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Chilly nights are way better with this Chicken Queso Soup on the stove. It's like all the yum of queso dip got cozy with chunks of chicken and a bunch of gooey cheeses. There's just enough heat and creaminess to make everyone want seconds. It's my favorite way to warm up the whole fam with a hug-in-a-bowl.
Hearty Bowl of Comfort
Everyone in my house totally craves those cheesy layers of taste in every spoonful. The green chilies give it a zingy bite, while pepper jack turns the heat up just a tad. What I really love is how easy it is to switch things up so it fits whoever's eating. My picky kiddos and friends who live for spice both rave every time.
Must-Have Ingredients
- Chili Powder: Gives smoky warmth and a spicy undertone.
- Green Chilies: Toss in a gentle punch and lots of freshness.
- Cream Cheese: Makes everything dreamy and smooth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cranks up the richness and tang.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: For just a hint of fire in every bite.
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken keeps it super fast and extra tender.
- Chicken Broth: The flavor-packed soup base holding it all together.
- Garlic: Boosts everything with big, bold notes.
- Onion and Carrot: Give the soup its sweet start and great aroma.
- Salted Butter: Use for cooking your veggies to lock in flavor.
Jump Into Cooking
- Finish and Pile On Toppings
- Sprinkle on whatever you love—cilantro, grated cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado. Add salt or pepper if you feel like it.
- Bring In the Flavor
- Dump in green chilies, chili powder, and the chicken. Let it simmer a few minutes while stirring. That way, everything gets cozy together.
- Base Steps
- Pour your broth and add the cream cheese bit by bit, mixing until you get that silky soup. Next, slowly add both shredded cheeses till they're melt-in-your-mouth smooth.
- Harmless Veggie Start
- Cook the onion and carrot with butter about 10 minutes till they’re soft. Toss in garlic right at the end for a quick minute.
Make It Totally Yours
What’s awesome about this soup is how easy you can switch things up. Want it super mild? Swap in colby jack. Want wild flavor? Try a sharp cheddar. When I’m hungry for something extra rich, I stir in a dash of heavy cream. My kids love going wild with toppings—my daughter can't stop sneaking more guac, and my son dumps on the hot sauce.
Stash Some For Later
Pop leftovers in the fridge (airtight, always!) and you’re set for 3-4 days. Warm it on the stove low and slow, stirring once in a while. If it got too thick, splash in a dash of broth or cream to loosen things up again. Freeze what you want without cheese for up to three months—add the cheese when you heat it up for that perfect melt.
Pair It With Sides
We always grab a big bowl of warm tortilla chips to dunk in. If there’s time, I’ll fix cheese quesadillas for dunking fun. I like balancing it out with a zippy avocado tomato salad too. If I'm feeling fancy, jalapeño cornbread flies off the table in no time!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What chicken should I use?
For ease, go with rotisserie chicken. If you'd rather cook your own chicken breasts, just season them well and shred them once cooked.
- → How do I make it thicker?
Mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream for a thicker texture, or add chicken broth if you'd like it thinner.
- → Why add cheese in steps?
Adding small amounts of cheese little by little while stirring keeps it from clumping and makes sure it melts evenly.
- → How do I make it spicier?
You can crank up the heat with extra green chiles or by using extra-hot pepper jack cheese in the mix.
- → What toppings or sides work?
Try adding tortilla strips, shredded cheese, or cilantro on top. Warm tortillas or crusty bread are great on the side too.