Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe: A Tex-Mex Comfort You Need!

Nothing beats a warm bowl of hearty soup, especially when it’s packed with bold, comforting flavors like my Chicken Enchilada Soup. This easy chicken enchilada soup recipe combines the spicy, savory taste of chicken enchiladas with the comforting heartiness of a soup, giving you the best of both worlds. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this dish is a must-try. Plus, it’s a homemade soup recipe that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Ready to give your next meal a flavorful twist? Let’s get started with this delicious enchilada soup recipe!

What is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a rich and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional chicken enchiladas in a cozy, warm bowl. It’s made with shredded chicken, a spicy tomato base, and classic enchilada spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. You can use either red sauce or green sauce, depending on your preference. Some variations, like creamy chicken enchilada soup, include ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream to create a rich texture. The best part? It’s topped with all your favorite enchilada fixings like shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips, just like the popular Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup!

Ingredients List For Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla strips

Substitutions and Variations

This enchilada soup recipe is flexible enough for different preferences. Here are some ideas to customize it:

• Protein Swap: Try using rotisserie chicken for a faster version or swap chicken for grilled beef for a heartier alternative.
• Beans: If black beans aren’t your thing, swap them for pinto or kidney beans.
• Creamy Twist: For a creamy chicken enchilada soup, stir in cream cheese or sour cream to add richness.
• Crockpot Version: For an easy, hands-off meal, make a crockpot chicken enchilada soup by adding all the ingredients to your slow cooker.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove from the pot, shred with two forks, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to bring out the flavors of these essential spices.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Add the enchilada sauce (choose between red sauce or green sauce), diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 5: Add the Shredded Chicken

Once the soup is simmering, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine, and let the soup cook on low heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, like corn tortillas or crispy tortilla strips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long will make it dry. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, add it towards the end of cooking to keep it tender.
• Not Letting the Soup Simmer: Letting the soup simmer for 20 minutes ensures the flavors meld together properly.
• Too Thick or Thin: If your soup turns out too thick, add more broth to thin it out. For a thicker soup, stir in some masa harina or cornstarch slurry.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make even a simple homemade soup recipe feel special. Here’s how to serve your chicken enchilada soup in style:

• Top the soup with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a few slices of avocado for creaminess.
• Serve with a side of corn tortillas or Tex-Mex inspired cornbread for extra flavor.
• Add a bit of freshness with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

This easy chicken enchilada soup is hearty enough to be served on its own, but if you want to pair it with something, try:

• Cornbread or Tortillas: Warm, fluffy cornbread or crispy corn tortillas make a great side.
• Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the soup over rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
• Taco Night: This soup pairs well with grilled tacos or quesadillas for a delicious Tex-Mex dinner spread.

Extra Recipe Tips For Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Crockpot Version: Make this a crockpot chicken enchilada soup by cooking all the ingredients on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Thicker Soup: For a thicker soup, stir in some masa harina or blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the meat and add it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this soup creamy?
For a creamy chicken enchilada soup, stir in some cream cheese or a bit of sour cream at the end.

Can I make this soup in a crockpot?
Yes, this can be turned into a crockpot chicken enchilada soup by adding all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Final Thoughts

This chicken enchilada soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s loaded with bold flavors, easy to make, and versatile enough to adapt to your taste. Plus, it’s a great meal for meal-prepping or feeding a crowd. Whether you prefer a creamy chicken enchilada soup or something with a bit more spice, this recipe has it all. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do. Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget to top it off with all your favorite fixings!