Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

If you love the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, then you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe! It’s a hearty, satisfying soup that combines the rich, tangy taste of enchiladas with tender chicken and a creamy, spicy broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving a crowd, this soup is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and everything you need to know to make the best Chicken Enchilada Soup at home.

What Is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a robust, flavor-packed dish that takes inspiration from traditional enchiladas but transforms them into a cozy, warming soup. This soup typically features shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and a blend of spices, all simmered together to create a rich and creamy broth. The result is a comforting bowl of soup with the zesty, savory taste of enchiladas, perfect for any occasion. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences, whether you like it extra spicy, creamy, or loaded with toppings.

Ingredients List for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients needed for this delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creamier soup)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
• Tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with ground chicken or turkey. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Beans: Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans, or omit them if you prefer a bean-free soup.
• Corn: Fresh, frozen, or even fire-roasted corn can be used instead of canned corn for a different texture and taste.
• Enchilada Sauce: Choose between red or green enchilada sauce depending on your flavor preference. You can also use homemade enchilada sauce for a fresher taste.
• Creamy Soup: For an even creamier soup, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Alternatively, for a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder or use mild enchilada sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the beans and corn and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower to make it low-carb.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making this mouthwatering Chicken Enchilada Soup step by step:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil 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 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
3. Season the Soup: Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the soup.
5. Make It Creamy: If you want a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
6. Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

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

For those who want a more detailed guide to ensure perfect results every time, here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

1. Building the Flavor Base: Start by sautéing the onions in olive oil until they become translucent. This step is crucial for creating a flavorful base for your soup. Adding the garlic towards the end ensures it doesn’t burn and retains its aromatic qualities.
2. Incorporating the Chicken: Adding the chicken breasts or thighs whole allows them to cook evenly in the broth. The enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, and corn create a rich, hearty mixture that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor as it cooks.
3. Seasoning: The blend of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika gives the soup its signature enchilada flavor. Smoked paprika, in particular, adds a depth of flavor that complements the enchilada sauce beautifully. Adjust these spices according to your taste preferences.
4. Simmering: Bringing the soup to a boil and then reducing it to a simmer allows all the flavors to meld together while ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly. Simmering for 20-25 minutes should be sufficient, but always check that the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
5. Shredding the Chicken: Shredding the chicken and returning it to the pot ensures that every bite of soup is filled with tender, flavorful meat. If you prefer, you can dice the chicken instead of shredding it.
6. Adding Creaminess: Stirring in cream or half-and-half at the end adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup. The shredded cheddar cheese not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a delightful cheesy flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Enchilada Soup turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Check the chicken’s doneness after 20-25 minutes and shred it as soon as it’s tender.
• Overly Thick Soup: If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
• Curdling the Cream: If you’re adding cream, do so off the heat or at a very low simmer to prevent it from curdling. Stir the soup constantly as you add the cream to ensure it incorporates smoothly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautifully presented bowl of Chicken Enchilada Soup can make the meal even more enjoyable. Here’s how to serve it with style:

• Garnish Generously: Top the soup with colorful garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Tortilla strips add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
• Serve with Sides: Consider serving the soup with a side of warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
• Layered Presentation: Start with a base of shredded cheese in the bowl before adding the soup, allowing it to melt slightly before serving. This adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness to each bite.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken Enchilada Soup can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

• Casual Family Dinner: Serve the soup in large bowls with all the toppings set out on the table, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl.
• Entertaining Guests: For a more formal setting, serve the soup in smaller portions as a first course, garnished with fresh herbs and a few tortilla strips.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Enchilada Soup

When it comes to presenting your Chicken Enchilada Soup, creativity can make a big difference:

• Tortilla Bowl: Serve the soup in an edible tortilla bowl for a fun and tasty presentation. Simply bake large tortillas over an inverted bowl to create a crispy, edible container.
• Layered Garnishes: Add garnishes in layers, starting with cheese at the bottom, followed by the soup, and then topped with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. This not only looks appealing but also ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time and reheating it before serving. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Adjusting the Spice: If you’re serving a crowd with varying spice preferences, keep the soup mild and offer hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their liking.
• Quick Version: For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm it through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add cream and cheese towards the end.
2. Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely. Leftover chicken works great in this recipe. Simply shred it and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm it through.
3. How can I make this soup thicker? To thicken the soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or simply simmer it uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Is this soup freezer-friendly? Yes, Chicken Enchilada Soup freezes well. Just leave out the cream and cheese before freezing and add them when reheating.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free? Yes, you can omit the cream and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.

Conclusion

This Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or at a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a steaming bowl of delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup tonight!

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