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Mexican Chicken and Corn Soup

This creamy, flavorful Mexican Chicken and Corn Soup brings together tender chicken, sweet corn, and warm spices in a silky broth that tastes comforting and fresh at the same time. It’s quick to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for anyone who wants a bold, homey, and easy weeknight soup.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 –4 cups frozen corn
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ –½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
  • 3 –4 teaspoons kosher salt to taste
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 3 cups cooked chicken chopped bite-size
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 –1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Instructions

  • Sauté butter and garlic in a large pot over medium heat until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
  • Add corn, cumin, oregano, paprika, pepper, cayenne, and 2 teaspoons salt; cook 2–3 minutes to warm the spices.
  • Pour in chicken broth and add tomatoes with green chiles; stir to combine.
  • Bring to a strong simmer and cook 8–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  • Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer 5 more minutes.
  • Lower the heat and add heavy cream, stirring until smooth and lightly thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed, then serve hot with Colby Jack cheese on top.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter soup.
  • Replace chicken with turkey or cooked beef if preferred.
  • Swap Colby Jack with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Store up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if thickened.
  • Freeze without cream for best texture; stir in cream after reheating.

Serving Variations

  • Add cooked rice, pasta, or black beans for extra heartiness.
  • Finish with lime, cilantro, avocado, or tortilla strips.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Do not boil after adding cream to prevent separation.
  • Always taste before adding more salt.
  • Use moist cooked chicken for best texture.