Easy & Sizzling Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe for Fiesta Nights

Warm, comforting chicken enchilada soup promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll transport you straight to the heart of Mexican cuisine.

Aromas of simmering spices and tender chicken will instantly fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Layers of rich, vibrant flavors blend seamlessly in this hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Creamy broth mingles with chunks of succulent chicken, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly, making this recipe both accessible and incredibly satisfying.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Key Tips for Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker, time-saving option.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and customize the soup's flavor profile.
• Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and texture variety.
• Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch and freshness.

Exciting Spins on Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Slow Cooker Variation: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, perfect for hands-off meal preparation.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, add extra beans or plant-based protein like tofu for a hearty meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and top with fresh cilantro and hot sauce for extra heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip corn and beans, use cauliflower rice instead, and increase protein content with additional shredded chicken.

Recommended Side Dishes for Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Fiesta Bowl Feast: Ladle the soup into deep bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a colorful, restaurant-style presentation.
• Loaded Mexican Comfort: Garnish with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice to add creamy, tangy layers that complement the rich soup base.
• Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside warm, buttered cornbread or crispy quesadilla wedges to soak up the delicious soup and create a satisfying, complete meal.
• Hearty Meal Prep Champion: Pack in individual containers for easy lunch options, keeping toppings separate to maintain their crunch and freshness throughout the week.

How to Keep Chicken Enchilada Soup Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze soup for maximum 3 months, labeling containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup without chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, black beans, or additional vegetables to make a vegetarian version.

• Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the enchilada sauce and chili powder you use. For milder soup, choose a mild sauce or reduce the chili powder amount.

• How can I thicken the soup?

To thicken the soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) or use more cream.

• Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Why Chicken Enchilada Soup Is Delicious

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming soup packed with robust flavors that hugs your taste buds and fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic kitchen skills and minimal preparation steps.
• Customize Your Bowl: Adaptable soup allows endless topping options like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips to match personal preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: One-pot meal that comes together rapidly, making it ideal for busy families seeking delicious dinner solutions without complicated cooking processes.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Ingredients Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that provides the main substance of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base that adds depth of flavor and moisture to the soup.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that create a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes: Hearty vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and southwestern character.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika: Warm spices that deliver authentic southwestern flavor and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and develop initial flavors.
• Enchilada Sauce: Tangy sauce that provides a signature mexican-inspired taste profile.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that adds richness and creates a creamier soup texture.

Directions to Prepare Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sizzle And Soften Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, letting them dance and become tender and translucent.

Step 2: Awaken Spicy Flavors

Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Stir and let the spices toast for about a minute, releasing their intoxicating aroma.

Step 3: Build The Soup Foundation

• Chicken breasts
• Chicken broth
• Enchilada sauce
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Shred And Transform

Pull out the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them into delicious, tender pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touch

If you’re craving extra richness, stir in heavy cream.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld all the flavors.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips.

Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken enchilada soup delivers Mexican comfort in a bowl, blending robust spices and tender chicken. Creamy broth and zesty ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Main Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Spices and Liquids:

• 4 cups (950 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can enchilada sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla strips

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic.
2. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, and paprika into the pot, toasting the spices for approximately 60 seconds to enhance their robust flavors.
3. Introduce whole chicken breasts, chicken broth, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes into the simmering liquid.
4. Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
5. Carefully extract chicken breasts from the soup, using two forks to meticulously shred the meat into tender strands.
6. Reintegrate shredded chicken into the pot, ensuring even distribution throughout the soup.
7. Optional: Incorporate heavy cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Allow soup to gently simmer for an additional 5 minutes, concentrating flavors and reaching an ideal serving temperature.
9. Ladle into warm bowls and embellish with preferred garnishes like cilantro, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and deeper flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and customize seasoning intensity.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Easily make this soup gluten-free by ensuring enchilada sauce and chicken broth are certified gluten-free brands.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg