Introduction
This delicious creamy chicken soup, enhanced with green chiles and topped with crispy tater tots, promises a warm and satisfying meal. Ideal for a chilly day or any time you crave comfort food, this recipe combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Two 4-ounce cans diced green chiles
1½ teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
One 15-ounce can white beans (such as white chili beans or great northern beans)
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast)
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
¼ to ½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tater Tots: Follow the package instructions to bake the frozen seasoned tater tots. Since the soup preparation is relatively quick, it’s advisable to start with the tots, as they typically require 20-30 minutes to cook.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and golden, approximately 5-10 minutes.
3. Add Spices and Chiles: Incorporate the diced green chiles, salt, cumin, and dried oregano into the pot. Stir and let the mixture cook for about a minute to enhance the flavors.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
5. Simmer the Soup: Allow the soup to simmer until it slightly thickens, ensuring all flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous portion of the baked tater tots, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onion, and add a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Tater Tots
Follow the package instructions to bake the frozen seasoned tater tots. Since the soup preparation is relatively quick, it’s advisable to start with the tots, as they typically require 20-30 minutes to cook.
Sauté Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and golden, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Add Spices and Chiles
Incorporate the diced green chiles, salt, cumin, and dried oregano into the pot. Stir and let the mixture cook for about a minute to enhance the flavors.
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Simmer the Soup
Allow the soup to simmer until it slightly thickens, ensuring all flavors meld together.
Serve
Ladle the creamy soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous portion of the baked tater tots, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onion, and add a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Notes
Mechanism of Cooking
The tater tots should be baked until crispy, while the soup should have a creamy consistency without any lumps from the cornstarch.
Substitutions
You can use any type of white beans you prefer. Additionally, rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but you could also use cooked chicken breast if desired.
Flavor Adjustment
Feel free to adjust the salt and spices according to your taste preference. If you like it spicier, consider adding additional hot sauce directly to the soup.
Storage Tips
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving, and fresh tater tots can be made as needed.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. This technique is perfect for releasing the flavors of aromatic ingredients like onion and garlic.
Simmering
Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature. This allows ingredients to meld together and flavors to intensify without boiling, which can reduce liquid too quickly.
Thickening
Thickening a soup can be achieved by adding ingredients like cornstarch slurry. This creates a thicker consistency, enhancing the texture of the dish.
Baking
Baking is a dry heat cooking method used for preparing the tater tots. This method retains their crispiness, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
FAQ
Can I substitute avocado oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can use other oils like olive oil or vegetable oil in place of avocado oil.
What type of chicken can I use?
You can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast. Shredded chicken works best for this recipe.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to cook the fresh beans beforehand, as canned beans are already prepared and easier to use.
Is there a non-dairy substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative as a substitute for sour cream.
How do I make the soup spicier?
You can add more diced green chiles, incorporate diced jalapeños, or drizzle additional hot sauce on top before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and green chile soup topped with crispy tater tots offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The rich, savory broth, combined with the crunchy texture of the tater tots, uplifts the dish, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. With simple preparation steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Enchiladas
Use the shredded chicken and green chiles to fill corn tortillas, then top with enchilada sauce and cheese before baking until bubbly.
White Bean Chili
Create a hearty chili by using your white beans and spices but add more variety of beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a wholesome meal.
Stuffed Peppers
Combine shredded chicken, white beans, and spices to stuff bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender.
Chicken Quesadillas
Use the same shredded chicken and white beans blend to make quesadillas, adding cheese and your choice of vegetables, grilled until crispy.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Mix shredded chicken, white beans, cream, and your choice of vegetables; then layer over cooked rice, bake until heated through and slightly golden.
Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole
Combine shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, seasonings, and top with tater tots, baking until the tots are crispy and golden.
