The warmth of homemade Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, filling your home with its intoxicating aroma. As rich and savory flavors dance together in perfect harmony, each spoonful transports you to a festive fiesta where laughter and good company abound.

This delightful dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, often making an appearance during family gatherings and cozy nights in. The charming blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and zesty green chiles evokes fond memories of summer barbecues and that one event when I accidentally set off the smoke alarm (don’t ask). Whether it’s game day or a casual weeknight dinner, this soup promises to be the star of the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks
- Its vibrant flavors will tantalize your taste buds while providing comfort in every bowl
- The beautiful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a light meal or pair with cornbread for extra heartiness
Ingredients for Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will work perfectly; adjust based on your crowd size and appetite.
- Green Chiles: Opt for roasted green chiles for that smoky flavor; canned ones are convenient when fresh aren’t available.
- Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until soft and translucent to release its natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced just before use will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness; homemade or store-bought works well here.
- Cream Cheese: This adds a velvety texture; let it soften at room temperature before mixing in.
- Cumin: Ground cumin gives an earthy warmth; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the soup; add it as a garnish right before serving for maximum freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
Get Ready:
Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This way, you’ll have everything within reach as you whip up this delightful soup.
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large pot over medium heat, add some oil and toss in chopped onions. Sauté until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling, about five minutes.
Add Garlic:
Next, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. This step ensures that all those irresistible aromas fill your kitchen.
Cook Chicken:
Add the boneless chicken breasts into the pot along with green chiles. Pour in chicken broth just enough to cover everything. Bring it to a gentle boil.
Simmer Away:
Reduce heat and let your mixture simmer for about twenty minutes. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while cooking the chicken until tender.
Shred Chicken:
Once cooked through, remove chicken breasts from the pot. Shred them using two forks—this part is somewhat therapeutic! Then return shredded chicken back into the pot.
Incorporate Cream Cheese:
Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined into the soup. You’ll notice how creamy and velvety it becomes!
Season It Up:
Sprinkle cumin into the mix along with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Give it a good stir to ensure even seasoning throughout.
Garnish & Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and top with chopped cilantro for that fresh burst of flavor! You might want some tortilla chips on the side too—they’re simply irresistible!
Enjoying this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about sharing warmth, laughter, and unforgettable moments around the table. Whether you’re indulging solo or inviting friends over for Taco Tuesday, this recipe will surely become one of your favorites!
You Must Know
- This delightful Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup offers more than just warmth; it makes chilly evenings cozy and comforting
- You can easily adjust the spice level based on your taste preferences
- Its vibrant green hue and fresh flavors make it a feast for the eyes and the palate
- Perfect as a hearty meal or a starter for your next gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken in a pot to lock in flavors, then sauté onions and garlic while preparing the broth. Add tomatoes and green chiles, letting them simmer before mixing in the chicken for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or even beans for a vegetarian version. Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika, and don’t hesitate to throw in some corn or black beans for added texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is top-notch, remember these tips: Always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
- Adjust cooking times based on your stovetop to avoid overcooking
- Don’t skip letting it simmer—the longer, the better!
Sometimes when I make this soup, my friends say they’d choose it over a fancy restaurant meal! It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking—bringing people together with good food warms my heart every time.
FAQs:
What is Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines shredded chicken, green chiles, and a rich broth. This comforting soup often features ingredients like corn, black beans, and spices, making it a perfect meal for any time of the year. The addition of enchilada sauce gives it a distinctive taste. It’s usually topped with cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips for added texture.
How do I store leftovers of Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Storing leftovers of Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw if frozen and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup in advance?
Absolutely! Preparing Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup in advance is a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can cook the soup ahead of time, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat and add your favorite toppings.
What toppings pair well with Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Toppings enhance the experience of enjoying Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup. Consider adding shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or tortilla strips for crunch. Lime wedges also add a zesty flavor that complements the soup’s richness. Choose toppings based on your taste preferences to customize this delicious dish.
Conclusion for Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup:
In conclusion, Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings while offering a comforting base filled with chicken and green chiles. Storing leftovers is easy, ensuring you can enjoy this dish multiple times. Whether you prepare it in advance or whip it up on a busy night, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
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- Author: Ann Foster
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. This hearty soup features tender chicken, zesty green chiles, and a creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s versatile enough to serve as a standalone meal or paired with cornbread.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 (4 oz) cans roasted green chiles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on the counter.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add chicken breasts and green chiles; pour enough chicken broth to cover everything.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot and shred with two forks; return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and combined.
- Season with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste; stir well.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg