When the chill of cooler evenings sets in, few dishes can warm the soul quite like this Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe. Bursting with bold, comforting flavors inspired by classic enchiladas verdes, this soup is a vibrant medley of tender shredded chicken, smoky poblano peppers, mild hatch chiles, sweet corn, and creamy white beans all swimming in a luscious salsa verde-infused broth. It’s the perfect harmony of hearty and refreshing, delivering a satisfying meal that’s not only dairy-free but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pot with green handles holds a cooked mix of chopped green peppers and onions as the bottom layer, with bright yellow corn kernels piled in the center on top. The vegetables and corn have a glossy, soft texture, and the pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing the perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe. Each element plays its part, bringing layers of depth and freshness to the finished bowl.

Extra virgin olive oil – Essential for sautéing the veggies to a tender, flavorful base without overpowering the dish.
Vidalia onion – Adds a sweet, mellow foundation that enhances the soup’s savory complexity.
Poblano peppers – Provide subtle smoky heat and vibrant color, setting this chili apart.
Jalapeño – Brings just a touch of kick to keep the taste lively without overwhelming the palate.
Hatch green chiles – Infuse authentic Tex-Mex flavor that’s both aromatic and slightly spicy.
Garlic – Offers pungent warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully.
Ground cumin – Adds earthiness that is crucial for that classic chili essence.
Kosher salt – The seasoning lifter, balancing and enhancing every ingredient’s natural taste.
Sweet paprika – Injects a mild sweetness and subtle smokiness.
Dried oregano – Brings a slight herbal brightness that complements the chili spices.
Freshly ground black pepper – Adds a gentle heat and depth to the broth.
Corn – Sweet bursts of texture and color, offering a delightful contrast to the greens.
Low-sodium chicken broth – Creates the hearty base, rich but not overwhelming.
Salsa verde – The star ingredient that lends the soup its signature tangy green freshness.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Tender, juicy protein that shreds perfectly to absorb all flavors.
Great Northern beans – Creamy beans that add heartiness and make the soup extra satisfying.
Lime juice – The final brightening touch that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
Optional garnishes (avocado, sour cream, pickled jalapeño, chopped onion, cilantro) – These add layers of texture and fresh flavor to finish off your bowl.

How to Make Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers gently, toss in the diced Vidalia onion, poblano peppers, and jalapeño. Let these cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then until the vegetables soften and become beautifully fragrant. Then add the hatch green chiles and chopped garlic, cooking for just another minute to build that tantalizing aroma that will announce this soup’s bold flavor.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Corn

Next, stir in the corn kernels along with ground cumin, kosher salt, sweet paprika, oregano, and freshly ground black pepper. Each spice contributes a distinct note: cumin’s earthiness, oregano’s herbal lift, paprika’s subtle sweetness, and black pepper’s mild heat. Together, they layer complexity into your soup right from the start.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and the salsa verde, then bring everything to a rapid boil. Once bubbling, nestle the boneless, skinless chicken thighs fully into the pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to medium, and let this simmer gently for about 35 minutes. The chicken cooks tender here, soaking up the vibrant broth flavors while adding succulence to the dish.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken with tongs or a slotted spoon and place it in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Turn on medium speed and let the mixer do the work to shred the meat quickly and evenly—usually about one minute. No stand mixer? No problem: two forks on a cutting board work just as well, just takes a bit more elbow grease. Once shredded, return the chicken to the pot.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Stir in the rinsed and drained Great Northern beans and squeeze in fresh lime juice. This final addition of beans amps up the heartiness, while the lime juice adds a bright pop that ensures every spoonful feels fresh and balanced. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning as needed before ladling the soup hot into bowls.

How to Serve Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe

A round, dark green pot with two handles sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there is a thick, creamy yellowish-brown soup with visible small green vegetable pieces. On top of the soup, in the middle, there is a pile of shredded light beige meat, creating a textured contrast with the smooth soup below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This soup comes alive with vibrant toppings—think creamy avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative), pickled jalapeños for a punch of tangy heat, a sprinkle of chopped onion, and fresh cilantro for that herbal freshness. These add layers of texture and bursts of flavor that elevate your soup experience.

Side Dishes

Pair your Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe with warm corn tortillas, crusty bread, or even a crisp green salad to round out the meal. The variety of sides lets you customize your bowl for a full Tex-Mex feast or keep it light and simple depending on your mood.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chili soup over a bed of cauliflower rice or with a scoop of cooked quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. You can also ladle it into individual bread bowls for a cozy, rustic touch that’s perfect for entertaining guests or making weeknight dinners feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors actually deepen overnight, so make sure to give it a good stir before reheating for an even more delicious bowl.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen soup lasts for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup appears too thick after chilling, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine, but keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier and shred more easily, making for a richer texture in the soup.

Is this soup spicy?

This Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. You can easily adjust by choosing mild or hot hatch chiles and adding more or less jalapeño based on your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with extra beans, diced potatoes, or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rich flavors still shine through beautifully.

What can I use if I don’t have salsa verde?

If you don’t have salsa verde on hand, you can blend tomatillos with green chiles, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice as a homemade substitute. However, using a good-quality store-bought salsa verde saves time and delivers great flavor.

How do I shred the chicken without a stand mixer?

No stand mixer? No worries! Simply use two forks to pull the meat apart on a cutting board. It takes a little more effort but results in perfectly shredded chicken every time.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to beat the comforting embrace of this Rich Green Chicken Chili Soup (Dairy-Free) Recipe when you want something nourishing, full of bold flavors, and easy to whip up. Whether you’re welcoming family to the dinner table or looking for a hearty weeknight meal, this soup impresses with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!