Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

When the weather gets chilly, there's nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. And what better way to satisfy your cravings than with a delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup? This savory dish combines the rich flavors of enchiladas with the heartiness of a soup, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply want to try something new, this Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe is a must-try. So, grab your apron and let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds!

What is Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful fusion of traditional enchilada flavors and the comforting qualities of a hearty soup. Imagine the taste of your favorite chicken enchiladas, but in a bowl—savory, slightly spicy, and loaded with tender chicken, beans, corn, and a creamy, tangy broth. The soup is often topped with classic Mexican garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro, adding layers of texture and flavor. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it milder or with an extra kick of spice.

Ingredients List for Chicken Enchilada Soup

To make a delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that bring out the rich, bold flavors characteristic of this dish. Here's what you'll need:

Main Ingredients:

1. Chicken Breasts (or thighs): About 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken.
2. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
3. Onion: 1 medium-sized, finely chopped.
4. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
5. Chicken Broth: 4 cups, preferably low-sodium.
6. Red Enchilada Sauce: 1 can (about 10 ounces).
7. Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), undrained.
8. Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed.
9. Corn Kernels: 1 cup, frozen or canned (drained).
10. Green Chilies: 1 small can (4 ounces), diced.
11. Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon.
12. Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon.
13. Paprika: 1 teaspoon.
14. Salt: To taste.
15. Pepper: To taste.

For Garnishing:

1. Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack, for topping.
2. Sour Cream: A dollop for each serving.
3. Cilantro: Fresh, chopped, for garnish.
4. Avocado: Sliced or diced.
5. Tortilla Strips: Store-bought or homemade, for added crunch.
6. Lime Wedges: For a zesty finish.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Chicken Enchilada Soup is its flexibility. If you don't have certain ingredients on hand or prefer to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

Protein Substitutions:

• Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup in the final stages of cooking.
• Turkey: Swap chicken with turkey for a different flavor profile. This works especially well if you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with extra beans (such as pinto beans) and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

Broth Variations:

• Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Bone Broth: For a richer, more nutrient-dense soup, substitute regular chicken broth with bone broth.

Spice Adjustments:

• Mild Version: If you prefer a less spicy soup, reduce or omit the chili powder and green chilies. You can also use mild enchilada sauce.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add more chili powder, or include a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Additional Ingredients:

• Creamier Soup: Stir in a half-cup of heavy cream or sour cream towards the end of cooking for a creamier consistency.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Chicken Enchilada Soup is straightforward and doesn’t require much time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious soup:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary, then sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Build the Base: Pour in the chicken broth, enchilada sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
4. Add the Chicken and Seasonings: Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Add the black beans, corn, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Stir well, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid.
5. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Final Touches: If you want a thicker soup, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water at this stage and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.

How to Cook Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Chicken Enchilada Soup involves a few key steps that ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture. Let's break it down further to make the process even easier:

1. Prepping the Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. This includes chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and draining and rinsing the black beans. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process smoother.
2. Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken before adding it to the soup is crucial for developing flavor. Make sure the chicken is well-seasoned, and don’t skip the browning step—this adds depth to the overall taste of the soup.
3. Layering Flavors: As you sauté the onions and garlic, take your time to let them cook down and release their flavors. This forms the flavor base of your soup. When you add the broth and enchilada sauce, make sure to stir well to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmering to Perfection: Once all the ingredients are in the pot, simmer the soup gently. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
5. Shredding and Reincorporating the Chicken: After the chicken is fully cooked, shredding it and adding it back to the soup ensures that each bite is filled with flavorful, tender chicken.
6. Adjusting Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the thickness of the soup by simmering it longer or adding a cornstarch slurry. Remember, the soup will thicken slightly as it cools.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Enchilada Soup is relatively simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. To avoid this, make sure to remove the chicken as soon as it’s cooked through, and then shred it before adding it back to the soup.
2. Not Sautéing the Onions and Garlic Properly: Rushing through the sautéing process can result in less flavorful soup. Take your time to cook the onions until they are soft and translucent, and let the garlic become fragrant but not burnt.
3. Using Too Much Salt: If you’re using regular chicken broth and canned beans, be cautious with the salt. Both ingredients can be high in sodium, so taste the soup before adding any extra salt.
4. Skipping the Garnishes: The garnishes are what elevate this soup from good to great. Don’t skip them! The fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips add texture and flavor that make the soup more satisfying.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Chicken Enchilada Soup can make a big difference in how it’s received. Here are some tips to make your soup look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Hot and Fresh: Chicken Enchilada Soup is best served hot, right after it’s cooked. If you're serving it later, reheat it gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• With Toppings on the Side: Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, and lime wedges. This allows each person to customize their bowl to their liking.
• In Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds a rustic touch and makes the meal even more hearty and filling.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Colorful Garnishes: Use a variety of colorful garnishes to make the soup visually appealing. The bright green of the cilantro, the golden yellow of the tortilla strips, and the creamy white of the sour cream create a beautiful contrast.
• Layering: When adding garnishes, start with the shredded cheese so it melts slightly into the hot soup. Then, add a dollop of sour cream, followed by avocado slices and a sprinkle of cilantro.
• Serving in Rustic Bowls: Use rustic, earthy-toned bowls for serving. The contrast between the vibrant soup and the natural tones of the bowls can make the dish look even more appetizing.

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe Tips

To make your Chicken Enchilada Soup truly exceptional, keep these tips in mind:

• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Double the Batch: This recipe is easily doubled, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Just make sure to use a large enough pot!
• Add Fresh Lime Juice: Just before serving, squeeze a fresh lime wedge over your bowl of soup. The acidity from the lime brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make Chicken Enchilada Soup in a slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients (except for the garnishes) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once the chicken is tender, shred it and return it to the slow cooker before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or even pork. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in this recipe.

3. Is this soup spicy?

The level of spice in this soup is moderate. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild enchilada sauce. Conversely, if you love spice, feel free to add more chili powder or a diced jalapeño.

4. How can I thicken the soup?

To thicken the soup, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, let the soup simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce and thicken naturally.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this soup dairy-free by omitting the cheese and sour cream or using dairy-free alternatives. The soup itself is naturally dairy-free without the garnishes.

Conclusion

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich, savory broth, tender chicken, and a blend of classic enchilada ingredients, it’s a soup that satisfies on every level. Whether you're serving it as a hearty meal on a cold night or preparing it ahead for a week’s worth of lunches, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious. Don’t forget to personalize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the comforting, home-cooked flavors of this wonderful soup. Happy cooking!

Print