Easy Fall Soup! Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup
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Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe for Any Night
Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that's easy to prepare? Look no further than Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup!
This soup combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy Rotel tomatoes for a dish that is both hearty and flavorful.
Warm Up with Comforting Soups – Discover the Best Recipe Ideas!
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. In this post, I’ll share the step-by-step process for making Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup, provide some useful tips, and suggest variations to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup
Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of spice from the Rotel tomatoes, which are diced tomatoes with green chilies. This soup is also incredibly versatile—you can customize it with different ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot, which means less cleanup!
Ingredients for Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup
To make this delicious and easy soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Rotel Tomatoes: Canned Rotel tomatoes with green chilies add a spicy kick. You can choose the original, mild, or hot variety depending on your heat preference.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding flavor and moisture.
- Cream Cheese: Makes the soup creamy and adds a delicious tang.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts into the soup, adding extra creaminess and flavor.
- Onion and Garlic: Add depth and flavor to the soup.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the soup. Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work well.
- Black Beans: Provide extra protein and fiber, making the soup more filling.
- Spices: Cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the flavors and add a bit of warmth.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- Cilantro (Optional): Fresh cilantro for garnish adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. If you’re using fresh chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized chunks.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink in the center.
4. Add the Broth and Rotel Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add the Rotel tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Cream Cheese and Shredded Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. Then, add the shredded cheese and stir until it’s melted and well combined.
6. Stir in the Corn and Black Beans
Add the corn and black beans to the pot. If you’re using canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them first. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, or until all the ingredients are heated through.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, some crushed tortilla chips, or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for added flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup
- Use the Right Cheese: Cream cheese and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack are best for a creamy texture and rich flavor. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it melts smoothly into the soup.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, use mild Rotel tomatoes. For more heat, opt for the hot variety or add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the onion, garlic, and chicken helps build flavor, so don’t skip this step. It adds a depth of flavor that makes the soup extra delicious.
- Add Veggies for More Nutrition: Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions to boost the nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Thin It Out if Needed: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit more chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Creative Variations for Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup
- Taco Rotel Chicken Soup: Add taco seasoning and serve with tortilla strips, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Vegetarian Rotel Soup: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans or some tofu for protein.
- Low-Carb Rotel Chicken Soup: Skip the corn and beans and add more low-carb veggies like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Buffalo Chicken Rotel Soup: Add a splash of buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick. Serve with blue cheese crumbles and chopped celery for a fun variation.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup
Creamy Rotel Chicken Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out as it can thicken after being refrigerated.
To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- As a Dip: Serve the soup with tortilla chips as a warm, cheesy dip for a party or game night snack.
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Chicken Soup
Source: The Inspired Home
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