Creamy Chicken Queso Soup
This creamy Chicken Queso Soup combines tender chunks of chicken with a rich and velvety cheese sauce that is infused with the vibrant flavors of diced green chilies and zesty tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year, this soup is versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences. Easily transform it into a vegetarian delight by swapping chicken for beans and using vegetable broth. Customize the spiciness to your liking by choosing between mild or regular diced tomatoes. Dive into this delicious, hearty soup that’s sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (diced)
cream cheese
16 ounces (diced)
butter
6 ounces (melted)
diced green chilies
3 (4 1/2 ounce) cans (drained)
half-and-half
3 cups
chicken broth
24 ounces
Ro*Tel, Original
30 ounces (drained)
large onion
1 (diced)
cayenne pepper
to taste
garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
lemon juice
6 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by dicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked without browning, then remove from heat and set aside.
2
In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
While the onion is cooking, drain the Ro*Tel and green chilies using a colander.
4
Once the onion is translucent, add the chopped garlic, drained green chilies, and Ro*Tel to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the onion and chili mixture, stirring continuously until it melts and combines smoothly into the mix.
6
Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring well to combine. Add the lemon juice and finish with cayenne pepper and salt according to your taste preferences. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces to the soup base.
7
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Queso Soup?
Creamy Chicken Queso Soup is a rich and velvety soup that combines tender chicken chunks with a cheese sauce infused with green chilies and zesty tomatoes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily transform it into a vegetarian dish by swapping the chicken for beans and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I adjust the spiciness of this soup?
You can customize the heat by choosing between mild or regular diced tomatoes (Ro*Tel) and adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized chunks.
How long should I cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked in a non-stick skillet for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked through without browning.
What is the first step in preparing the soup base?
Begin by melting 6 ounces of butter in a large saucepan and sauteing a diced large onion until it is translucent.
Do I need to drain the canned ingredients?
Yes, both the Ro*Tel and the diced green chilies should be drained using a colander before being added to the saucepan.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of cream cheese, which should be diced into cubes for easier melting.
When do I add the garlic to the soup?
Add the 3 tablespoons of chopped garlic to the saucepan once the onion has become translucent.
How do I incorporate the cream cheese into the soup?
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir it continuously into the onion and chili mixture until it melts and combines smoothly.
What liquids are used to create the soup?
The soup uses 24 ounces of chicken broth and 3 cups of half-and-half as its liquid base.
How much lemon juice is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 teaspoons of lemon juice to be added to the soup base.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
What are some suggested garnishes?
Recommended toppings include fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or crunchy tortilla strips.
How much Ro*Tel is used?
The recipe uses 30 ounces of Ro*Tel Original, which should be drained.
How many cans of green chilies do I need?
You will need 3 (4.5 ounce) cans of diced green chilies.
What seasonings are added to the soup?
The soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Is it necessary to stir the soup while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the soup occasionally while it simmers to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
What is the texture of this soup?
The texture is described as rich, velvety, and creamy.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You should thaw the chicken completely before dicing and cooking it to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one large onion, diced.
Does the chicken need to be browned?
No, the instructions state to ensure the chicken is cooked through without browning.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of chicken broth.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves straightforward sautéing and simmering.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
Is the soup very spicy?
The spice level is adjustable; the base uses green chilies and Ro*Tel, but you can control the heat with cayenne and tomato choice.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
While the recipe calls for lemon juice, lime juice can be a suitable substitute to maintain a zesty profile.
Is this a hearty soup?
Yes, it is tagged as 'hearty' and is intended to be a filling comfort food meal.
How much butter is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of butter.
What are the primary flavors?
The primary flavors are creamy cheese, savory chicken, and the vibrant, zesty notes of green chilies and tomatoes.