Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots is the ultimate comfort food fusion—creamy, zesty chicken soup packed with white beans, green chilies, and spices, topped off with crispy, golden seasoned tater tots. It’s a bold, flavorful twist on classic white chicken chili that turns a cozy meal into a crave-worthy indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is rich and hearty with just the right amount of heat and crunch. The creamy base is balanced with a kick from green chilies and spices, while the seasoned tots add texture and fun. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort food to the next level.
- A spicy twist on traditional white chicken soup
- The tots make it extra comforting and fun
- Great for game day, casual dinners, or cozy nights in
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Freezer-friendly and meal prep approved
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- White beans (cannellini or great northern), drained
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Green chilies, diced (canned)
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese (or sour cream for a lighter option)
- Heavy cream or milk
- Olive oil or butter
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
- Frozen seasoned tater tots
- Fresh cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, or shredded cheese (for garnish)
directions
- Preheat oven and bake tater tots according to package directions until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in green chilies, white beans, chicken, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy seasoned tots.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or shredded cheese.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Heat: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños directly into the soup.
- Veggie-Packed: Add corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- No Cream Cheese: Use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative.
- Meatless Version: Use plant-based chicken or extra beans instead of chicken.
- Loaded Bowl: Top with avocado slices, salsa, or tortilla strips for a burrito bowl vibe.
storage/reheating
Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Bake or air-fry leftover tots fresh when ready to serve—they’re best crispy!
Freeze soup (without tots) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s perfect for this recipe and makes prep even faster.
Are the tots necessary?
They’re optional but highly recommended for texture and fun!
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, omit red pepper flakes and use mild green chilies for a milder version.
What’s the best way to cook the tots?
Bake or air-fry for maximum crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want them crunchy.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes—add everything except cream and cream cheese. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in dairy at the end.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your tots and broth are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk or cashew cream in place of dairy.
What other toppings go well with this soup?
Try green onions, cheese, jalapeños, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
Can I add rice or pasta?
Yes, though it’ll change the texture—reduce broth slightly if adding.
Will it thicken as it cools?
Yes, the soup will continue to thicken. Add extra broth if reheating and it’s too thick.
Conclusion
Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots is the ultimate cozy-meets-craveable meal. With its rich, creamy base and the playful crunch of tots, it’s a bold, comforting bowl that’s perfect for when you want something satisfying and fun. It’s a soup that stands out—and once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Print
Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This ultra-comforting soup blends creamy white chicken chili with bold spices and crispy seasoned tater tots on top. It’s cozy, hearty, and topped like a loaded bowl of comfort food — perfect for weeknights or game day!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
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1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
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1 yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 (4 oz) cans diced green chiles
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
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1 (15 oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
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3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
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3 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
For the Toppings:
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1 (16 oz) bag frozen seasoned tater tots
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Green onions, sliced
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Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
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Bake the tots:
Cook seasoned tater tots according to package directions until golden and crispy. Set aside. -
Make the soup base:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute. -
Add spices & chiles:
Stir in green chiles, cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the aromas. -
Combine and simmer:
Add white beans, shredded chicken, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. -
Thicken (optional):
If a thicker soup is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 5–10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. -
Serve it up:
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with hot, crispy tater tots, and garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and a splash of hot sauce.
Notes
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Shortcut tip: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
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Adjust spice: Use fewer green chiles or skip the hot sauce if you’re heat-sensitive.
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Storage: Keep soup and tots separate for leftovers. Reheat tots in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.