Cozy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe: A Hearty Fiesta in a Bowl

Comfort and warmth swirl together in this hearty chicken enchilada soup that brings Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your kitchen.

Creamy textures and bold spices dance across each spoonful of the soup, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Rich broth mingles with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, promising a satisfying meal in minutes.

Weeknight dinners or casual gatherings will never be the same once you master this simple yet impressive recipe.

Aromatic chili and cumin notes infuse every bite with authentic southwestern charm.

The combination of ingredients creates a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exciting.

Grab your favorite soup pot and prepare to savor a bowl of pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken enchilada soup different from other soup recipes?

This soup combines multiple cheese types like cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack, creating a rich and creamy texture that sets it apart from traditional chicken soups.

• Can I make this soup spicier or milder?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeños. For a milder version, remove the jalapeño seeds, or for more heat, add extra peppers or include some hot sauce.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and become more robust after a day or two, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

Chicken Enchilada Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

• Whip up a deliciously hearty soup that adapts to your taste preferences with easy ingredient swaps and personalization options.
• Enjoy a filling chicken-based soup loaded with nutrients, perfect for satisfying hunger and providing wholesome nutrition in one pot.
• Create a crowd-favorite dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with a creamy texture and bold flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup and cooking stress by preparing this soup in a single pot, making it an ideal weeknight meal solution for busy households.

What Goes Into Hearty Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that provides the main flavor and substance of the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, flavorful cheese that adds depth and richness to the soup.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts smoothly and complements the other cheeses.
• Cream Cheese: A soft cheese that creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the soup.

• Onions, Jalapenos: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful base and add a subtle kick to the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Fats that help sauté the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

Gear Needed for Enchilada Soup Night

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients.
• Two Forks: Perfect for shredding cooked chicken quickly and easily.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, jalapenos, and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise vegetable preparation and chicken handling.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Ideal for shredding cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from a block.

Cooking Chicken Enchilada Soup: Directions

Step 1: Gather Flavorful Components

Collect all your ingredients for a mouthwatering chicken enchilada soup adventure.

Prep your seasonings by mixing them together.

Let the cream cheese sit out to soften.

Grab a block of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then shred them with love.

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Seasonings

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm up a large soup pot with a swirl of butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and zesty jalapeños, letting them dance and soften for about 4 minutes.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, releasing its incredible aroma.

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onions
• Jalapeños
• Garlic

Step 3: Introduce Tender Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Gently place the chicken into the pot alongside the remaining ingredients.

Keep the cream cheese and shredded cheese on standby.

• Chicken
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Slow Cook And Shred

Bring the soup to a gentle bubbling boil, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly for 15-20 minutes.

Carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to pull it apart into delicious shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Magic

Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s beautifully combined.

Sprinkle in the shredded cheeses and watch them melt into a luxurious, velvety mixture.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost And Serve

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings to perfection.

Ladle the hot, cheesy soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that’ll warm your soul.

Chicken Enchilada Soup: Kitchen Tips

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smoother blending and ensure even melting of shredded cheeses into the soup.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference; remove seeds for milder flavor or add extra for more kick.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve better browning and more concentrated flavor during cooking.
• Shred chicken with two forks while still warm for easier pulling and more consistent meat pieces throughout the soup.
• Consider topping with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor complexity.

Soup Flavor Swaps & Additions

• Vegetarian Enchilada Soup: Replace chicken with black beans, lentils, or tofu for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add chipotle peppers, increase jalapeños, and include roasted green chiles for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional ingredients with cauliflower rice, reduce onions, and use a low-carb thickening agent like xanthan gum.

Serving Chicken Enchilada Soup With Style

• Soup-Time Party Platter: Create a festive spread by arranging tortilla chips, fresh cilantro sprigs, and sliced green onions around the soup bowl for guests to customize their experience.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair the soup with warm, buttered cornbread or a side of crispy quesadilla wedges to enhance the hearty Mexican-inspired flavors and add delightful texture.
• Creamy Topping Adventure: Dollop some sour cream, sprinkle extra shredded cheese, or add a splash of hot sauce to give each serving a personalized zesty kick that elevates the soup's richness.
• Weekend Meal Upgrade: Transform this soup into a complete dinner by serving alongside a simple mixed green salad with a light lime vinaigrette for a balanced and satisfying meal.

How to Store Enchilada Soup Safely

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature and continue heating until steaming hot.
• Pour soup into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick, restoring its original creamy consistency.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken enchilada soup combines robust Mexican flavors with comforting soup textures. Spicy, creamy broth with tender chicken and melted cheese delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (or 2 small)
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced with seeds removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz. canned whole kernel corn, drained
• 10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Spices and Liquids:

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 oz. red enchilada sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
• 4 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all components. Mix predetermined spice blend. Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature. Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses manually.
2. Activate soup pot over medium thermal setting. Introduce butter and olive oil. Incorporate diced onions and sliced jalapeños. Sauté for approximately 4 minutes until vegetables soften. Introduce minced garlic and cook for additional 60 seconds.
3. Select chicken pieces and eliminate surface moisture using paper towels. Season protein with salt and pepper. Transfer chicken into vegetable-infused pot. Combine remaining liquid and solid ingredients, excluding cream cheese and shredded cheeses.
4. Elevate liquid temperature until gentle bubbling occurs. Maintain steady simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring chicken cooks thoroughly. Extract protein from liquid environment. Utilize dual forks to deconstruct chicken into delicate strands. Reintegrate shredded protein into soup base.
5. Reduce thermal intensity to minimal setting. Incorporate softened cream cheese, stirring until seamlessly integrated. Gradually fold shredded cheese varieties, allowing complete melting.
6. Conduct flavor assessment. Calibrate seasoning profile as required. Transfer steaming soup into serving vessels. Garnish optionally with fresh herbs or additional cheese.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breasts for a healthier version of this hearty soup, ensuring a lower-fat yet equally delicious meal.
• Use fresh jalapeños for more vibrant heat, but remove seeds if you prefer a milder soup that everyone can enjoy.
• Consider swapping cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lighter alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg