Chicken Enchilada Soup

This EASY Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe is perfect for any occasion, from cozy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With its hearty blend of flavors and creamy texture, this soup warms you up and satisfies your cravings. It’s simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress your guests! You can prepare it on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, making it versatile for your cooking style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in just 45 minutes.
• Customizable Ingredients: Use chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover chicken. The recipe adapts easily to what you have on hand.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices, cream cheese, and cheeses creates a rich flavor that everyone loves.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the bold flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking much easier. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Shredding forks (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking and combining all the ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing chicken.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices for balanced flavors.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.

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.

Spices

• ½ teaspoon EACH: chili powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon: cumin
• 1 pinch EACH: cinnamon, cayenne pepper

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon: butter
• 1 tablespoon: olive oil
• 1 yellow onion: diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper: diced with seeds removed
• 3 cloves garlic: minced

Main Components

• 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

Chicken and Cheese

• 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

Combine all spices in a bowl and set aside. Take out the cream cheese to soften it at room temperature. Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from blocks and keep them ready.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and jalapeno. Soften them for about 4 minutes before adding minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season each side with salt and pepper. Place it in the pot along with all other ingredients except for cream cheese and shredded cheese.

Step 4: Boil Soup

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Allow the chicken to cook through slowly for about 15-20 minutes; avoid rapid boiling as it may toughen the meat. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred using two forks before returning it to the pot.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese into the soup until combined thoroughly. Then stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your soup, adding any additional seasonings if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

Garnishes

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a fresh flavor that complements the soup.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness and texture to each bowl.

Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy Topping: Crushed tortilla chips provide a delightful crunch on top of the soup.
• Dipping Option: Serve alongside for dipping into the soup for added fun.

Cheese

• Additional Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle more cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
• Queso Fresco: Crumbled queso fresco adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with enchilada soup.

Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping or soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins complement the spicy notes in the soup.

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How to Perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup

To achieve the best Chicken Enchilada Soup, follow these tips for creamy, flavorful results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor of your soup significantly.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of jalapeno and cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
• Cook Chicken Gently: Avoid boiling chicken aggressively; cooking it gently helps keep it tender.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances all the flavors, making it richer and more satisfying.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations like Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or Gouda for smokiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Enchilada Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some options that work perfectly together.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish seasoned with spices that complements the soup’s taste.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness and freshness alongside your soup.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, and spices provides a sweet contrast.
4. Crispy Tacos: Crunchy tacos filled with your favorite toppings create a fun pairing with the soup.
5. Chips and Salsa: A classic appetizer that offers crunch and zest before diving into your main dish.
6. Stuffed Jalapenos: Spicy jalapenos stuffed with cheese make for an exciting side to balance out flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Enchilada Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your chicken and soup adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always season your meat and taste the soup before serving.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken on high heat for too long makes it tough. Cook gently and check for doneness around 15-20 minutes.
• Using cold cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese directly into the hot soup can cause clumps. Always allow it to soften before mixing in.
• Ignoring texture: Skipping the shredding step for chicken can leave large chunks that disrupt the creamy texture of the soup. Shred it well for even distribution.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Everyone’s heat tolerance varies. Start with less spice and add more as needed, especially with jalapenos or hot sauce.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup with leftover chicken?

Yes! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.

How can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup spicier?

To increase the heat, add more jalapenos or a dash more cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also serve with extra hot sauce at the table.

What toppings go well with Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Popular toppings include sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Is Chicken Enchilada Soup gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use gluten-free enchilada sauce and check other ingredients for gluten content, this soup can be gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This EASY Chicken Enchilada Soup is both comforting and versatile. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, it’s simple enough to customize with your favorite toppings or spices. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!