Chicken Enchilada Soup – tastykitchenjoy

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights in, this easy recipe can be prepared on the stove top or in a Crock Pot. With its cheesy goodness and vibrant spices, it stands out as a must-try meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: This Chicken Enchilada Soup can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices, chicken, and cheese creates a deliciously rich soup that warms the soul.
Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover chicken or mix and match your favorite toppings to customize each bowl.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this soup fits right in.
Crock Pot Friendly: Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day!

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Chicken Enchilada Soup comes out perfectly, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large soup pot
Crock Pot (optional)
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large soup pot: This is crucial for cooking your soup evenly and allowing ample space for all the ingredients to blend together.
Crock Pot: Perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach; just set it and forget it!
Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables effortless and safe.

Ingredients

For this Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Spices & Seasonings

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)

Canned Goods & Broth

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)

Chicken & Creaminess

4 cups chicken broth
1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (or 2 small)
4 oz. cream cheese (cubed and softened)

Cheese Toppings

1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded; can use more cheddar)

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Prep Work

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

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 3: Add Chicken & Broth

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season each side with salt and pepper. Place it into the soup pot along with all remaining ingredients except for the cream cheese and shredded cheeses.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Bring your mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the chicken to cook through slowly—about fifteen to twenty minutes—ensuring not to boil too rapidly as this could toughen the chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, then return it back into the soup.

Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese & Cheeses

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

Step 6: Final Touches & Serve

Taste your soup and add any additional seasonings as needed before serving hot! Enjoy this comforting Chicken Enchilada Soup with your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Serving Chicken Enchilada Soup can elevate your meal experience. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, you have plenty of options to enhance this dish.

Toppings

Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the soup’s flavor and adds healthy fats.
Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick.

Accompaniments

Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs well with the soup’s richness.
Rice: Serve alongside rice to make the meal more filling.
Salad: A light salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the soup.

How to Perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup

Perfecting your Chicken Enchilada Soup is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these simple guidelines for an even better dish.

Bold seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust spices according to your taste; more chili powder can spice things up!
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition; opt for fresh jalapeños instead of canned when possible.
Shred chicken properly: Shredding your chicken while it’s still warm ensures it mixes well into the soup and absorbs all flavors.
Adjust the consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Enchilada Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup perfectly.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole enhances flavors and adds richness.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Charred corn with cheese, chili, and lime offers a delicious contrast.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a crunchy companion.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime brings added texture.
Cheesy Quesadillas: Melty quesadillas filled with cheese make for a satisfying side that kids will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Enchilada Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can impact the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning mix: Failing to combine the spices beforehand might lead to uneven flavors. Always mix your seasonings in a small bowl before adding them to the soup.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too fast can make it tough and dry. Gently boil the chicken for 15-20 minutes to ensure it remains tender.
Not using enough broth: Using insufficient broth can result in a thick soup that lacks depth. Ensure you use 4 cups of chicken broth for a perfectly balanced consistency.
Neglecting cream cheese softening: Adding cold cream cheese directly can create lumps. Always allow it to soften at room temperature before mixing it into the soup.
Ignoring taste testing: Skipping this step may leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings to achieve your desired flavor before serving.
Using canned ingredients without rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans and corn can add extra sodium. Be sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to your soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
The soup will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Chicken Enchilada Soup

Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Enchilada Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Enchilada Soup:

Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup in a Crock Pot?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in a Crock Pot by combining all ingredients except dairy products and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. Add cream cheese and cheeses shortly before serving.

What types of chicken work best?

You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or even leftover cooked chicken. Just adjust cooking times if using pre-cooked chicken.

How can I customize my Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also top with fresh cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges for added flavor.

Is Chicken Enchilada Soup healthy?

This recipe is packed with protein from chicken and fiber from black beans and corn, making it a nutritious option for any meal.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack or Colby for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings!