Dinner

Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe

Name: Creamy Chipotle Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup onion, chopped; 2 cups bell pepper, chopped; 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced; 3 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large chicken breasts; 2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies), undrained; 1 (8-ounce) can spicy tomato sauce; 3 cups chicken broth; 1.5 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotles); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

BySana Jeannette March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

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Introduction

This creamy chipotle chicken soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together smoky, spicy, and creamy elements in every spoonful. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a rich, cheesy broth with a touch of heat from chipotle peppers.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy orange soup that has visible small chunks of green vegetables and tender pieces of meat mixed throughout. The soup has a smooth, slightly oily texture with specks of red spices floating on the surface. On top, there is a small dollop of white sour cream and sprinkled bright yellow shredded cheese with a few pieces of chopped green onions for garnish. The bowl itself is white and set on a white marbled surface, with a metal spoon resting inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped

2 cups bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large chicken breasts

2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
1 (8-ounce) can spicy tomato sauce
3 cups chicken broth

1.5 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion, sautéing until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Step 3: Place the chicken breasts into the pot along with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, canned Rotel tomatoes (with juice), spicy tomato sauce, chicken broth, and adobo sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the soup.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.

Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, extra cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Tips & Variations

For a milder soup, reduce or omit the jalapeno and adobo sauce.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.

Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier, more tender meat.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling of the cream. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a ladle full of creamy soup with three main layers: a thick reddish-orange broth base with visible oil spots and spices, a middle layer consisting of diced green bell peppers and chunks of tomatoes adding bright green and red colors, and a top layer showing shredded white chicken mixed throughout the soup, creating a chunky texture. The soup appears rich and thick with a smooth creamy surface mixed with the chunks, and the ladle is filled to the top, highlighting the mix of ingredients. The background is blurred but shows more of the same soup with a glossy finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can combine all ingredients except the cream and cheese in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 15 minutes to melt and blend flavors.

Is this soup spicy?

It has a moderate heat level thanks to the chipotle, jalapeno, and Rotel tomatoes, but you can adjust the spice by reducing these ingredients or leaving out the jalapeno altogether.