Chicken Enchilada Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that warms your soul and delights your taste buds, this Chicken Enchilada Soup is just what you need! It’s a perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy cheese that comes together easily. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this soup is sure to bring smiles around the table.

What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. You can whip it up in under an hour on the stove or let it simmer all day in the Crock Pot. Plus, if you have leftover chicken, you can use that too! It’s truly a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, making it a hit for everyone.
• Flexible Ingredients: Use what you have on hand—chicken breast or thighs work beautifully!
• Make Ahead: This soup stores well, so it’s great for meal prep or leftovers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy cheese creates an unforgettable taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. Let’s gather everything to create this delicious dish!

For the Soup Base

• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 pinch 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

For the Chicken

• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (or 2 small)

For Creaminess

• 4 oz. cream cheese (cubed and softened)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded; can also use more cheddar)

Variations

One of the best things about Chicken Enchilada Soup is how flexible it is! You can easily make it your own with these fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or even turkey if you prefer.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more jalapenos or some diced serrano peppers.
• Creamy alternative: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free option if desired.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by combining all those lovely seasonings in a bowl and set them aside. Take out your cream cheese to let it soften—it’ll mix in much better later! Shredding your cheeses from blocks rather than using pre-shredded helps them melt beautifully into the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the diced onions and jalapenos first. Sauté for about four minutes until they start to soften—that’s when their flavors really come alive! Then throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute; this will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Remaining Ingredients

Pat your chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper—this simple step enhances the flavor significantly. Now it’s time to add your seasoned chicken along with all remaining ingredients except for the cream cheese and shredded cheeses. Bring everything to a gentle boil; remember—slow cooking keeps that chicken tender!

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Let everything simmer softly for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken cooks through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks—this method gives you nice bite-sized pieces to mix back into your soup.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese and Cheeses

Lower the heat and add that softened cream cheese to your pot, stirring until it’s completely combined. Next, sprinkle in both shredded cheeses, mixing until they melt into that creamy goodness we all love!

Step 6: Taste and Serve!

Give your soup a taste test! Adjust any seasonings if needed before serving up generous bowls of this delightful Chicken Enchilada Soup. Enjoy every spoonful; it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Enchilada Soup

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and a few pro tips can take your Chicken Enchilada Soup from good to unforgettable!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chopping veggies and measuring spices before you start cooking saves time and keeps the process smooth. This way, you can focus on enjoying the cooking experience without feeling rushed.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds from the jalapeno or skip the cayenne pepper. For more heat, consider adding extra hot sauce or using a spicier variety of diced tomatoes. Customize it to suit your taste!
• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you might have on hand. It cuts down on prep time and makes for a quick meal solution.
• Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup after cooking and mix it back in. This adds body and richness without needing additional cream.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to swap out the cheeses based on what you have available or prefer. Pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick, while queso fresco brings a delightful creaminess.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Serving your Chicken Enchilada Soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ways to present this comforting dish that will surely impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado not only enhances the taste but also provides healthy fats and a lovely texture contrast.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the soup, adding both texture and flavor to your meal.
• Mexican rice: Fluffy rice flavored with spices pairs wonderfully with enchilada soup, making it a hearty addition that rounds out the meal.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful contrast to the creamy soup and are great for dipping.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens tossed in a vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Chicken Enchilada Soup will not only satisfy your hunger but also delight your taste buds! Enjoy every spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is perfect for meal prep, as it keeps well and tastes even better the next day. You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or for quick lunches!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I use cooked chicken in Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply shred it and add it during the last few minutes of cooking. This will save time and enhance the flavor.

How spicy is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

The heat level can be adjusted according to your preference. You can control spiciness by omitting the jalapeno or using mild enchilada sauce. Feel free to taste and adjust with hot sauce if desired!

Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup in a Crock Pot?

Yes! To make it in a Crock Pot, simply combine all ingredients (except cream cheese and shredded cheese) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours, then add cream cheese and cheeses just before serving.

What can I serve with Chicken Enchilada Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a fresh salad. You could also top it with cilantro or lime juice for added freshness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this easy Chicken Enchilada Soup! It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Enjoy sharing it with family and friends, or savoring it by yourself on a cozy night in. Happy cooking!