Hearty Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Zesty Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe for All

Warm comfort arrives with this hearty green enchilada chicken soup that simmers perfectly in the crock pot.

Tender chicken melds with vibrant green enchilada flavors, creating a soul-warming meal.

Packed with zesty spices and rich textures, this soup brings southwestern comfort directly to your table.

Creamy and bold, the recipe promises a delightful twist on traditional chicken soup.

Each spoonful delivers a burst of authentic mexican-inspired ingredients.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming simple components into a deeply satisfying meal.

Dive into this easy, delicious soup that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 68 hours (low) or 34 hours (high)

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

For Protein and Flavor Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that absorbs the rich, zesty sauce and provides hearty protein for a satisfying meal.
  • Green Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic southwestern kick and creates the soup's signature tangy flavor profile.
  • Chicken Broth: Builds a robust liquid foundation that intensifies the overall taste and ensures smooth cooking.
For Spices and Seasoning:
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that adds warm, smoky undertones characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
  • Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and deep, complex flavor to the soup's background.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic punch without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes sweet, savory depth without chopping fresh onions.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances all other flavor components.
For Creamy and Textural Elements:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and mild tanginess when melted into the broth.
  • Frozen Corn: Adds sweet bursts of freshness and delightful textural contrast.
  • Black Beans: Introduces hearty protein and creamy, substantial mouthfeel.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts into silky strands, boosting richness and creating appealing stretchy consistency.
  • Diced Green Chilies: Infuses bright, mild pepper flavor and subtle heat.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Provides vibrant, herbaceous garnish that lifts entire dish.
  • Lime Wedges: Optional fresh accent that brightens flavors with citrusy zing.

Tools To Prep Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

  • Crock Pot: Essential for slow-cooking the soup and developing rich flavors.
  • Two Forks: Perfect for easily shredding the tender chicken.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like cumin and chili powder.
  • Ladle: Great for serving the creamy soup into individual bowls.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for any additional chopping or garnish preparation.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps with any additional ingredient prep if needed.

Cooking Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

  • Chicken Base

Toss chicken into the crock pot with zesty green enchilada sauce. Sprinkle in aromatic spices that will transform this simple soup into a flavor explosion. The secret is letting all these ingredients mingle and create magic.

  • Slow Cooking Magic

Let the crock pot work its wonder. Low and slow is the game plan – giving the chicken time to become meltingly tender and absorb all those incredible southwestern flavors. Walk away and let the appliance do the heavy lifting.

  • Shredding Party

Pull those perfectly cooked chicken pieces apart into soft, delectable strands. Return the shredded goodness back into the simmering liquid, creating a rustic and comforting texture.

  • Creamy Transformation

Introduce rich cream cheese that will melt into silky ribbons. Toss in sweet corn kernels and hearty black beans. Sprinkle cheese that will create irresistible strings when stirred. Let everything bubble together into a harmonious blend.

  • Final Flourish

Ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro for a bright pop of color and flavor. Serve with a wedge of zingy lime and crispy tortilla chips for the perfect southwestern experience.

Tips For Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

  • Slow Cooker Savvy: Master the art of effortless meal prep by using frozen chicken breasts directly in the crock pot, eliminating the need for thawing and saving precious time.
  • Spice Control: Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot green enchilada sauce, or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick if you're a spice enthusiast.
  • Protein Power Swap: Easily transform this recipe for different dietary needs by substituting chicken with shredded turkey, plant-based chicken alternatives, or white fish for a seafood twist.
  • Dairy-Free Hack: Create a lactose-free version by replacing cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk, and using dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt smoothly into the broth.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore its creamy consistency when serving.

Serving Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Made Simple

  • Zesty Lime Squeeze: Brighten the soup's rich flavors by adding fresh lime wedges that allow diners to customize their tangy citrus punch.
  • Chip Crunch Corner: Serve crispy tortilla chips alongside the soup for a satisfying textural contrast and delightful dipping experience.
  • Creamy Topping Twist: Add a dollop of cool sour cream or sprinkle fresh cilantro on top to enhance the soup's creamy green enchilada essence and provide a fresh herbal note.
  • Hearty Side Pairing: Complement the soup with warm, soft flour tortillas or a simple side salad to create a complete and filling meal that balances the soup's robust flavors.

Storage Help For Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the soup cool to room temperature within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth, spreading it in a shallow container for faster heat reduction.
  • Refrigerator Storage Magic: Transfer soup to airtight containers, where it stays fresh for 3-4 days. Glass or hard plastic containers work best to maintain flavor integrity and prevent leaks.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Perfection: Warm soup gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to maintain creamy texture and prevent cream cheese separation.
Print
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Hearty Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Hearty Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Green enchilada chicken soup simmers with robust Mexican flavors in this hearty crock pot creation. Comforting spices and tender chicken blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (500g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (10 oz/283g) green enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz/113g) diced green chilies
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Position chicken breasts in the crock pot and drench with green enchilada sauce, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  2. Slow Cook: Seal and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches supreme tenderness, allowing flavors to intensify and meld harmoniously.
  3. Integrate Proteins: Remove chicken, shred thoroughly, then reincorporate into the aromatic liquid, maintaining the soup’s rich, robust character.
  4. Enhance Texture: Blend softened cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a velvety, luxurious consistency.
  5. Final Fusion: Incorporate frozen corn, black beans, and shredded cheese, letting these complementary ingredients simmer and intertwine for 10-15 minutes, developing a complex flavor profile.
  6. Serve with Flourish: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and offering optional accompaniments like lime wedges, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the dining experience.

Notes

  • Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption, preventing undercooked meat and potential foodborne illnesses.
  • Cream Cheese Melting Technique: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and let sit at room temperature before adding to soup, helping it melt smoothly without lumps and creating a uniform creamy texture.
  • Flavor Intensification Tip: For deeper taste, briefly sauté green chilies and spices in a pan before adding to the crock pot, which helps release essential oils and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Diet Adaptation Strategy: Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives, use lean chicken breasts, and incorporate more vegetables to make the soup healthier and suitable for various dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 68 hours (low) or 34 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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