The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy chicken enchilada soup converts classic Mexican-inspired ingredients into a soul-warming culinary experience.

Hearty and robust, this soup captures the essence of traditional enchilada flavors in a single, delightful bowl.

Melted cheese mingles with tender shredded chicken, creating a luxurious base that whispers comfort and excitement.

Subtle spices dance through the broth, awakening your taste buds with complex, layered sensations.

Rich and velvety, the soup offers a delectable alternative to standard chicken soup preparations.

Its unexpected combination of textures and flavors promises a memorable meal that defies ordinary expectations.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing, stress-free dinner solution.

How to Make Rich and Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft and translucent for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

Stir in enchilada sauce and cream cheese, using a wooden spoon to break down the cheese until it melts completely.

Step 4: Add Hearty Ingredients

• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Frozen corn

Stir thoroughly to mix all components.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken and Broth

• Chopped chicken breast
• Chicken broth

Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep the soup hot but avoid boiling to prevent curdling. If the soup seems too thick, add more broth to reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Green onions
• Mozzarella cheese

Serve warm and enjoy the delicious soup!

Tips for Perfecting the Flavor in Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Select Tender Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into uniform, small pieces for even cooking and quick melting into the soup.
• Control Cheese Melting: Break cream cheese into small chunks and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, creamy texture throughout the soup.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust heat by selecting mild or spicy enchilada sauce, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Thicken Strategically: If soup seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered to naturally reduce liquid or mix in a small amount of cornstarch slurry for instant thickening.
• Enhance Toppings: Experiment with garnishes like crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado to add texture and complement the soup's rich flavors.

How to Keep Your Chicken Enchilada Soup Fresh

• Store your leftover Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Carefully transfer the soup to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring it cools completely before refrigerating to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore the original consistency if the soup has thickened during storage. Microwave is another quick option – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.
• Avoid freezing this soup, as the cream cheese and dairy ingredients can separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed. Fresh is always best with this delightful enchilada soup!

Best Pairings for Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Crunch with Tortilla Chips: Scoop up this hearty soup with crispy, salted tortilla chips for a delightful texture contrast and extra flavor punch.
• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Complement the soup's rich, cheesy profile with a tangy margarita that cuts through the creaminess and adds a refreshing citrus note.
• Side with Cilantro-Lime Rice: Serve alongside a light, fluffy rice dish seasoned with fresh cilantro and lime to balance the soup's robust Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Cool Down with Mexican Beer: Enjoy a cold, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate and enhance the soup's spicy undertones.

Variations to Spice Up Your Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Spicy Southwest Soup: Replace enchilada sauce with chipotle salsa and add jalapeños for extra heat. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch.
• Vegetarian Enchilada Bowl: Swap chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and add quinoa for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Green Chile Chicken Edition: Use green enchilada sauce and add diced green chiles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty flavor profile.
• Creamy Tex-Mex Version: Increase cream cheese amount and stir in sour cream. Top with crispy bacon bits and additional shredded cheddar cheese for richness.

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Creamy, Hearty Dish

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup brings together rich, creamy textures with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that warm you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a satisfying meal.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just one pot and minimal prep time, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families and home cooks.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: Loaded with chicken breast, beans, and cheese, the soup delivers a substantial 26 grams of protein per serving, helping you feel full and energized while enjoying a delectable meal.
• Customize Your Bowl: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips, this soup lets you personalize each serving to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients You Need for Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides hearty texture and fills the soup with delicious flavor.
• Black Beans: Adds plant-based protein and creamy texture to the soup.
• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the soup.
• Frozen Corn: Provides sweet bursts of flavor and additional texture.
• Enchilada Sauce: Delivers bold, spicy Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the soups liquid base and enhances overall savory taste.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and smooth consistency.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp garnish with mild onion flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers melty, stretchy topping with mild cheese taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup brings Mexican comfort straight to your kitchen with rich, spicy flavors and hearty ingredients. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and zesty seasonings blend into a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings, inviting you to savor each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (from a roast chicken)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, drained

Liquids and Dairy:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 10 ounces (280 grams) enchilada sauce (1 can)
• 14 ounces (400 grams) diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Introduce finely diced onions and vibrant bell peppers, sautéing until they become tender and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Pour in rich enchilada sauce and add cream cheese, gently breaking down the cheese with a sturdy wooden spoon until it melts completely and integrates smoothly.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet frozen corn, stirring the mixture to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
5. Fold in tender, bite-sized chicken breast pieces and pour in chicken broth, allowing the soup to simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and maintain consistent temperature.
6. Adjust liquid consistency by adding more broth if the soup appears too dense, ensuring a perfect, velvety texture.
7. Remove the pot from heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and create an irresistible, creamy finish.

Notes

• Simmering this soup creates a comforting meal packed with robust Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy enchilada sauce depending on your preference.
• Frozen corn and canned black beans simplify preparation and add nutritious texture to the soup.
• Cream cheese provides silky richness while helping thicken the soup’s consistency naturally.
• Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick protein substitute for fresh chicken breast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 80mg