Heavenly Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Warm, comforting soups have a magical way of bringing people together, especially when packed with robust flavors like this creamy chicken enchilada soup that promises to tantalize taste buds.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a rich, velvety texture that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Tender chicken, vibrant spices, and a silky base make this soup an instant crowd-pleaser.

Each spoonful delivers a burst of southwestern-inspired goodness that warms you from the inside out.

The recipe combines classic Mexican-inspired elements with creamy indulgence, ensuring a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Fresh toppings and a sprinkle of cheese elevate this soup from simple to spectacular.

Dive into this delicious culinary adventure and transform your dinner into an unforgettable experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Bold Ingredients In Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender base protein that absorbs the rich, spicy soup flavors and provides hearty substance.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume adding earthy texture and extra nutritional boost to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation creating deep, savory undertones that complement the Mexican-inspired profile.
• Enchilada Sauce: Vibrant red sauce delivering authentic southwestern spiciness and complexity.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy ingredient bringing brightness and acidic balance to the soup's rich base.
• Lime Juice: Zesty citrus element that freshens and elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Spice blend creating robust, authentic southwestern warmth and depth.
• Cream Cheese: Luxurious ingredient providing silky smoothness and creamy richness.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping adding extra indulgence and classic cheesy comfort.
• Corn: Sweet kernel adding delightful pop of texture and subtle sweetness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.

Tools For Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Perfection

• Large pot: Essential for cooking and simmering the soup, with plenty of space for ingredients.
• Two forks: Perfect for easily shredding cooked chicken into tender pieces.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices like cumin and chili powder.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into individual bowls.
• Knife: Useful for chopping onions and preparing garnishes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.

Steps To Make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Easily

• Aromatic Base

Sizzle onions and garlic in a large pot until they transform into a golden, fragrant foundation. These humble ingredients will whisper delicious promises of the meal to come.

• Chicken Transformation

Nestle chicken into the pot with broth and enchilada sauce. Let everything bubble gently, allowing the meat to become impossibly tender and infused with deep, rich flavors.

• Texture and Spice Awakening

Shred the chicken into delicate strands. Welcome black beans and corn into the mix, then sprinkle in a carnival of spices that will dance across your taste buds.

• Creamy Magic

Introduce cream cheese, watching it melt into luxurious swirls. Invite shredded cheese to join the party, creating a velvety landscape of comfort and warmth.

• Bright Finale

Squeeze fresh lime juice, instantly lifting the soup with a spark of brightness that cuts through the richness and makes every spoonful sing.

• Serving Celebration

Pour this liquid treasure into waiting bowls. Crown with crispy tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a feast that feels like a warm hug.

Tips To Elevate Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Flavor

• Quick Chicken Enchilada Soup Hacks
• Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer all ingredients except cream cheese and shredded cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then shred chicken and stir in dairy ingredients during the last 30 minutes for a hands-off approach.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein crumbles for versatile meal options that keep the soup's delicious flavor profile intact.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize spiciness to your preference.
• Dietary Friendly Tweaks: Make this soup gluten-free by using certified gluten-free enchilada sauce and checking seasoning labels. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, and use reduced-fat cheese.

Ways To Serve Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup With A Kick

• Hearty Bowl Companion: Warm tortilla chips add delightful crunch and help scoop up every delicious bite of this creamy soup.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream on top to elevate flavor and texture with vibrant colors.
• Mexican-Style Side Kick: Serve alongside warm corn tortillas or a small side salad with zesty lime dressing to complement the soup's rich and spicy profile.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Offer extra shredded cheese at the table so guests can customize their soup with additional melty goodness and personal flair.

Storage Tips For Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat to prevent cream cheese from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick during reheating. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
• Portion Control Hack: Consider freezing individual servings in smaller containers. This allows easy meal prep, quick lunch options, and prevents waste. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Hearty Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken enchilada soup delivers rich Mexican flavors in a comforting bowl. Spicy, cheesy broth with tender chicken and corn welcomes hungry diners to savor each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups (32 fl oz) chicken broth
• 10 oz red enchilada sauce
• 14 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Sliced avocado (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat oil in a large pot, adding onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, creating a flavor-rich foundation for the soup.
2. Develop Protein Layer: Add whole chicken pieces, chicken broth, enchilada sauce, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
3. Shred and Enhance: Remove chicken, shred into tender pieces, and return to the pot. Incorporate black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer to meld flavors.
4. Create Creamy Texture: Blend in cream cheese and shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and soup reaches a smooth, luxurious consistency.
5. Finish and Garnish: Brighten with fresh lime juice. Serve hot, topped with tortilla chips, sour cream, avocado slices, and cilantro for added depth and freshness.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Poach chicken breasts gently to prevent toughening, ensuring tender, moist meat that shreds effortlessly without becoming stringy or dry.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid volume by adding extra broth if soup becomes too thick, maintaining a smooth, velvety texture that coats the spoon perfectly.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities, unlocking richer, more complex flavor profiles in the enchilada soup.
• Dietary Adaptation Strategies: Substitute dairy components with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk for lactose-free versions, and use gluten-free tortilla chips to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg