Creamy Green Chile Soup
Creamy Green Chile Soup offers a flavorful blend of green chiles, cheddar cheese, and spices, perfect for a comforting, mildly spicy meal suited for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped onion
- 1 c. chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. reduced-calorie margarine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chicken-flavored bouillon granules ⓘ
- 2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 2 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. shredded 40% less-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart casserole, combine chopped onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, and margarine, then cover with heavy-duty plastic wrap.
- Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add flour; stir well.
- Dissolve chicken-flavored bouillon granules in hot water.
- Gradually add bouillon, skim milk, chili powder, and ground red pepper to the mixture and stir well.
- Microwave on High for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring every 3 minutes.
- Stir in chopped green chiles and microwave on High for 1 minute.
- Stir well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables in a skillet before microwaving. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of ground red pepper. For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken bouillon granules. To thicken the soup more, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water. This creamy soup is a great way to use leftover green chiles from recipes like Grilled Southwestern Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder for a pop of color. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This soup also pairs beautifully with Chicken And Spaghetti Noodle Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a bit of crunch, consider adding tortilla strips on top just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Be mindful that the texture may thicken upon cooling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Green Chile Soup contains roughly 370 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 844mg per serving (37% 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 freeze creamy green chile soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it may change texture slightly when reheated. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and stir well to restore creaminess.
What can I use instead of skim milk?
If you want a richer flavor, you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half for skim milk. Alternatively, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can work as dairy-free options, though the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the seasoning as needed since these alternatives can vary in taste.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat level, consider adding more ground red pepper or incorporating diced jalapeños along with the green chiles. You can also use hotter varieties of green chiles or add a splash of hot sauce to taste. Always taste and adjust as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
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).