Chicken Enchilada Soup is a twist on traditional enchiladas, made as a soup rather than a baked dish. It features tender chicken, black beans, green chilies, tomatoes, and a rich red enchilada sauce. This flavorful soup is seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, offering a perfect balance of savory and spicy. The ingredients simmer together, creating a rich, flavorful broth that’s both satisfying and filling.
The preparation of Chicken Enchilada Soup takes about 10 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick dish that delivers a great meal in less than 40 minutes. This makes it ideal for busy nights when you want something comforting but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Preparing Chicken Enchilada Soup is a breeze, and the result is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of bold flavors from the enchilada sauce and the warmth of the spices gives the soup a rich taste. It’s a dish that can be customized by adding more toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro, which enhances the flavor and texture. Whether served for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is a hit. It’s one of those recipes that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Flavorful & Comforting: Chicken Enchilada Soup has a perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy texture. It’s a satisfying meal that warms you up and feels comforting on chilly days.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is quick and simple. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable & Healthy: You can adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or make it gluten-free. Chicken Enchilada Soup is a nutritious, customizable dish that suits various dietary needs and tastes.
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are the main protein in this soup. They’re lean, cook quickly, and can be shredded easily for a perfect texture.
- Onion: A chopped onion adds flavor and a slight sweetness. It complements the spicy and savory elements in the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the soup’s flavor profile, bringing a savory, aromatic essence that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: This sauce gives the soup its base and spicy depth. It adds color and flavor with just the right amount of heat.
- Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes balance the soup with a bit of juiciness and freshness, enhancing the overall taste.
- Black Beans: Black beans provide texture, a mild flavor, and an extra source of protein. They also make the soup more filling.
- Green Chilies: These small, green peppers bring heat and a subtle tang to the soup. They complement the red enchilada sauce nicely.
- Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: The broth is the soup’s liquid base. Chicken broth offers a richer flavor, while vegetable broth is a great option for vegetarians.
- Ground Cumin: Cumin adds an earthy, warm flavor with a slight citrusy touch, helping to elevate the overall taste of the soup.
- Chili Powder: Chili powder contributes both heat and depth of flavor, enhancing the spiciness of the soup without being too overpowering.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the other spices and deepens the soup’s richness.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for balancing all the flavors in the soup, ensuring it’s not too bland or too salty.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The cheese melts into the soup, adding a creamy texture and a bit of sharp flavor that enhances each bite.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top provides a cool, creamy contrast to the spiciness, adding a rich, tangy element.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the soup with its bright, herbal flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing lime juice over the soup before eating adds a burst of acidity and brightness, enhancing the overall flavor.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delicious and versatile dish. Start with a basic recipe, but feel free to adjust the ingredients. You can add extra spices or use a different protein, like turkey, for a unique twist. Customize it to your taste and enjoy experimenting with flavors.
For a creamy texture, include sour cream or cream cheese. These ingredients help make the soup rich and smooth. Consider adding a handful of shredded cheese before serving for extra flavor. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime to brighten the dish and balance the heat.
Don’t forget to use fresh ingredients! Fresh chicken, tomatoes, and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your Chicken Enchilada Soup. Opt for homemade broth if possible to add depth and authenticity to the soup. Freshness makes all the difference in creating a standout dish.
Chicken Enchilada Soup Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a bit of hot sauce to kick up the heat. You can also experiment with spicier enchilada sauces for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with black beans, corn, and extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Slow Cooker Version: To make this recipe even easier, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Taco Soup Version: If you prefer a taco-like flavor, you can add taco seasoning to the soup and top it with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a taco-inspired meal.
How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup
Chicken Enchilada Soup can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- With Toppings: Add shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro on top of the soup for extra flavor and texture.
- With Tortilla Chips: Serve the soup with a side of crunchy tortilla chips. They can be dipped into the soup or sprinkled on top for some extra crunch.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the soup. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works well.
- With a Warm Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage Options
Chicken Enchilada Soup stores well for later use. Here’s how you can store it:
- Refrigeration: Let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, chicken enchilada soup freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot. If the soup is too thick after being stored, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs About Chicken Enchilada Soup
How do you make Chicken Enchilada Soup?
To make Chicken Enchilada Soup, sauté onions, garlic, and peppers, then add chicken, broth, and enchilada sauce. Let it simmer until everything is tender, then serve with toppings like cheese and cilantro.
Can Chicken Enchilada Soup be made in advance?
Yes, you can make Chicken Enchilada Soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Is Chicken Enchilada Soup spicy?
The spice level of Chicken Enchilada Soup depends on the type of enchilada sauce used. You can adjust the spice by choosing mild or hot sauce based on your preference.
Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Chicken Enchilada Soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a delicious, easy meal.
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the aromatics: In your large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the chicken: If you're using cooked chicken, shred it now and add it to the pot. If you're cooking from scratch, add the raw chicken breasts and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked. Then, shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
- Incorporate the liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken broth, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together. The soup will thicken as it cooks.
- Add beans and adjust seasoning: Add the black beans to the pot and stir. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
