Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Looking for a delicious and satisfying soup that’s bursting with flavor? This Chicken Enchilada Soup is a perfect choice. It combines all the rich, zesty flavors of enchiladas into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want a comforting dinner, this soup is quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Packed with tender chicken, bold spices, and topped with your favorite Tex-Mex garnishes, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this delightful dish, with tips and variations to suit any palate.

this Recipes

What is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a Mexican-inspired dish that brings together the flavors of chicken enchiladas in a rich and hearty soup. It typically features shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and a medley of spices, all simmered together to create a thick, creamy, and satisfying meal. This soup is often garnished with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips, making it a complete and comforting meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something warm and spicy.

Ingredients List for Chicken Enchilada Soup

To make a delicious pot of Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans: Drained and rinsed.
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels: Drained.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: With green chilies for extra flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced: For a flavorful base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth to the soup.
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Red or green, depending on your preference.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Low sodium is preferable.
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half: For a creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: For that warm, earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds heat and richness.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: For a smoky undertone.
• ½ teaspoon oregano: A classic herb in Mexican cooking.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped: For garnish.
• Sour cream, diced avocado, and tortilla chips: Optional toppings for serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken Enchilada Soup is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with extra beans, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Different Protein: Swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp for a different take on the soup.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a milder or spicier enchilada sauce, adding more or less chili powder, or including a diced jalapeño.
• Beans: Feel free to substitute black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even white beans.
• Cheese: Try different cheeses like pepper jack, queso fresco, or even a sprinkle of cotija for a unique flavor twist.
• Toppings: Customize your toppings with options like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make a perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the chicken if you haven’t done so already.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become aromatic.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients: Pour in the enchilada sauce, chicken broth, milk, and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture in the soup.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to thicken it.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips.

How to Cook Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Chicken Enchilada Soup is straightforward, but following these detailed steps will ensure a perfect result:

1. Sauté for Flavor: Sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil first builds a flavorful base for your soup. This step helps to bring out the sweetness of the onions and the savory depth of the garlic.
2. Bloom the Spices: Adding the spices to the hot oil before the liquids allows them to release their essential oils and deepen the flavor of the soup.
3. Mix in the Enchilada Sauce and Broth: These are key components that provide the signature enchilada flavor and richness. The milk or half-and-half adds creaminess to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enchilada sauce.
4. Incorporate the Chicken, Beans, and Corn: These ingredients add heartiness to the soup. Using pre-cooked, shredded chicken speeds up the cooking process, making this soup a great option for busy nights.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Letting the soup simmer ensures that all the flavors meld together. This also thickens the soup slightly and allows the chicken to absorb more of the sauce's flavors.
6. Finish with Cheese: Stirring in the cheese at the end not only adds creaminess but also helps to thicken the soup. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Enchilada Soup:

• Using Low-Quality Enchilada Sauce: The enchilada sauce is the backbone of this soup, so make sure to use a high-quality one or consider making your own.
• Overcooking the Chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, avoid simmering it for too long, as it can become dry and tough. Just heat it through.
• Skipping the Cheese: The cheese adds creaminess and a rich flavor to the soup. Don’t skip it unless you’re making a dairy-free version.
• Forgetting the Toppings: The toppings like sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips add texture and additional flavors to the soup. Don’t miss out on these!
• Adding the Dairy Too Early: If you add the milk or cheese too early, it can curdle or separate. Always add dairy at the end of cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Enchilada Soup is as beautiful as it is delicious. Here are some tips to present it in an appealing way:

• Serve Hot: This soup is best served piping hot to fully enjoy its rich flavors.
• Use Colorful Bowls: Serving the soup in colorful bowls can enhance its visual appeal. The bright colors of the soup ingredients stand out nicely against a contrasting bowl.
• Garnish Generously: Top each bowl with plenty of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips. These garnishes add flavor, texture, and color.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Here are some ways to serve Chicken Enchilada Soup that can elevate your dining experience:

• With Tortilla Chips: Serve the soup with a side of tortilla chips or crushed chips on top for a satisfying crunch.
• Paired with a Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a scoop of rice.
• With Fresh Avocado: Add sliced avocado or guacamole on the side for a cool, creamy contrast.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Presentation is key to making a meal feel special. Here are some ideas for presenting Chicken Enchilada Soup:

• Layered Toppings: Layer the garnishes like shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado slices on top of the soup to create a visually appealing presentation.
• Serve in Rustic Bowls: Using rustic, earthy bowls can give the soup a homely, comforting vibe.
• Add a Lime Wedge: A lime wedge on the side adds a pop of color and allows guests to add a splash of citrus if they prefer.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Chicken Enchilada Soup is perfect every time:

• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Make it ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve.
• Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, use a mild enchilada sauce and omit the chili powder. For more heat, add extra chili powder or a diced jalapeño.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and herbs make a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
• Freeze for Later: Chicken Enchilada Soup freezes well. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later on. Just reheat and add fresh toppings when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Simply add all the ingredients (except the cheese and garnishes) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Enchilada Soup?
A: Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) or a handful of crushed tortilla chips to the soup while it’s simmering.

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can omit the cheese and use a non-dairy milk substitute like coconut milk or almond milk to make the soup dairy-free. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the flavor.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Enchilada Soup?
A: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through.

Q: Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
A: Yes, homemade enchilada sauce can add an extra depth of flavor to the soup. If you have time, making your own sauce is a great option.

Conclusion

This Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe is the perfect blend of hearty, comforting, and spicy flavors. It’s an ideal dish for any night of the week, whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to warm you up on a cold day. The rich broth, tender chicken, and bold spices create a soup that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. With plenty of options for customization, you can make this soup exactly how you like it. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup. Happy cooking!

Print