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

• About 30 minutes before serving, add the cilantro to the soup so it retains some freshness.
• Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
• Serve: Once done, ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

Instant Pot

• Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Heat the olive oil, add the chicken cubes, and brown slightly.
• Add the onions and cook until translucent, then the garlic for about a minute.

• Add the chicken bouillon, adobo sauce, sugar, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and water to the pot.
• Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 15-20 minutes.

• Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the quick release for any remaining pressure.
• Stir in Cilantro and Serve:
• Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broth have advantages and can be used in Chipotle Chicken Soup. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each:

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: It’s quick and handy, especially when short on time.
• Consistency: The flavor and salt content are generally consistent across batches.
• Variety: You can choose from various options like low-sodium, organic, free-range, or even bone broth.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to achieve a rich and deep flavor.
• No Additives: Homemade broth is free from preservatives and artificial additives.
• Cost-effective: If you often cook chicken or other meats at home, you can use the bones and vegetable scraps to make the broth, reducing waste.

How To Serve?

Appealingly serving Chipotle Chicken Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some tips on how to best serve this delicious soup:

• Bowl Selection: Use wide, shallow soup bowls. The broad surface allows the colorful ingredients to be displayed prominently.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a slice of lime, or even some sliced avocado can add a pop of color and enhance the soup’s appearance. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy texture and a visual contrast.
• Accompaniments: Serve with warm tortilla chips, cornbread, or a rustic loaf of bread for dipping. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the soup’s hearty flavors.
• Texture: Before serving, ensure that the soup has a good mix of chicken, beans, corn, and tomatoes in each bowl so each spoonful has a variety of textures.
• Heat: If your guests love spice, consider offering sliced jalapeños or spicy salsa on the side. For those who prefer milder flavors, ensure the soup is flavorful but not overly spicy.
• Layering: When ladling the soup into bowls, place the solid ingredients (chicken, beans, corn) and then pour the broth. This method ensures a good distribution of ingredients in each serving.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing. Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo. You can also offer a cheesy or bean dip for added variety.
• Cornbread: Warm, slightly sweet cornbread can be a delightful contrast to the spicy and savory flavors of the soup.
• Rice: Cilantro lime rice or plain steamed rice can be a great way to soak up the flavorful broth and provide a contrasting texture.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or an avocado salad can add a refreshing touch. A roasted corn salad or a tomato and onion salad can complement the flavors.
• Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas or ones filled with veggies can be hearty with the soup.
• Tamales: If you’re up for a more filling side, tamales, either chicken or veggie-filled, can be an excellent complement to chipotle chicken soup.
• Roasted Veggies: Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper, can be a light and flavorful side dish.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance, allowing flavors to develop for a more robust taste.
• Storage: Cool the soup completely before storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for longer storage. Consume within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent scorching and preserve flavors.
• Garnish Fresh: Add fresh toppings like cilantro or avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Using leftover Chipotle Chicken Soup can be both creative and efficient. Here’s how you can repurpose those leftovers:

• Tacos & Burritos: Shred the chicken from the soup and use it as a filling, accompanied by the beans and corn.
• Enchiladas: Use the chicken and bean mix as a filling, cover with a sauce and cheese, then bake.
• Quesadillas: Mix in cheese and use the soup solids as a hearty quesadilla filling.
• Rice Bowl: Serve over cooked rice and top with fresh veggies, cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream.
• Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a tray, top with soup ingredients, sprinkle cheese, and bake.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the soup’s chicken and bean mixture, top with cheese, and roast.
• Pasta: Add the chicken and veggies to cooked pasta, perhaps with cream or tomato sauce.
• Casserole: Combine with rice or pasta, add cheese, and bake until golden.
• Salad: Mix the chicken, beans, and corn with fresh greens, avocado, and a tangy dressing.
• Omelet: Stir the solids into beaten eggs, cook, and fold for a flavorful breakfast.

TIPS

• Chipotle Balance: Start with a small amount of chipotle peppers, adjusting to taste for the perfect balance of smoky heat.
• Shredded Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken for quicker preparation and tender texture.
• Broth Intensity: Opt for rich chicken broth or stock to deepen the soup’s flavor profile.
• Veggie Variety: Enhance complexity by adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and corn.
• Topping Texture: Finish with crunchy tortilla strips or creamy avocado for contrasting textures and added flavor dimension.

Nutrition Table