Chicken Enchilada Soup

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine in an easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this soup provides comfort and satisfaction in every bowl. You can customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use chicken breasts, thighs, or even leftover chicken; you can adapt it based on what you have at home.
• Flavorful Comfort: Packed with spices and cheeses, this soup delivers a warm and comforting meal that everyone will love.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro to personalize each serving.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Chicken Enchilada Soup requires a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows all ingredients to blend well while cooking without spilling over.
• Cutting board: A good cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients safely.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

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.

Seasonings

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

Soup Base

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

Main Ingredients

• 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)

Creamy Finish

• 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 the seasonings in a bowl and set aside. Take out the cream cheese to allow it to soften. Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from a block as needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and jalapeno peppers. Sauté for about 4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Pat the chicken dry. Season 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: Boil & Shred Chicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the chicken to cook slowly for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot; shred using two forks before returning it back into the soup.

Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness

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

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your soup! Adjust any additional seasonings if needed before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Serving Chicken Enchilada Soup can be a delightful experience, enhancing the flavors and textures of this creamy dish. Here are some serving suggestions that will complement your soup perfectly.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy soup.
• Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado provides a buttery texture and balances the flavors.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens each bite.

Accompaniments

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make for a great side for dipping into the soup.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a classic pairing that complements the savory soup nicely.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the overall flavor with acidity.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese: Extra cheddar or Monterey Jack on top makes it even cheesier!
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch.

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How to Perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup

To achieve the best version of Chicken Enchilada Soup, consider these helpful tips. They can elevate your soup from good to extraordinary!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, vegetables, and spices enhance the overall taste and nutrition.
• Adjust Spiciness: Modify the amount of jalapeno or cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer melds all the flavors beautifully.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Mix different types of cheese for unique flavors; pepper jack adds a spicy kick!
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day after allowing flavors to develop overnight.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Enchilada Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions that work wonderfully together.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the richness of the soup.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and fiber, making your meal heartier.
3. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip brings freshness and richness alongside your spicy soup.
4. Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity that pairs well with enchiladas.
5. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas provide an extra cheesy option that kids love!
6. Salad Verde: A light salad with lime dressing offers crispness and balances out the richness of the soup.
7. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with cheese and spices makes for an irresistible side!

These serving ideas and side dishes will surely elevate your dining experience with Chicken Enchilada Soup!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Enchilada Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Avoiding these will ensure your soup is flavorful and satisfying.

• Using pre-cooked chicken: While convenient, pre-cooked chicken can lose flavor. If you must use it, add it later in the cooking process to keep it tender.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting before serving can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
• Ignoring cheese melting time: Adding cheese too early can result in clumps. Stir in cheese gradually at low heat for a smooth texture.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor broth leads to dull flavors. Opt for a high-quality or homemade broth for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in individual portions or large containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Chicken Enchilada Soup that may help you make this dish even better.

How do I make Chicken Enchilada Soup spicier?

You can increase the spice by adding more jalapeños or including extra cayenne pepper. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is great for this recipe and saves time. Just shred it and add it towards the end of cooking.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. Both will work well in this recipe.

How do I thicken Chicken Enchilada Soup?

To thicken your soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) or let it simmer uncovered until it reduces to your desired thickness.

Is Chicken Enchilada Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you ensure that your enchilada sauce and broth are labeled gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. Enjoy its comforting flavors any night of the week!