Name: Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southwestern-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp oregano; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed; 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken; ½ cup frozen corn; 4 oz cream cheese, cubed; ½ cup half-and-half or milk; juice of ½ lime; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro; 1 (20 oz) bag frozen tater tots; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp salt

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If you’ve ever wanted a bowl of soup that fires up your taste buds and brings pure comfort all at once, Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots is your dream come true. Hearty white beans and tender shredded chicken swim in a silky, spicy broth with fresh corn, vibrant spices, and a hit of lime, finished off with a crown of golden, crispy tater tots tossed in their own smoky, Southwestern-inspired seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a bear hug on a chilly evening — satisfying, just a little spicy, and downright fun to eat. Whether you need a weeknight pick-me-up or something a little special for a cozy gathering, this dish steals the show with every creamy, crunchy bite.

Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots might look long, but every single item plays an essential role. Together, they create deep flavor, creamy texture, and both eye-popping color and irresistible crunch. You’ll find staples plus a few zesty add-ins — most you probably have in your kitchen already!

Olive oil: The delicious base for sautéing onion and spices, locking in extra richness.
Small onion (chopped): Brings hearty sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic (minced): Fresh, aromatic garlic sharpens every spoonful.
Jalapeño (seeded and minced): Adds customizable heat; leave the seeds for more kick!
Ground cumin: Lends warmth and smokiness that ties the whole soup together.
Smoked paprika: Gives a sultry, aromatic backbone and beautiful color.
Oregano: Offers a herbal pop that brightens up each bite.
Cayenne pepper: Brings a controlled zing of heat; adjust to your spiciness preference.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out and enhancing all those bold flavors.
Chicken broth: The soup’s cozy, slurpable foundation — use homemade or low-sodium store-bought.
White beans (canned, drained and rinsed): Creamy and substantial, they bulk up the soup beautifully.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.
Frozen corn: Pops of juicy sweetness and color, straight from the freezer aisle.
Cream cheese (cubed): Melts in for that velvety, luscious consistency.
Half-and-half or milk: Finishes the soup with gentle richness and keeps it wonderfully creamy.
Lime juice: Brightens things up and balances all the richness with fresh tang.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh and fragrant, it wakes up every serving right at the end.
Frozen tater tots (20 oz bag): The star sidekick! Perfectly crispy, golden, and ready for your seasoning blend.
Olive oil (for tots): Helps all those bold spices cling — and aids that signature crunch.
Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt (for tots): Magic dust for the tots, delivering smoky-spicy flavor in every bite.

How to Make Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Seasoned Tots

Start by heating your oven to 425°F. In a big bowl (go ahead and use your hands!), toss the frozen tater tots with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until every tot is evenly coated in spice. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer so they get maximum crispiness. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway, until they’re golden and irresistibly crunchy. While these are baking, let’s make the soup!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and minced jalapeño, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then, until everything is soft and you can smell all that mouthwatering aroma. This step forms the soul of your Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Boost with Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, and let the spices toast with the veggies for about a minute. This unlocks incredible depth and gives the soup its signature Southwestern warmth and subtle heat.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained white beans, shredded chicken, and corn. Stir it all together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes — just enough time for the flavors to mingle and the beans to soften even more.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat, and add the cubes of cream cheese. Stir patiently as it melts into the soup, making everything extra smooth and velvety. Pour in the half-and-half (or milk), give it a final stir, and let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes until the soup is steaming and creamy.

Step 6: Finish with Freshness

Right before serving, stir in the juice of half a lime and the chopped cilantro. This last step lifts all the flavors and gives your Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots a lovely, herby, tangy finish that makes every spoonful bright and addictive.

How to Serve Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots

Garnishes

The joy is in the finishing touches! Dress up each bowl with extra chopped jalapeños for more heat, shredded cheese for extra richness, or a scattering of crispy tortilla strips for a little crunch. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or side lime wedges let every guest customize their own bowl of Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots just how they love it.

Side Dishes

This soup and tots combo is a hearty meal all on its own, but you can round things out with a simple green salad, classic cornbread, or crunchy crudités if you’re feeding a crowd. If you really want to double down on Southwest comfort, serve with a side of creamy guacamole or a fresh tomato salsa.

Creative Ways to Present

Embrace your playful side — serve the Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots in big mugs for an ultra-cozy feel, or do soup shooters with tot skewers for a party appetizer twist. For a showstopper, pile the tots on top of each bowl instead of the side, so they soak up just enough of that creamy broth but stay crispy on the edges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the seasoned tots separately so they keep their wonderful crispy texture — you don’t want soggy tots!

Freezing

The Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots base (without toppings or tots) freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. The tots are best baked fresh, but you can freeze extras and re-crisp them in the oven later.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s thickened up in the fridge. For the tots, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their crunch — microwave works in a pinch, but they won’t be quite as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or cashew milk) for the creamier elements. The result will still be deliciously rich and satisfying.

How spicy is the soup, and can I adjust the heat?

The level of heat in Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots is completely customizable. For extra heat, keep some jalapeño seeds or add more cayenne. To tone it down, skip the cayenne entirely and use just half the jalapeño, or leave it out for a milder, family-friendly version.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves time. Simply shred or chop it and stir it into the soup with the beans and corn.

Are there gluten-free options for the seasoned tots?

Most plain frozen tater tots are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the label to be sure. If avoiding gluten, also ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Of course! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini along with the onions and jalapeño. This Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots is super flexible for whenever you want to clean out your veggie drawer.

Final Thoughts

When you need maximum coziness and bold flavor in under an hour, you’ll find yourself craving Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots again and again. This crowd-pleasing combo is the ultimate way to warm up, celebrate good company, or simply treat yourself to something special. Go for it — your taste buds (and everyone at your table) will thank you!

Spicy White Chicken Soup with Seasoned Tots Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a bowl of comforting Spicy White Chicken Soup served alongside crispy Seasoned Tater Tots. This flavorful soup with a hint of spice and creamy texture is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Soup:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup frozen corn
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
½ cup half-and-half or milk
juice of ½ lime
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Seasoned Tots:

1 (20 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F: Toss tater tots with olive oil and seasonings. Bake for 25–30 minutes until crispy.
Prepare Soup: Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Add spices, broth, beans, chicken, and corn. Simmer, then add cream cheese, half-and-half, lime juice, and cilantro.
Serve: Enjoy hot with seasoned tots on the side.