Chili Chicken Soup
A hearty, flavorful chili chicken soup with tender chicken, smoky bacon, potatoes, green chilies, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting gatherings and spice lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken, remove from stock, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown bacon strips in a large kettle.
- Add potato cubes and stir until coated with bacon drippings.
- Add water and chicken stock, tomato sauce or salsa, chopped onion, and salt.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour.
- Place green chilies and grated cheese in each of 6 soup bowls.
- Add the cooked chicken to each bowl.
- Pour hot soup over the chicken in the bowls.
- Garnish with crispy tortilla strips and chopped avocado if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to the soup while it simmers. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute turkey for chicken, making it a perfect option for using leftover turkey from a holiday feast. Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with tortilla strips sprinkled on top for crunch. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra zest. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken Tacquitos or Spicy Turkey-Tortilla Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Chicken Soup contains roughly 871 calories, with 61g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (121% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1985mg per serving (86% 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 a different type of meat for this soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shredded turkey or even ground beef for a different flavor profile. If you're using ground meat, be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños or use hot salsa instead of mild. Additionally, incorporating more canned green chilies or a dash of hot sauce will give it a nice kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with beans or lentils and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
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).