Name: Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 green peppers, diced (about 1 cup); 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into small bite-sized pieces; 32 ounces low sodium chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 package frozen diced hash-brown potatoes (32 ounce package); 1 packet country gravy mix (2.64 ounce packet); 2 cups heavy cream (or milk, but cream preferred for richness); 12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small chunks; 2 cans Rotel Tomatoes (10 ounce cans each); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Sour cream; Fritos or tortilla chips

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.8 from 87 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting bowl packed with flavor, creamy texture, and a little bit of zest, this Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining tender chicken, melted Velveeta cheese, fresh vegetables, and a touch of spice from Rotel tomatoes, this chowder is a celebration of cozy meals with a Mexican twist. It’s hearty yet smooth, perfect for a family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering.

Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together effortlessly to create a chowder that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From the creamy Velveeta to the fresh cilantro, every component plays a crucial role in building the perfect bowl.

Olive oil: The base for sautéing adds a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation to the chowder.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for a punch of savory depth.
Green peppers: Diced to add color and a mild, crisp bite.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy protein.
Low sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: To enhance and balance the delicious flavors.
Frozen diced hash-brown potatoes: Adds heartiness and a comforting starchy texture.
Country gravy mix: Thickens the chowder and adds a smooth, savory undertone.
Heavy cream: Or milk if preferred, but cream elevates the chowder to a luxuriously silky level.
Velveeta cheese: Cubed; melts flawlessly for that signature cheesy, creamy goodness.
Rotel tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a mild kick and vibrant color.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped and stirred in to brighten the flavors with a fresh herbal note.
Sour cream, Fritos, or tortilla chips: For topping, adding texture and that finishing touch of indulgence.

How to Make Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the base and combine the main ingredients

Start by heating olive oil in a large dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, diced yellow onion, and green peppers, sautéing them until they’re translucent and fragrant—about five minutes. This step builds an aromatic foundation that will make your kitchen smell irresistible. Next, stir in the cubed chicken, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and frozen hash-brown potatoes. Give it a good mix, bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks or burns. While the chicken cooks through, whisk together the heavy cream and the country gravy mix in a bowl until smooth, setting this aside for the next step.

Step 2: Finish with creamy cheese and tomatoes

Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, pour the cream and gravy mixture into the pot. Add the Velveeta cheese chunks, both cans of Rotel tomatoes, and the fresh chopped cilantro. Turn the heat to low or medium-low and let everything mingle uncovered for about ten minutes. This allows the cheese to melt fully, creating that velvety, cheesy texture the chowder is known for, while the tomatoes add a hint of brightness and that classic Mexican zest.

Step 3: Serve it up with your favorite toppings

This chowder is best enjoyed piping hot. Spoon it into bowls and encourage everyone to add their preferred garnishes like a generous dollop of sour cream or a handful of crunchy Fritos or tortilla chips for an exciting textural contrast.

Step 4: Enjoy every warm, cheesy bite

Dig in and savor the rich, creamy comfort of this Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe—it’s exactly the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and leaves you wanting more.

How to Serve Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your chowder is where you can get creative or keep it simple. A spoonful of sour cream adds a cool tang that balances the cheesy richness perfectly. Crushed Fritos or tortilla chips bring a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy chowder. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top brightens the bowl with herbaceous freshness that complements the savory flavors below.

Side Dishes

This chowder is satisfying all on its own but pairing it with a light, fresh side can create a well-rounded meal. Consider a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette or some warm, soft corn tortillas to scoop up every last bit. A simple avocado and tomato salad also adds fresh creaminess and brightness to contrast with the warm chowder.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour the chowder into individual bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation that guests will love. Or serve it in colorful, traditional Mexican pottery bowls to elevate the festive spirit. For casual gatherings, place the chowder in a slow cooker on the table for self-serve warmth and convenience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe, be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for up to three days, giving you delicious, ready-to-go meals for busy days or simple lunches.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but with a few caveats. The chowder’s creamy texture can change slightly once thawed, so it’s best to freeze it before adding the heavy cream and cheese. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely in the fridge, then gently reheat and add fresh cream and cheese back in to maintain that creamy experience.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to re-melt the cheese smoothly. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help restore the perfect texture if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this chowder?

Yes, you can substitute milk for heavy cream to lighten the chowder, though keep in mind the chowder will be less rich and creamy. Using cream delivers that indulgent texture and flavor that makes this Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe truly special.

What type of cheese works best if I don’t have Velveeta?

Velveeta melts smoothly for the creamy texture that this chowder needs, but if unavailable, try a combination of mild cheddar and cream cheese. These will give great meltiness and flavor, though the texture might be a bit different.

Is this recipe spicy?

The natural mild heat from the Rotel tomatoes brings a gentle kick but nothing overpowering. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while sautéing the vegetables.

Can I make this chowder vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or black beans. It won’t be a Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe anymore but still a delicious and hearty cheesy chowder with Mexican flavors.

How thick will the chowder be?

This chowder is thick and creamy, thanks to the gravy mix and Velveeta cheese, but still spoonable and smooth. If you prefer it thinner, simply stir in extra chicken broth during cooking or reheating.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy bowl that’s packed with bright and comforting flavors. This Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe brings all of that together in one pot, making weeknight dinners feel special and easy all at once. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a dish to impress friends, it’s a recipe worth keeping close to your heart and your recipe box. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a favorite for seasons to come.