Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup is a bold, vibrant fusion of comfort and spice, a dish that masterfully layers smoky, earthy chipotle heat with the rich, soothing creaminess of cheese and heavy cream. This recipe is a robust, one-pot wonder that begins with a colorful, aromatic base of sautéed bell peppers, onions, and jalapeño, building a foundational sweetness and subtle heat. Into this base, whole chicken breasts are gently poached in a deeply seasoned broth of Rotel tomatoes, spicy tomato sauce, and the secret weapon—adobo sauce from canned chipotles. This smoky, complex sauce permeates every element of the soup, creating a rich, flavorful bath that cooks the chicken to succulent tenderness while infusing the broth with its distinctive character. The result is a soup with a remarkable depth that feels both hearty and sophisticated.
The true brilliance of this recipe lies in its transformative finish and perfect balance. After shredding the tender, spice-infused chicken and returning it to the pot, the soup undergoes its final, luxurious metamorphosis. The addition of heavy whipping cream and sharp cheddar cheese, stirred in off the heat, creates a velvety, cohesive emulsion that tames the chipotle’s fire without dulling its vibrant flavor, wrapping the spices in a blanket of creamy richness. This soup is endlessly customizable, inviting a confetti of fresh garnishes—cool sour cream, creamy avocado, bright cilantro, and a squeeze of lime—that allow each diner to create their perfect, balanced bowl. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-level complexity with straightforward, comforting ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Deep, Smoky-Spicy Flavor: The adobo sauce provides an irreplaceable, complex smokiness that elevates this soup far beyond ordinary chicken soup.
- Creamy & Comforting Texture: The blend of heavy cream and melted cheddar creates a luxuriously smooth, velvety broth that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single Dutch oven, from sautéing vegetables to poaching chicken, making cleanup a breeze.
- Fully Customizable Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the jalapeño and adobo sauce to suit your preference, from mild to fiery.
- Perfect for Garnishing: A fun, interactive meal where everyone can top their bowl with their favorite fresh ingredients for a perfect finish.
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
2 cups bell pepper (any color), chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
For the Spice Blend:
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Braising Liquid & Protein:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
1 (8-ounce) can spicy tomato sauce
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1.5 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
For the Creamy Finish:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For Garnish (Optional):
Sour cream
Diced avocado
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Tortilla strips
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add all the dried spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt). Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and unlock their full flavor.
Step 3: Braise the Chicken
Add the whole chicken breasts to the pot. Pour in the undrained Rotel, spicy tomato sauce, chicken broth, and adobo sauce. Stir to combine and ensure the chicken is submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Simmer to Cook Through
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Using tongs, remove the chicken breasts to a clean plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return all the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and incorporated before adding the next. The residual heat is enough to melt the cheese without curdling the cream.
Step 7: Adjust and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately with your chosen garnishes.
Tips:
- Adobo Sauce is Key: This is the flavor soul of the soup. Start with 1.5 tablespoons and adjust upward if you love more heat and smoke. For more punch, mince 1-2 chipotle peppers from the can and add them with the sauce.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. For the smoothest texture, shred a block of cheddar yourself.
- Control the Heat: For a milder soup, omit the jalapeño seeds and ribs. For more heat, leave them in or add an extra jalapeño.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy: Once the cream and cheese are added, avoid bringing the soup back to a boil, as this can cause the dairy to separate.
- Chicken Thighs Alternative: For even more flavor and juiciness, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken when cold.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Do not boil. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.
- Freezing: This soup freezes reasonably well, but the texture of the dairy may change slightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring well to recombine.
- Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for weekly lunches. Portion into individual containers with garnishes packed separately.
Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup is a triumph of bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s a uniquely satisfying dish that wraps you in warmth and spice, proving that the most memorable meals are often those that dare to be both fiery and gentle.
