Preparation Stage: Getting Everything Ready Before you turn on the stove, take a few minutes to prepare your ingredients. Chop the white onion into small, even pieces. Seed and chop the jalapeños, being careful to wash your hands afterward to avoid transferring the heat to your eyes or other sensitive areas. Mince the garlic finely so it distributes evenly throughout the soup. If using frozen corn, you can let it thaw slightly while you prepare other ingredients. Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. A store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this recipe and saves a lot of time, but leftover grilled or roasted chicken works just as well. Make sure your rice is already cooked and ready to add at the end of the cooking process.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough that a piece of onion sizzles when added, but not so hot that it smokes.

2. Add the chopped onion and jalapeños to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and tender. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 more minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, corn, roughly chopped chipotles, and 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce. Stir everything together to combine.

5. Heat the mixture until it’s nearly boiling, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, cooked white rice, salsa verde, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Continue heating for another 3-5 minutes, just until everything is warmed through.

Serving Suggestions: This Comforting Chicken Soup for Dinner looks beautiful and tastes amazing with the right presentation. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add the garnishes of your choice: * Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats * Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbal note * Crushed tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch * Crumbled queso fresco adds a salty, tangy finish * Additional lime wedges on the side allow everyone to adjust the brightness to their liking I like to set up a little “garnish bar” when serving this soup, especially when hosting guests or family dinners. It allows everyone to customize their bowl to their preferences, which always makes for a more enjoyable meal experience.