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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all components. Mix predetermined spice blend. Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature. Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses manually.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce thermal intensity to minimal setting. Incorporate softened cream cheese, stirring until seamlessly integrated. Gradually fold shredded cheese varieties, allowing complete melting.
- 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