Introduction and Quick Summary

Have you ever found yourself craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that not only fills your stomach but also ignites your taste buds? Enter the delightful world of Chicken Enchilada Soup. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices that create an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family gathering, this soup is sure to impress.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you simmer fresh ingredients like tomatoes and spices together. The rich aroma mingles with the warmth of the chicken as it cooks to perfection. Each spoonful brings a burst of flavor, from the creamy texture to the zesty kick that enchiladas are known for. Ideal for gatherings or simple weeknight meals, Chicken Enchilada Soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Flavor Packed: Every spoonful bursts with robust flavors from spices and fresh ingredients that make this dish truly special.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to modify the ingredients based on what you have at home or personal preferences—it’s versatile.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Typically, three to four chicken breasts work well; adjust according to your serving needs.
• Fresh Garlic: Use firm garlic cloves for optimal flavor; minced garlic adds depth to your soup.
• Canned Tomatoes: Choose diced tomatoes with green chilies for added spice; they enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is ideal; it allows better control over salt levels in your dish.
• Corn: Canned or frozen corn adds sweetness and texture; it complements the spiciness beautifully.
• Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought or homemade works great; it infuses authentic flavor into your soup.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by shredding cooked chicken breasts using two forks or chop them into cubes if preferred. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant; typically takes about one minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), corn, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth into the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about ten minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add Seasoning

Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also sprinkle in additional spices such as cumin or chili powder for extra depth.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro or avocado slices before serving. Enjoy.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for added convenience without sacrificing flavor.
• Add Toppings: Enhance your soup with toppings like sour cream, cheese, or tortilla strips for added texture and richness.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge; it lasts up to three days.

Mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the seasoning: One common mistake when making Chicken Enchilada Soup is not seasoning the chicken properly. Seasoning enhances the flavor of the soup and brings out the richness of the ingredients. Make sure to use a combination of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. These spices complement the chicken and provide that authentic enchilada taste. Don’t rush this step; marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Using low-quality canned ingredients: Another mistake is opting for low-quality canned tomatoes or beans. The flavor of your Chicken Enchilada Soup can greatly suffer from this choice. Always choose high-quality products; they make a significant difference in taste. Look for tomatoes that are vine-ripened and beans that aren’t overly processed. This will ensure your soup is rich, tasty, and satisfying.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooking your chicken can lead to dry and tough pieces that ruin your soup’s texture. When preparing Chicken Enchilada Soup, aim for perfectly cooked chicken that remains juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cooking it just right allows you to shred it easily, which enhances the overall mouthfeel of your soup.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips add a delightful crunch and are perfect for dipping.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
• Shredded Cheese: Melted cheese on top enhances the richness of this soup.

FAQs

What is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a hearty dish that combines traditional enchilada flavors in a warm broth. It features shredded chicken, beans, corn, spices like cumin and chili powder, all simmered together in chicken broth and enchilada sauce. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something satisfying yet easy to prepare.

Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare Chicken Enchilada Soup ahead of time. Simply follow all cooking instructions but store it in an airtight container after it cools down. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors may even improve overnight as they meld together.

Is this soup spicy?

The spice level of Chicken Enchilada Soup can be adjusted based on personal preference. The recipe includes chili powder which provides moderate heat. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild enchilada sauce. For those who love spice, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.

What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?

If you’re looking for alternatives to chicken in your Chicken Enchilada Soup, consider using shredded turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. You could also use beans as a primary protein source by increasing their quantity in the recipe. Adjust seasonings accordingly to ensure flavor remains balanced.

Conclusion for Chicken Enchilada Soup

In summary, Chicken Enchilada Soup is a flavorful dish that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. With simple ingredients like cooked chicken, black beans, corn, and spices simmered in rich broth and enchilada sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. You can customize it with various toppings such as cheese and sour cream to enhance its taste further. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or serving it at a gathering with friends and family, this soup will surely be a hit. Don’t forget that you can prepare it ahead of time for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Print

Chicken Enchilada Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the delightful tastes of traditional enchiladas right to your bowl. In just 30 minutes, you can create this hearty soup that features tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a rich enchilada sauce. The combination of spices adds warmth and depth, while optional toppings like sour cream and cheese elevate the experience even further. Perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings, this versatile soup is sure to become a family favorite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg