Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup is a Tex-Mex-inspired soup that combines shredded chicken with green enchilada sauce, vegetables, and spices. The soup has a creamy texture, thanks to the addition of heavy cream, and a slight kick from the green chilies and spices. Often served with tortilla chips or strips, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish enjoyed by many for its warmth and rich flavors.
This soup takes about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy meal option. The steps include sautéing onions and garlic, simmering the soup, and adding the final creamy touches. The total time ensures the ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying, flavorful soup that’s ready to serve in under an hour.
The combination of ingredients in Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup always seems to impress. The green enchilada sauce adds a burst of flavor, while the creamy broth provides a rich, velvety texture. The mix of black beans and corn gives a delightful contrast, and the crunchy tortilla strips on top make for the perfect finishing touch. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a weeknight dinner, this soup never fails to deliver on taste and satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love It Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup
- Delicious Flavor: Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup offers a vibrant, tangy flavor with a touch of spice. The combination of green enchilada sauce and tender chicken creates a satisfying, hearty dish you’ll crave every time.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is simple to make and perfect for busy days. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal prep time, giving you a delicious dish with little effort.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean chicken and wholesome vegetables, this soup provides a healthy, satisfying meal. It’s a great choice when you want comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.
Ingredient Notes for Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup
- Cooked Chicken: The base of this soup. Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts. It adds protein and flavor to the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables like onions and garlic. Olive oil helps in creating a rich, savory flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Yellow or white onions work best for a balanced taste.
- Garlic: Gives the soup a fragrant, savory kick. Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
- Green Enchilada Sauce: The key ingredient for the soup’s green, tangy flavor. It’s made from green chilies, tomatillos, and spices.
- Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add texture and juiciness to the soup. They balance the tanginess of the enchilada sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup. It helps to blend all the flavors together while keeping it light and comforting.
- Green Chilies: A must for a bit of heat. Canned green chilies or fresh ones add a mild kick to the soup.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the soup, making it a bit smoky and spicy.
- Chili Powder: Brings extra spice and a deeper flavor profile to the soup.
- Oregano: Provides a touch of herbal freshness to balance the other flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the soup. Use to taste for the right balance of flavors.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the soup. It creates a rich, velvety texture and helps mellow the spices.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet corn kernels add texture and a slight sweetness, balancing the spiciness.
- Black Beans: Rich in protein and fiber. Black beans give the soup heartiness and depth.
- Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips: These add crunch and a hint of corn flavor. Sprinkle on top for texture contrast.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds brightness and freshness, making the soup more vibrant.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime juice on top for a zesty kick that brightens up the flavors.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When making Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup, use fresh ingredients to enhance flavor. Fresh cilantro, green chilies, and lime juice bring out a vibrant, authentic taste. Don’t forget to season the chicken well before cooking to ensure it absorbs the full flavor of the soup base.
To make your Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup extra creamy, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream. These ingredients will add richness without overwhelming the delicate balance of the green enchilada sauce. Adjust the consistency with broth to your preference.
For a spicier twist, throw in some extra jalapeños or green chili sauce. Adjust the heat level according to your taste. Adding a little cayenne pepper can also bring a warm kick to your Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup, making it more flavorful without being too hot.
Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Variation
There are many ways to mix up the Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Add Vegetables: Include diced zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots to add more flavor and texture.
- Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño or use hot green enchilada sauce.
- Use Different Meats: While chicken is classic, you could swap it out for turkey, beef, or even pork for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Creamy: Add a half cup of heavy cream or sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Top it Differently: Instead of cheese and sour cream, try crumbled tortilla chips or avocado slices for a different texture.
How to Serve Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup
Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup can be served in a variety of ways to complement your meal:
- With Tortilla Chips: A side of crispy tortilla chips makes a great pairing with the soup, adding a satisfying crunch.
- Over Rice: You can serve the soup over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. This is great for people who want something a little more filling.
- As a Starter: This soup can be served as an appetizer to a larger meal. Pair it with tacos or a fresh salad for a balanced dinner.
- With a Side of Bread: A warm, crusty bread or a soft roll is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, you can store your Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup easily. Here’s how:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stove.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of chicken broth to thin it out.
FAQs About Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup
 Can I make Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
Is Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup spicy?
The spice level of this soup depends on the type of green enchilada sauce used. You can control the heat by adjusting the sauce or adding mild peppers.
Can I use other meats in Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for other meats like beef or turkey. However, chicken is most common due to its mild flavor and tender texture.
What can I serve with Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup?
Serve the soup with crispy tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. It also pairs well with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad.
Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Allow the spices to toast in the pan for a minute to release their flavor.
- Incorporate the Liquids: Pour in the green enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), and chicken broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Cream and Veggies: Stir in the heavy cream, corn, black beans, and green chilies. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Add more chili powder or cumin if you like extra heat or depth.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
