Chicken enchilada soup is a warm, comforting dish packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness. If you love the taste of classic chicken enchiladas but want something quicker and cozier, this soup is perfect. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of spices that bring that signature enchilada flavor to your bowl. Plus, it’s easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic rundown of what goes into a tasty chicken enchilada soup:
– Seasonings: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
– Vegetables: diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño (optional for heat), canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn.
– Liquids: chicken broth and red enchilada sauce.
– Chicken: boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
– Cheese: cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese.
– Fats: butter and olive oil.
These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful soup with a perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Seasonings and Vegetables
Combine your chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. This spice blend will give your soup that authentic enchilada flavor.
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and jalapeño, cooking until softened, about 4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Chicken and Liquids
Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot along with the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the chicken cook slowly in the broth for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Avoid a rapid boil to keep the chicken juicy.
3. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot and stir to combine.
4. Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Lower the heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. Then add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. This step gives the soup its creamy, cheesy texture that makes it so comforting.
5. Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Taste your soup and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like tortilla strips, sliced avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or extra cheese.
Tips for the Best Chicken Enchilada Soup
– Softening cream cheese: Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before adding, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften quickly.
– Spice level: Adjust jalapeño and cayenne pepper amounts to control the heat. For a milder version, remove the seeds from jalapeños or skip cayenne.
– Using cooked chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, add it at the end just to warm through instead of cooking raw chicken in the soup.
– Thickening the soup: Some recipes use a bit of corn flour mixed with soup liquid to thicken the broth for a creamier consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Chicken enchilada soup is a fantastic meal for chilly days or when you want something hearty but easy. It’s a one-pot recipe that doesn’t require complicated steps but delivers big on flavor. The combination of spices, tender chicken, beans, corn, and creamy cheese creates a satisfying bowl that feels like a warm hug.
Plus, it’s versatile! You can make it on the stove or in a slow cooker, and customize toppings to your liking. Whether you want it spicy, mild, or loaded with extras like avocado and sour cream, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy making this delicious chicken enchilada soup that brings all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish into a cozy, comforting bowl.
Ready to warm up your kitchen? Grab your ingredients and start cooking this tasty chicken enchilada soup today!
Chicken enchilada soup is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, bold spices, and creamy cheese for a comforting meal anyone can make at home.