High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe

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If you are on the hunt for a comforting, nourishing, and delightfully creamy soup, you have to try the High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe. This dish combines the smoky, spicy kick of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies with tender chicken and velvety smooth cottage cheese for a protein-packed meal that warms you up from the inside out. It’s a wholesome option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfying texture, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something hearty but healthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding rich, savory notes, a subtle spice, or a creamy finish that balances the heat perfectly.

• Olive oil: A light cooking fat that helps develop the flavor base when sautéing the aromatics.
• Medium onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Gives a fragrant aroma and punchy undertone to the broth.
• Ground cumin: Introduces an earthy warmth that complements the Rotel’s spiciness beautifully.
• Chili powder: Enhances the soup’s heat and complexity without overpowering it.
• Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful, savory liquid base essential for comforting soups.
• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: The star ingredient that brings zesty vibrancy and a bit of a spicy spark.
• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: Boosts the protein to keep the soup filling and hearty.
• Cottage cheese: A creamy and protein-rich ingredient that gives the soup a luscious texture without cream or heavy cheese.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning perfectly to taste.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the entire dish.

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

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step creates a flavorful foundation for your soup, as the oil gently cooks the onions until they become translucent and sweet.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Add the diced onion to the pot and let it cook for about five minutes. You’ll notice its texture softening and its flavor mellowing, which adds a subtle richness to the broth later on.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Mix in the minced garlic along with ground cumin and chili powder. Stir constantly for about a minute until the mixture becomes fragrant. This short toasting of spices is critical because it releases their essential oils and deepens the flavor profile.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Now, pour in the chicken broth and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. These two ingredients bring the heart and heat of this recipe, the broth offering savory depth and the Rotel delivering a vibrant, spicy punch.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil and Simmer

Give the mixture a good stir, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This allows all the flavors to mingle and build, creating a deliciously cohesive taste.

Step 6: Incorporate Chicken

Add your shredded or diced cooked chicken into the pot. This protein component is central to the dish, making it satisfying and perfect for a balanced meal.

Step 7: Simmer to Meld Flavors

Let the soup gently simmer for 10 minutes. This resting period ensures the chicken absorbs the spices and that the broth deepens its complexity.

Step 8: Blend Cottage Cheese

While the soup simmers, blend the cottage cheese until smooth in a blender or food processor. This step transforms the cottage cheese into a creamy element that enriches your soup without the heaviness of cream or cheese curds.

Step 9: Combine and Season

Stir the smooth cottage cheese carefully into the pot until fully incorporated. Finish by tasting and seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your personal preference.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a splash of color and an herbaceous note that brightens every spoonful.

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

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes. Fresh cilantro or parsley is ideal, but you could also try a light squeeze of lime juice to add a tangy contrast or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for extra texture and crunch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad with fresh veggies to keep your meal light but satisfying. For those looking to add more substance, a side of rice or quinoa works beautifully to soak up the flavorful broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this soup inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or toasted bread bowls. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top can add a cool balance to the warmth. For a festive touch, sprinkle toasted pepitas or add a few slices of avocado on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop, making your next meal even tastier!

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months, though for best texture, freeze before adding the cottage cheese and stir it in fresh after reheating. This helps maintain the creaminess and prevents separation during freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese provides a creamy texture with high protein and lower fat, you can experiment with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a similar effect, but the flavor and creaminess might slightly differ.

Is this soup spicy?

The spice level comes from the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies and the chili powder. It has a gentle heat that most people enjoy, but you can always adjust the chili powder amount to suit your tolerance.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap out chicken for roasted chickpeas or extra beans to keep it protein-rich and hearty.

How can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini during the broth simmering step to introduce more texture, color, and nutrition.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s a great meal prep option due to its high protein content and ease of reheating. Just keep the garnish separate until serving for the freshest flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the High-Protein Rotel Soup with Cottage Cheese & Chicken Recipe enough for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying, flavorful, and protein-packed meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and perfect for sharing with family or savoring on your own. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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