Cheesy Rotel Chicken Soup
Creamy, spicy, and packed with melted cheese, this soup hits every craving in one spoon. Imagine a rich, velvety broth loaded with chunks of chicken, sweet corn, and that signature green chile kick. It is not too thick and not too thin—just the right texture to coat your spoon. Top it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and crushed tortilla chips for a dinner that tastes like a fiesta.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles (do not drain)
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie works great
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened slightly
- 8 ounces melting cheese Velveeta-style, cubed or 2 cups shredded cheddar/Monterey Jack blend
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk, plus more as needed
- 1 cup frozen corn optional
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional finish: 1–2 tablespoons lime juice chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Place a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Melt the butter, add the onion, and cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add Rotel and stir. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add shredded chicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer 8–10 minutes. Add corn/beans if using.
- Stir in cream cheese and mix until fully melted.
- Add melting cheese (or shredded cheeses) and stir on low until smooth.
- Stir in half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper. Add lime/cilantro if using.
- Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
Keep the soup on low heat after adding dairy to prevent grainy texture.
To thicken, simmer uncovered or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water).
For slow cooker: cook everything except dairy/cheese on low 4–6 hours, then add cheeses and milk at the end on low/warm.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!