Chicken Queso Soup Recipe

Chicken Queso Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, creamy goodness of queso with the hearty, satisfying flavors of a chicken soup. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl-perfect for cozy nights or when you want something both indulgent and filling. The best part? It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be tailored to fit various taste preferences. Whether you like your soup spiced up with jalapeños or prefer to keep it mild, this dish is all about flexibility.

Picture this: a velvety, cheese-laden broth, tender chunks of chicken, fresh veggies, and a subtle layer of heat that’s never too overpowering. This soup isn’t just for winter-it’s great year-round, and it’s one of those meals that’s both a treat for the taste buds and a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comfort and creativity, Chicken Queso Soup should be your next go-to.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a pot of this comforting soup. The list is pretty straightforward, with pantry staples and a few extras to elevate the flavor.

2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing your vegetables and adding that essential base of flavor.
1 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless): You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with thighs for more flavor.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the broth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For that aromatic base that takes the flavor to the next level.
1 bell pepper (any color), diced: Optional, but it gives a nice crunch and a burst of color.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and balances out the richness of the cheese.
2 cups chicken broth: The liquid that creates the soup’s foundation.
1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies: For a mild kick. You can skip this if you’re sensitive to heat.
8 oz cream cheese: This is the secret to achieving that creamy, rich texture.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This melts beautifully into the soup, making it cheesy and comforting.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that adds richness and complexity.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Gives the soup a smoky flavor that makes it feel more like a Tex-Mex dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Optional toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or extra cheese.

Cooking Instructions

Making Chicken Queso Soup is easy, and you’ll only need one pot to make this amazing dish. Here’s how to get it done:

Sauté The Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Add it to the pot and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, set it aside, and let it rest for a few minutes. Once it’s cool enough, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
Combine The Liquids And Seasonings
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), green chilies, and chicken broth.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together.
Add The Cream Cheese And Cheese
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, breaking it up as it melts. You want it to dissolve into the broth, creating that silky texture.
- Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts into the soup, turning it into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece.
Add The Chicken Back
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes until the soup is heated through.
Adjust Seasoning And Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Ingredient Insights

Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, opting for thighs can give the soup a more tender and flavorful bite. If you’re looking for ease, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just add it in during the final step, and you’ll still get that satisfying chicken flavor without the extra cooking time.
Cheese: A blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar is what makes this soup feel decadent. Cream cheese helps achieve that smooth, velvety consistency that you want from a queso-inspired dish, while the cheddar gives it that perfect tangy, melty goodness. You can experiment with other cheeses, but this combo is hard to beat.
Green chilies: These are key for giving the soup a mild kick and a subtle smoky flavor. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can leave them out or substitute with a milder ingredient like bell pepper.

Expert Tips

For extra creaminess: If you want your soup to be even richer, add a splash of heavy cream towards the end. This will give it a luxurious texture and make it even more indulgent.
Adjusting spice levels: If you like a spicier kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, for a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or opt for mild diced green chilies.
For a more complex flavor: Try roasting your veggies (like the onion and bell pepper) before adding them to the soup. Roasting brings out a deeper, sweeter flavor that adds layers of taste.
Make it ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use black beans, corn, and extra veggies for a hearty vegetarian twist. You could also try adding some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a bit of sweetness.
Spicy chicken queso soup: For a serious kick, add some diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a couple of dashes of hot sauce to the soup. You can also switch out the mild green chilies for something with more heat.
Slow cooker version: This soup works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Simply toss in the chicken, broth, vegetables, and spices and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream cheese and cheddar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to preserve their texture.
Buffalo chicken queso soup: Craving some Buffalo flavor? Stir in a few tablespoons of Buffalo sauce with the chicken before adding it back to the soup. Add some crumbled blue cheese on top for a true Buffalo experience.

Final Words

Chicken Queso Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor-just the kind of soup you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or bring it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The best part is how customizable it is. You can adjust the ingredients, switch up the proteins, or alter the spice levels to suit your exact preferences. It’s a forgiving recipe that invites creativity.

Chicken Queso Soup Recipe