Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed meal perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a rich, hearty dish. With a velvety texture and the bold flavors of enchilada sauce, tender chicken, and creamy cheese, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup comes together in less than an hour.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, or make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in a single pot.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults, this soup is great for gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breast or thighs, shredded
• Red enchilada sauce
• Chicken broth
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Olive oil
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir to combine.
4. Add corn and black beans. Simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
7. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with diced zucchini, bell peppers, or additional beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb: Skip the beans and corn, and serve with cauliflower rice.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup (without the cream cheese and shredded cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat and add the cheeses before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time.

2. How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then stir it into the soup and let it simmer until thickened.

3. Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?

Absolutely! Green enchilada sauce will give the soup a slightly tangier flavor.

4. What are the best toppings for this soup?

Some great options include sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, tortilla strips, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime juice.

5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients except the cream cheese and shredded cheese in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheeses before serving.

6. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your enchilada sauce and chicken broth are gluten-free.

7. Can I make this soup spicier?

For more heat, add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or extra chili powder.

8. Can I add rice to this soup?

Yes, cooked rice can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for extra heartiness.

9. What type of cheese works best in this soup?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are great choices.

10. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Ensure the soup is on low heat when adding the cheese and stir gradually to melt it evenly.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting dish that combines the bold flavors of enchiladas in a warm, satisfying bowl. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for meal prep, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that will warm you from the inside out!

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