Chicken Enchilada Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This hearty Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese, topped with your favorite garnishes. Perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings, this soup is easy to make and incredibly satisfying, bringing all the flavors of traditional enchiladas to a warm and delightful bowl.
This hearty Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese, topped with your favorite garnishes.
Why You'll Love It
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with flavor
- Comforting and filling
- Great for meal prep
- Easily customizable
A Bowl of Comfort
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it's packed with the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish. This Chicken Enchilada Soup brings together tender shredded chicken, zesty spices, and a rich enchilada sauce that warms you up from the inside out. The creamy topping of cheese adds a delightful richness that makes every spoonful a true pleasure. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for the weekend, this soup fits the bill perfectly.
For those chilly nights when you crave something cozy, this soup is a must-try. Each bite features a harmonious blend of ingredients that lift your spirits and satisfy your hunger. The combination of chicken, beans, and vegetables creates a hearty base, while the spices add just the right amount of kick. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy lifestyles.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this Chicken Enchilada Soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Swap out black beans for pinto beans, use fresh corn instead of canned, or add in some chopped bell peppers for an extra crunch. This soup can adapt to your tastes, whether you prefer it spicier or milder, making it a family favorite—even among picky eaters.
Moreover, this dish is excellent for meal prep. You can make a large batch, store it in the refrigerator, and enjoy it throughout the week. When stored properly, it keeps well for several days and even freezes nicely, allowing you to enjoy a quick, homemade meal on busy days. Just reheat and serve with fresh toppings for a delightful experience.
Perfect Pairings
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Sour cream and chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Base
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Garnish
Serve hot in bowls, topping each serving with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and cilantro as desired.
Cooking Tips
To make this Chicken Enchilada Soup even more flavorful, consider sautéing some onions and garlic in the pot before adding the broth and other ingredients. This simple step can deepen the flavors and add an aromatic base to your soup. Additionally, using homemade chicken broth can elevate the dish substantially, so if you have time, it’s worth the effort.
If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. It saves you the hassle of cooking and shredding the chicken yourself, helping you throw this delicious meal together in no time. Just make sure to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it mixes well with the soup.
Variations to Try
For a vegetarian version of this Chicken Enchilada Soup, simply replace the chicken with additional beans or cooked quinoa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still enjoy all the bold flavors of the original recipe while catering to plant-based diets. Consider adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance nutritional value.
Another fun variation is to turn this soup into a slow-cooked version. Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it simmer for several hours. This way, the flavors meld beautifully over time, and you’ll come home to a warm, inviting dish that’s ready to serve.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option for saving time.
→ Is this soup freezable?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
Chicken Enchilada Soup
This hearty Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting blend of tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese, topped with your favorite garnishes. Perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings, this soup is easy to make and incredibly satisfying, bringing all the flavors of traditional enchiladas to a warm and delightful bowl.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Sour cream and chopped cilantro for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve hot in bowls, topping each serving with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and cilantro as desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g