Chicken Enchilada Soup

This EASY Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat. Packed with flavors and made from simple pantry ingredients, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a standout recipe that will leave you wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in just 45 minutes.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover chicken to customize it to your liking.
• Flavorful Comfort: A blend of spices and creamy cheese creates a rich flavor profile that warms the soul.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it’s even better the next day!
• Family-Friendly: This soup is mild enough for kids but can be spiced up to suit adult tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Chicken Enchilada Soup effectively, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools on hand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Large soup pot: Provides ample space for all ingredients, ensuring even cooking without spills.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized and protects countertops while chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Makes slicing through ingredients quick and safe, enhancing overall efficiency in the kitchen.

Ingredients

This EASY Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe can be made on the stove top or in the Crock Pot! Use chicken breast, chicken thighs, or leftover chicken along with simple pantry ingredients.

• ½ teaspoon EACH: chili powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• 1 pinch EACH: cinnamon, cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (diced with seeds removed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 10 oz. red enchilada sauce
• 10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 15 oz. black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz. canned whole kernel corn (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (or 2 small.) (see notes if using cooked chicken)
• 4 oz. cream cheese (cubed and softened)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded. Can also use more cheddar.)

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by combining all of your seasonings in a small bowl and set them aside. Take out the cream cheese to allow it to soften while you prepare other ingredients. Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from blocks for optimal meltiness.

Step 2: Cook Onions and Peppers

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and jalapeno peppers. Sauté for about four minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Base Ingredients

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper. Place it into the soup pot along with all remaining ingredients except for cream cheese and shredded cheeses.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the chicken to cook through slowly—this should take about 15–20 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks before returning it back into the soup.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese until fully combined, then add shredded cheeses until melted smoothly into the soup.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your soup before serving; feel free to adjust seasonings as needed based on your preference. Enjoy this hearty Chicken Enchilada Soup hot!

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Serving Chicken Enchilada Soup is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and creating a comforting meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your soup to new heights.

Toppings

• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spices.
• Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brightens the dish with its herbaceous flavor.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a cooling contrast to the heat.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty kick to each bowl.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Sweet, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory soup.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful texture contrast.
• Rice – Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a heartier meal option.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese – Extra cheese on top enhances the creamy goodness of the soup.
• Diced Red Onion – Adds a sharp flavor and a pop of color for presentation.

How to Perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup

To make your Chicken Enchilada Soup truly unforgettable, here are some essential tips for perfecting this dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for better flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Taste as you go and adjust spices according to your heat preference.
• Experiment with Cheeses – Mix different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or creaminess.
• Slow Cook for Depth – If using a slow cooker, allow longer cooking times to develop deeper flavors.
• Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Enchilada Soup can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice – Flavored rice with spices complements the soup’s richness.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy beans add protein and fiber, making it even more filling.
3. Garden Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and crunch.
4. Quesadillas – Cheese-filled quesadillas make a great dipping companion for the soup.
5. Guacamole – This flavorful dip brings creaminess and freshness alongside the spicy soup.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies enhance flavors while adding healthy nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Enchilada Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning blend: Failing to combine the seasonings beforehand can lead to uneven flavor. Mix them together first for consistent taste.
• Boiling the chicken too fast: Cooking the chicken at a rapid boil can make it tough. Keep it at a gentle simmer for tender meat.
• Not softening cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese can create lumps in your soup. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing it in.
• Overloading with toppings: While toppings are great, too many can overwhelm the soup’s flavor. Choose a few key toppings for balance.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality canned products can affect taste. Opt for high-quality enchilada sauce and tomatoes for better flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a creamy and cheesy soup made with chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, and spices. It’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Can I use cooked chicken for Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Yes! If using leftover cooked chicken, add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.

How do I customize my Chicken Enchilada Soup?

You can customize by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjusting spice levels according to your preference.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just add all ingredients except cheese and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in the cheeses before serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!