Ultimate Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe: Queso Fundido Meets Comfort Food

Why This Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe Stands Out

When you’re craving comfort food with a cheesy twist, this Mexican chicken soup recipe delivers beyond expectations. By combining the heartwarming tradition of a classic soup with the indulgent appeal of queso fundido, we’ve created something truly special that your family will request time and time again.

The Story Behind Our Cheesy Creation

Our journey to perfect this Mexican chicken soup recipe began during a family gathering where we couldn’t decide between serving soup or queso fundido. Someone suggested, “Why not both?” That spark of inspiration led to countless kitchen experiments until we struck gold – a perfectly balanced, incredibly delicious fusion that honours both dishes.

What Makes Our Recipe Different

While traditional Mexican chicken soup recipes focus on a clear, broth-based consistency, our version takes an unexpected turn. By incorporating the rich, velvety texture of queso fundido, we’ve transformed a familiar comfort food into an extraordinary dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Essential Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

Creating this unique soup requires thoughtful ingredient selection. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Key Components for the Perfect Base

For the foundation of our Mexican chicken soup recipe, you’ll need:

• Two pounds of boneless, bite-sized chicken thighs
• 8 cups high-quality chicken broth
• Two medium onions, finely diced
• Four cloves garlic, minced
• Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Two teaspoons of ground cumin
• One tablespoon of dried oregano

According to Serious Eats, choosing chicken thighs over breasts provides more flavor and tenderness in soup recipes.

Notes on quality and selection:

• Choose chicken thighs over breasts for more flavor and tenderness
• Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt levels
• Fresh garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced options

Adding the Queso Fundido Magic

The cheese selection makes all the difference in this Mexican chicken soup recipe. For the best results, use:

Best cheese varieties:

• Oaxaca cheese (primary melting cheese)
• Chihuahua cheese
• Monterey Jack (if you can’t find the above options)

Melting tips and techniques:

1. Grate the cheese just before adding to the soup
2. Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly
3. Keep the heat medium-low to prevent clumping

Fresh Ingredients That Make the Difference

Essential fresh components:

• Two fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
• One red bell pepper, chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Two limes cut into wedges

Possible substitutions:

• Poblano peppers can replace jalapeños for milder heat
• Green bell peppers work in place of red
• In a pinch, dried cilantro can substitute for fresh
• Bottled lime juice (2 tablespoons) can replace fresh limes

Remember, this Mexican chicken soup recipe is forgiving and adaptable. While we recommend following it closely for the best results, don’t be afraid to make adjustments based on what’s available in your kitchen. The key is maintaining the balance between the hearty soup base and the rich, cheesy elements that make this recipe unique.

Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make the best Mexican chicken soup recipe you’ve ever tasted? Let us divide it into easy-to-manage steps. This recipe yields about 6–8 servings and takes about 45 minutes to prepare.

Preparing the Traditional Base

Initial preparation steps:

1. Warm up two tsp vegetable oil in a big pot over medium heat
2. Cook the diced onions for approximately five minutes, or until they are transparent.
3. Add the minced garlic and simmer for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Cook the cubed chicken until it is no longer pink (about 7 minutes)

Creating the foundation:

1. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth
2. Add diced jalapeños and bell peppers
3. Stir in ground cumin and dried oregano
4. After bringing the mixture to a low boil, lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes

Pro tip: This Mexican chicken soup recipe develops deeper flavors the longer it simmers. If you have time, let it go for up to 30 minutes before adding the cheese.

Creating the Queso Fundido Element

Now comes the fun part – transforming our traditional Mexican chicken soup recipe into something extraordinary! For more tips on creating the perfect queso fundido, check out this guide on How to Make Queso Fundido.

When and how to incorporate cheese:

1. Reduce heat to low before adding any cheese
2. Add the grated cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly
3. Wait for each addition to fully melt before adding more
4. Continue until all cheese is incorporated (about 5-7 minutes)

Achieving the right consistency:

• The soup should be creamy but still fluid – think of a velvety, stirrable consistency
• If too thick, gradually add warm broth, ¼ cup at a time
• If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce

Expert Tips for Perfect Mexican Chicken Soup

Follow these professional pointers to make your Mexican chicken soup recipe turn out perfectly every time.

Expert Tips for Perfect Mexican Chicken Soup

Follow these professional pointers to make your Mexican chicken soup recipe turn out perfectly every time. Just as with our crispy fried chicken tenders, attention to detail makes all the difference.

Signs of readiness:

• Chicken should be tender and easily shred when pressed with a spoon
• Vegetables should be softened but not mushy
• Cheese should be fully melted with no stringy bits
• The broth should have a rich, golden color

Troubleshooting tips:

1. Cheese clumping? Remove from heat immediately and stir vigorously
2. Is soup too spicy? Add a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream to each bowl
3. Not thick enough? Make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and water) and stir it in
4. Too thick? Thin with additional warm broth

Remember, perfecting this Mexican chicken soup recipe might take a try or two, but don’t get discouraged! Each time you make it, you’ll get a better feel for the perfect consistency and timing. The result – a creamy, cheesy, utterly delicious soup – is well worth the effort.

Time-saving tip: Prep all your ingredients before starting. This Mexican chicken soup recipe assembles swiftly once you begin cooking, so having everything ready makes the process much smoother.

How to Customize Your Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe

Spice Level Adjustments

How to Increase Heat

• Jalapeños or Serrano Peppers: Dice and add them for more kick.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Introduce a smoky heat and depth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle in small amounts for a fiery touch.

Making It Milder

• Remove Seeds and Ribs From peppers to reduce spiciness.
• Mild Green Chiles: Use these for a subtle flavor.
• Extra Broth or Cream: Dilute the soup to balance the heat.

Regional Variations

Different Traditional Styles

• Yucatecan Style: Often includes achiote paste and a hint of citrus for a unique twist.
• Northern Style: May feature additional cheese and hearty beans, offering a richer texture.

Common Adaptations

• Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saver that adds rich flavor.
• Corn and Black Beans: Enhance texture and provide extra nutrition.

Serving and Storing Mexican Chicken Soup

Best Garnishes and Sides

List of Typical Toppings

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Sliced Avocado: Offers a creamy contrast.
• Grated Cheese: Options like queso fresco or cheddar enhance the cheesy goodness.

Complementary Sides

• Warm Tortillas or Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping and adding crunch.
• Mexican Rice: Complements the soup with its hearty flavor.
• Simple Green Salad: Provides a refreshing balance to the rich soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper Storage Methods

To keep your Mexican chicken soup recipe fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Before putting the soup in an airtight container, let it cool fully. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the soup in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Best Reheating Techniques

Reheating your Mexican chicken soup properly ensures it retains its flavor and texture:

• Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring now and again, until heated through. This helps maintain the creamy texture.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Ultimate Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe: Queso Fundido Meets Comfort Food

This Mexican Chicken Soup is a comforting, cheesy twist on a traditional classic. The hearty chicken, fresh veggies, and rich queso fundido combine to create a flavorful, creamy dish that your family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium onions finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 fresh jalapeños seeded and finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 2 cups grated Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese or Monterey Jack
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• 2 limes cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Prepare the Base:

• Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add chicken pieces and cook for about 7 minutes until they’re no longer pink.

Build the Soup:

• Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth, then add the diced jalapeños, red bell pepper, cumin, and oregano.
• Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. (Optional: Simmer for up to 30 minutes for deeper flavors.)

Add the Queso Fundido:

• Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the grated cheese, stirring constantly to melt it smoothly into the soup.
• Continue stirring for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the cheese is fully incorporated.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed, or simmer longer if it’s too thin.

Finish & Serve:

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
• Optional toppings include sliced avocado, tortilla chips, and grated cheese.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for better flavor and tenderness.
• To customize spice levels, adjust the amount of jalapeños or substitute with poblano peppers.
• Grate cheese just before adding to avoid clumping.
• For a time-saving tip, use rotisserie chicken.

Keyword cheesy chicken soup, Comfort Food, Mexican chicken soup, Mexican recipes, queso fundido

Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs

Common Questions and Expert Answers

How can I prevent the cheese from clumping?

• Gradually add cheese while stirring continuously over low heat. This helps it melt smoothly into the soup.

What if my soup is too spicy?

• Add a dollop of sour cream or a dash of cream to mellow the heat.

Solutions to Typical Problems

Is soup too thick?

• Stir in a little more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Is soup too thin?

• Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Scaling for Different Serving Sizes

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for two, adjust the Mexican chicken soup recipe with these tips:

• For Larger Batches: Double the ingredients, but Make sure to taste as you go and gradually adjust the spices.
• For Smaller Portions: Halve the ingredients and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.