Creamy Chicken Queso Soup

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort! This incredible chicken queso soup is packed with rich, cheesy flavor that will delight your taste buds. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for a cozy night in or a fun family meal. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, bringing a restaurant-quality experience right to your kitchen. Let’s make this fan-favorite creamy chicken soup today!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Queso Soup

This irresistible chicken queso soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! You’ll quickly discover why it becomes a family favorite.

• Rich & Cheesy Flavor: It captures that unbeatable queso taste you love, transformed into a comforting, hearty soup.
• Easy to Make: With simple, clear steps, even beginners can whip up this delicious creamy chicken soup with confidence.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes busy weeknights a breeze, as everything comes together in a single pot.
• Family-Friendly: Its mild yet flavorful profile is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and choose your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively game day gathering, this soup fits right in.

Ingredients

To create this creamy, savory chicken queso soup, gather these fresh and pantry staples. Each component plays a vital role in building that rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Produce:

• 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 Carrot, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 4 ounces Canned diced green chiles, mild, undrained

Dairy:

• 8 ounce pkg Cream cheese, softened, cubed
• 2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (sharp or medium)

Protein:

• 2 to 3 cups Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or homemade)

Liquids & Spices:

• 3 to 4 cups Chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• 1/2 Tablespoon Chili powder, for warmth
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Fresh Cilantro, Grated Cheese, Tortilla Strips

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this amazing chicken queso soup recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Cheese: Feel free to swap Pepper Jack and Cheddar for other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes prep a cinch. Alternatively, boil and shred 1-2 chicken breasts or thighs.
• Vegetables: Enhance the soup with bell peppers, corn, or a can of diced tomatoes (drained).
• Spice Level: For more heat, add an extra can of hot diced green chiles, a diced jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne.
• Broth: Vegetable broth works perfectly as an alternative to chicken broth.

Equipment

You won’t need much special equipment to make this delicious chicken queso soup. Here’s what will help you out:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (optional, but highly recommended for fresh shredding)

Instructions

Making this creamy chicken queso soup is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, comforting bowl every time.

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add butter, diced onion, and diced carrot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring often until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for only 1 minute longer until fragrant.
2. Build the Broth Base: Add chicken broth to the pot. Cut softened cream cheese into cubes and add one at a time, stirring until it fully melts and creates a smooth base. This ensures a creamy texture for your cheesy chicken soup.
3. Melt Cheeses Gradually: Now, add shredded Pepper Jack and Cheddar cheese, about 1/2 cup at a time. Stir continuously after each addition until completely melted and incorporated. This slow melting process prevents the cheese from clumping together. Let the cheese fully melt before adding more.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced green chiles, cooked shredded chicken, chili powder, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined into the rich, cheesy base.
5. Simmer and Season: Allow the soup to cook for 5 minutes, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld beautifully. Taste the chicken queso soup and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or additional chili powder as needed.
6. Adjust Consistency: If you desire a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. For a thicker, extra creamy soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and heat through gently.
7. Serve Hot: Ladle this comforting soup into bowls immediately. Garnish with your desired toppings for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect, creamy consistency in your chicken queso soup is easy with these simple tips. Avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a fantastic result.

• Freshly Grate Cheese: Always grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy or clumpy. Explaining the science behind why freshly grated cheese is superior can enhance your culinary skills. Learn more about the culinary reasons for grating your own cheese.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it. It will melt smoothly and incorporate better into the broth, preventing separation.
• Low Heat for Cheese: Once you add the cheeses, keep the heat low and never boil the soup. High heat can cause the cheese to curdle, leading to an undesirable texture. Understanding the science of cheese melting can help prevent a grainy texture. Discover best practices for melting cheese in soup to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Season in Layers: Taste and adjust the salt and spices throughout the cooking process. This builds flavor depth.
• Preventing Clumps: Add your shredded cheese slowly, in small batches, stirring constantly until each batch is fully melted before adding the next. Patience is key for a smooth finish.
• Too Thick/Thin: If your soup is too thick, simply whisk in more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, a quick option is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup to thicken.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile chicken queso soup offers many ways to enjoy it, store leftovers, and even create new flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Toppings: Elevate your bowl with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of extra grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, creamy avocado slices, and crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.
• Heartier Additions: Make it a complete meal by serving alongside warm cornbread, crusty bread for dipping, or a light side salad.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat. If it has thickened, add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk/cream to thin it back to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling.

Variations:

• Spicy Queso Soup: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while simmering.
• Vegetarian: Easily make this soup meat-free by omitting the chicken, using vegetable broth, and adding canned black beans or corn.
• Slow Cooker/Instant Pot: You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker (sauté veggies, then combine ingredients and cook on low for 3-4 hours) or Instant Pot (sauté, then pressure cook, stir in cheese after releasing pressure).
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by stirring in canned corn, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious chicken queso soup. This information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Got questions about making the best chicken queso soup? Here are some common inquiries and their quick answers.

• My soup gets thicker when it is refrigerated. What should I do?
  Simply add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or heavy cream when reheating on the stovetop. Stir gently until it reaches your desired consistency.
• What toppings should I put on homemade soup?
  Popular toppings include freshly grated cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
  Yes, you can, but for the smoothest melt and best texture in your chicken queso soup, freshly grated cheese is always recommended. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can make the soup grainy.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time?
  Absolutely! The flavors of this soup often deepen and improve overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to serve.
• Is this soup spicy?
  It has a mild warmth from the Pepper Jack cheese and green chiles. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more chiles or a pinch of cayenne.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken queso soup delivers incredible comfort and flavor in every spoonful. It’s a truly satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. With its rich, cheesy goodness and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this wonderful soup!

Creamy Chicken Queso Soup

This creamy chicken queso soup is a rich and hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal. It features tender chicken, two types of cheese, and a hint of green chiles, all in a flavorful broth.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Salted Butter
• 1 medium Onion finely diced
• 1 Carrot finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic finely diced
• 3 to 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Pepper Jack Cheese shredded
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
• 8 ounce pkg Cream Cheese softened
• 4 ounces Green Chiles diced
• 2 to 3 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
• 1/2 Tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Pepper

For Serving

• Fresh Cilantro
• Grated Cheese
• Tortilla Strips

Equipment

• large pot

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, then add butter, diced onion, and diced carrot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Pour in chicken broth and add cream cheese cubes one at a time, stirring until melted. Gradually stir in shredded cheeses, about 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring each addition melts completely before adding more to prevent clumping.
3. Stir in green chiles, cooked chicken, chili powder, and pepper, then cook for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
4. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth; for a thicker, creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
5. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and grated cheese, along with tortilla strips if desired.

Notes

To thin the soup, add more chicken broth. For a thicker, creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Remember to check seasonings and adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.