This creamy chicken enchilada soup is a rich, comforting dish that blends the bold flavors of enchilada sauce, savory chicken, and a subtle heat that will warm you from the inside out. The smooth texture of the soup, combined with the crispy crunch of tortilla chips, creates a delightful contrast.
Garnished with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this soup becomes even more irresistible. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy evening in or a crowd-pleasing option for your next dinner party.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, diced
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
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1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
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1 cup frozen corn kernels
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1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
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Shredded cheese, for garnish
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Sour cream, for garnish
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Tortilla chips, for serving
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
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Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the diced green chilies, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Stir in the heavy cream and shredded rotisserie chicken. Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes.
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Add frozen corn, black beans, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
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Serve the soup hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Comforting Mexican Delight
When the weather turns chilly or you’re simply craving a bowl of comfort, few dishes can compare to a hearty, flavorful soup like creamy chicken enchilada soup. This dish, a twist on the classic enchiladas, combines all the savory, spicy goodness of Mexican cuisine in a creamy, satisfying soup base. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even cozy weeknights at home, this soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
A Brief Overview of Chicken Enchilada Soup
Chicken enchilada soup is a rich and creamy dish that captures all the delicious flavors of chicken enchiladas, but in a more liquid form. The soup is traditionally made with a base of chicken, spices, and creamy elements, often with a hint of heat to make it truly satisfying. It’s easy to make and incredibly customizable, which makes it a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and filling meal.
The magic of this soup lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer a mild version or enjoy a spicier kick, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. The addition of rotisserie chicken makes this a fantastic recipe for meal prepping or using up leftover chicken. It’s also a crowd-pleaser—easy to prepare in large batches and serve to a hungry group.
Flavor Profile of Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
The first thing that will hit you when you take a spoonful of this creamy chicken enchilada soup is its deep, rich flavor. The combination of spices, like cumin and chili powder, together with the tangy enchilada sauce and hearty chicken, creates a comforting, flavorful base that is both satisfying and savory. The cream adds a luscious, velvety texture that balances the spices perfectly, while the chicken brings a tender, satisfying element to each spoonful.
The soup also gets an additional burst of flavor from the diced green chilies, which bring a subtle, tangy heat to the dish without being overpowering. When combined with the corn and black beans, the soup becomes even more filling and hearty, making it a complete meal in a bowl. Topping it off with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream adds an extra layer of freshness and creaminess that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Why This Soup Is a Favorite Among Many
There are many reasons why this creamy chicken enchilada soup has become such a popular dish among home cooks. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store, you can have a piping hot bowl of soup ready in under 30 minutes. The fact that it’s a one-pot dish makes the cleanup process simple as well, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Another reason for its popularity is how customizable it is. You can adjust the level of spiciness depending on your preference by adding more or less chili powder or using a mild enchilada sauce. Additionally, if you’re vegetarian, you can easily swap out the chicken for beans or other plant-based proteins, and you can make the soup dairy-free by using coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream. The versatility of the recipe allows it to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best things about creamy chicken enchilada soup is that it makes fantastic leftovers. The soup gets even more flavorful as it sits, allowing the spices to meld together and deepen in taste. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and you have a quick, delicious meal with minimal effort.
The soup also lends itself well to meal prep. You can easily double or triple the recipe, portion it out into containers, and store it for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime to freshen it up when you’re ready to eat, and you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a freshly made meal each time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While the creamy chicken enchilada soup is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make the meal even more exciting. Here are a few serving suggestions:
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Toppings: Top each bowl of soup with a generous handful of shredded cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, and some fresh cilantro. A sprinkle of tortilla chips or crispy fried onions can add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy base. For an extra kick, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the soup before eating.
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Side Dishes: This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a side of warm, soft tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping. A fresh Mexican-style salad with avocado, corn, and black beans can be a great complement to the soup. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, pair it with a side of Spanish rice or cornbread.
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Drinks: For a refreshing drink, pair your soup with a cold glass of iced tea or a zesty limeade. If you prefer something with a bit more of a kick, a light Mexican beer or margarita would pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the soup.
Healthier Alternatives and Customizations
While this creamy chicken enchilada soup is indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. For a healthier version, try swapping the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half, or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream to add some extra protein. To make the soup even more filling, add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for added nutrients and texture.
For those with dietary restrictions, this soup can be easily modified. If you are dairy-free, simply use coconut milk or almond milk to replace the cream and dairy-free cheese for topping. For gluten-free individuals, be sure to check that your enchilada sauce and broth are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
In conclusion, creamy chicken enchilada soup is a fantastic dish that offers comfort, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, preparing it for a crowd, or simply meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The creamy texture, combined with the savory and spicy flavors, creates a balance that will have you coming back for seconds. Easy to make and full of bold flavors, it’s a recipe that every home cook should have in their rotation.
By following a few simple steps and adding a few toppings, you can create a comforting, filling meal that will satisfy your cravings and bring warmth to your soul. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make this creamy chicken enchilada soup the star of your next meal.
