Chicken Chipotle Corn Soup
A smoky, creamy chicken and corn soup with chipotle peppers, lime, and cilantro, perfect for comforting meals with bold flavors. Ideal for fans of spicy, hearty dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 cans chipotle chilies ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. juice from cans of chilies ⓘ
- 1 1/2 qt. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp. cumin seeds ⓘ
- 12 oz. frozen corn
- 2 tomatoes, diced ⓘ
- 24.5 oz. shredded cooked chicken breasts ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. fresh cilantro
- 8 oz. cream cheese, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-4 quart pan, cook onions and garlic in a little oil.
- Add chipotle chilies, cumin, frozen corn, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and cook about 15 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and shredded cooked chicken, then bring to a boil again.
- Ladle soup into bowls and add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and cream cheese cubes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, roast the chipotle chilies in a dry skillet before adding them to the soup. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of chilies or substitute with mild chili peppers. Fresh corn can be used instead of frozen; just adjust cooking time accordingly. This soup can be enhanced with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Chipotle Corn Soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Soft Tacos for a complete meal. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh touch. Consider serving alongside a simple green salad for balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure to leave out the cream cheese until reheating for better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chipotle Corn Soup contains roughly 1168 calories, with 79g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (581% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (241% of the Daily Value), and protein (159% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. Simply cook them in the pan with the onions and garlic until fully cooked, then shred them before returning to the pot. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra beans or lentils for protein and make it heartier. The chipotle chilies will still provide that smoky flavor without the meat.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chipotle chilies or include some diced jalapeños. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. Just be cautious, as the smoky flavor can be quite strong.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).