Chicken Enchilada Soup

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that warms the soul, you’ve found it in this Chicken Enchilada Soup! This recipe is a family favorite in my home and always manages to bring smiles around the dinner table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Plus, the best part? You can whip it up on the stove top or let your Crock Pot do the magic!

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is more than just delicious; it’s a great way to use leftover chicken or simple pantry staples. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy goodness appeal to everyone—kids and adults alike!
• Versatile: Use chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover chicken to make it your own.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and store for later; it’s just as tasty reheated!
• Comforting Flavor: Rich flavors from spices and cheeses make each bowl feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Chicken Enchilada Soup. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge!

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 Creaminess

• 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this Chicken Enchilada Soup is how flexible it is! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even diced tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add extra jalapeños or chili flakes for a kick!
• Creamy alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Prep Work

First things first! Combine all the spices—chili powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper—in a small bowl and set them aside. This step helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout your soup. Don’t forget to take out the cream cheese so it can soften while you prep everything else—it’ll mix in more smoothly.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Heat butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat until melted. Add the diced onions and jalapeño peppers. Sauté them for about four minutes until they soften up nicely. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute; this will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma!

Step 3: Add Chicken & Remaining Ingredients

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season each side with salt and pepper—this helps lock in flavor! Add the seasoned chicken into your soup pot along with all remaining ingredients except for cream cheese and shredded cheeses. Stir everything together so that those wonderful flavors mingle.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Bring your soup to a gentle boil over medium heat. Allowing the chicken to cook slowly is key here; about 15-20 minutes will do. This method keeps it juicy! Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it back into the soup.

Step 5: Stir in Creaminess

Now it’s time to bring that creamy goodness! Reduce heat to low, then stir in your softened cream cheese until fully combined—the result should be luscious! Next up is adding both shredded cheeses until melted; give yourself permission to enjoy this moment because it’s going to taste amazing!

Step 6: Final Touches

Give your soup a taste test! Want more spice? Feel free to add extra seasonings as needed before serving up bowls of this delightful Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Enjoy every cozy sip of this comforting dish—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Enchilada Soup

Making the perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup is all about a few smart choices along the way. Here are some tips to elevate your soup-making game!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can enhance the flavor of your soup significantly. Fresh onions, peppers, and garlic will provide a more vibrant taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Shredding cheese from a block will give you a creamier texture in your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re serving a crowd or have kids, consider starting with less spice and letting everyone add their own hot sauce at the table. This way, everyone can enjoy the soup at their preferred heat level.
• Experiment with Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken or turkey from another meal, feel free to toss it into the soup! This not only saves time but also adds extra flavor.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge!

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream (or a dairy-free alternative) adds creaminess that balances out the spices beautifully.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide healthy fats and enhance the overall texture of each bite.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with this hearty soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and make for a fun side that guests can use to scoop up their soup!
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with lime and cilantro provides a nice contrast to the creamy soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Enjoy creating your cozy meals with this easy yet flavorful recipe! Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, this Chicken Enchilada Soup is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious, comforting soup throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to allow it to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• If using bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use cooked chicken in Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Absolutely! If you’re using cooked chicken, simply shred it and add it during step 4 of the instructions. This will save you some time!

What is the best way to spice up my Chicken Enchilada Soup?

For extra flavor, consider adding more spices like cumin or cayenne pepper. You can also throw in fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime just before serving!

Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup in the Crock Pot?

Yes! Simply add all ingredients (except cream cheese and shredded cheese) into your Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in cream cheese and cheeses before serving.

How long does Chicken Enchilada Soup last in the fridge?

Your Chicken Enchilada Soup will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Chicken Enchilada Soup as much as I do! It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with flavor, making it a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you whip it up on the stove or let it simmer away in your Crock Pot, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Happy cooking!