High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe

If you are searching for a hearty, flavorful, and nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe is about to become your go-to comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a creamy touch from blended cottage cheese, this soup delivers a fantastic protein boost while satisfying every craving for something both spicy and soothing. It’s simple, nutritious, and bursting with personality, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe is straightforward yet plays an essential role in creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile. From aromatic spices to fresh herbs, every element adds its unique magic to the pot.

• Olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and add a smooth, rich base to the soup.
• Medium onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and depth that forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of fragrant warmth, elevating every spoonful.
• Ground cumin: Provides a subtle earthiness that complements the spices beautifully.
• Chili powder: Introduces a gentle heat that gives this soup its signature kick without overpowering.
• Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that melds all ingredients into a cohesive, savory soup.
• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds vibrant color, freshness, and a bit of zest to the dish.
• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: Supplies lean protein and hearty texture for a filling meal.
• Cottage cheese: Blended until smooth, it enriches the soup with creamy texture and extra protein.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped: The finishing touch that brightens the soup with green herbal notes.

How to Make High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This warm, fragrant oil is the perfect starting point for building flavor, gently coaxing the onion’s natural sweetness forward.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender. This step softens the onion and ensures it blends seamlessly into the soup’s base.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook everything together for about 1 minute until the mixture releases its wonderful aromas, creating a complex layer of flavor.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Now it’s time for the chicken broth and Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour them into the pot and stir to combine all the rich ingredients, preparing the soup to simmer.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Raise the heat slightly to bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce it to a gentle simmer. This gentle cooking allows all the spices and flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 6: Add Chicken

Incorporate your shredded or diced chicken breast into the pot. The chicken will absorb the soup’s spicy essence while contributing protein and heartiness.

Step 7: Simmer for Flavor

Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully meld together and intensify, making for a truly satisfying bowl of goodness.

Step 8: Blend the Cottage Cheese

While the soup simmers, blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until it becomes silky smooth. This creamy component is a game-changer, adding richness and an extra boost of protein without heaviness.

Step 9: Combine and Season

Stir the blended cottage cheese into your simmering soup until well combined. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

Step 10: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and get ready to enjoy a bowl full of warmth, spice, and nutrition.

How to Serve High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley on top not only gives a bright burst of color but also lifts the soup’s flavors with a fresh herbal aroma. You can also offer a squeeze of lime or a few thinly sliced green onions for an extra touch of zest.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or even a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for some textural contrast. These sides help round out the meal, providing a satisfying accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the soup in small bread bowls or alongside a platter of avocado slices and shredded cheese for guests to customize their bowls. Presenting it this way turns a humble soup into an inviting centerpiece at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more depth overnight, making your next meal even tastier.

Freezing

This High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Seal it tightly in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months for the best quality. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling from the cottage cheese and maintain that smooth, creamy consistency you loved in the first place.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese adds a unique creamy texture and boosts protein without excess fat, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar effect, though the flavor and consistency might vary slightly.

Is this soup spicy?

This soup has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder. You can easily adjust it by adding more or less chili powder or serving with cooling garnishes like sour cream.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with cooked beans or tofu to maintain the protein content.

How do I shred cooked chicken easily?

Using two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breast is a quick and easy method. Alternatively, you can shred it with your hands if the chicken is cool enough to handle safely.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep because it stores well, reheats easily, and keeps you full and energized throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe is like gifting yourself a delicious, nourishing meal that feels both comforting and revitalizing. Easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to whenever you need a satisfying, protein-packed bowl of happiness. Trust me, your taste buds and your body will thank you.

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