Chicken Enchilada Soup

Indulge in the hearty, flavorful embrace of Chicken Enchilada Soup, a delightful dish that brings together spices and savory ingredients. Perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers, this soup is not only comforting but also easy to prepare. With its customizable toppings, everyone can enjoy a bowl tailored to their taste buds. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or at a festive gathering, this Chicken Enchilada Soup stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: With a blend of spices and fresh ingredients, each spoonful is bursting with flavor.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like avocado or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and taste.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this soup will keep you satisfied.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Serving bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all the ingredients together evenly without spilling.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and efficient, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

Indulge in the hearty, flavorful embrace of Chicken Enchilada Soup, a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and comforting ingredients, topped with your favorite garnishes for a customizable feast.

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Crispy tortilla strips

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Add whole chicken breasts along with black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it back into the soup.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and crispy tortilla strips as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup!

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup

Serving Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful experience that allows for personal flair. This soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile dish perfect for any occasion.

Classic Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of your favorite cheese for a creamy touch.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices and adds richness.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color.

Crunchy Elements

• Crispy Tortilla Strips: Top with tortilla strips for an added crunch that complements the soup’s texture.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices enhance the dish while adding healthy fats.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the soup for a zesty kick.

Accompanying Dishes

• Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Rice: A side of cilantro-lime rice pairs well and adds heartiness to the meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creating the perfect Chicken Enchilada Soup involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify chili powder and cumin based on your heat preference.
• Shred Chicken Well: Ensure chicken is finely shredded to distribute evenly throughout the soup.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer enhances flavor depth.
• Experiment with Broth: Using homemade chicken broth can significantly improve taste.
• Garnish Creatively: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like jalapeños or radishes for extra flair.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Enchilada Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the soup’s flavors; serve with tortilla chips.
2. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice seasoned with herbs; it acts as a hearty base alongside the soup.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and lime dressing; great for added nutrition.
4. Vegetable Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with veggies provide a satisfying crunch next to the soup.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an easy, delicious starter.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds healthy variety to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Chicken Enchilada Soup from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté onions and garlic can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always start by softening these ingredients to enhance the taste.
• Using Overcooked Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on your chicken during simmering and remove it once it’s fully cooked.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning may leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and add salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
• Not Choosing the Right Broth: Using low-quality or overly salty broth can affect the overall flavor. Opt for a good quality chicken broth that complements your ingredients.
• Overloading on Toppings: While toppings add flavor, too many can overwhelm the dish. Choose a few favorites like cheese and avocado for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion.

Reheating Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between heats until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Enchilada Soup:

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

You can substitute turkey or beef if you prefer. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly before adding them to the soup.

How do I make Chicken Enchilada Soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken with diced vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead.

What should I serve with Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Pair it with fresh tortilla chips, a side salad, or cornbread for a complete meal.

Can I make this Chicken Enchilada Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better when made a day in advance as flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and ingredients according to your preferences. Try it today and enjoy a delicious bowl of warmth!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Chicken Enchilada Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Experience the heartwarming delight of Chicken Enchilada Soup, a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and savory ingredients into a comforting bowl. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings, this soup is easily customizable with your favorite toppings like creamy avocado, crispy tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro. With just 45 minutes of preparation, you can serve up a hearty meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture of this Chicken Enchilada Soup, and make it a staple in your recipe collection.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges
• Crispy tortilla strips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft.
2. Add whole chicken breasts, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks; return shredded chicken to the soup.
5. Serve hot in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and crispy tortilla strips as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg