Chicken Enchilada Soup is a warm, comforting dish that takes all the flavors of traditional chicken enchiladas and turns them into a hearty soup. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth perfect for those chilly evenings or whenever you crave something fulfilling. This soup showcases the iconic flavors of Mexican cuisine, such as cumin, chili, and cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish comes together in no time.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a spicier kick or more veggies.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and nutrients, you can enjoy hearty comfort food guilt-free.
- Great Leftovers: This soup is even better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Ingredients for Chicken Enchilada Soup
You don’t need a long grocery list to whip up this delicious soup! Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped; red or green)
- 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilies for an extra kick)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (ground)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Toppings
For a delightful finishing touch, consider these toppings:
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Sour cream
- Avocado (diced)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips or strips
Making Chicken Enchilada Soup
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat your olive oil over medium heat.
- Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper for about 5 minutes, until they become tender.
- Stir in Garlic: Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Add Remaining Ingredients
- Combine Other Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Adjust to Taste
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the soup. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with more chili powder, cumin, or salt to fit your palate.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and finish each serving with your favorite toppings.
- Accompany with Cornbread: A side of cornbread or quesadillas pairs wonderfully with this dish for an extra treat.
Tips for the Best Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick meal, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves you time and adds great flavor to your soup.
- Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking.
- Add More Veggies: Sneak in additional vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a rich flavor.
Customizing Your Chicken Enchilada Soup
Vegetarian Option
For a delicious vegetarian variation, replace the chicken with additional beans such as pinto or more black beans. Use vegetable broth and incorporate more veggies like zucchini, corn, or bell peppers.
Slow Cooker Method
If you love the idea of pulling a hot, ready meal after a long day, try using a slow cooker!
- Combine All Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker, set on low, and cook for 6-7 hours.
- Shred Chicken Before Serving: If you’re using chicken breasts, shred the chicken before serving and stir it back into the soup.
Instant Pot Method
In a hurry? The Instant Pot is your friend!
- Sauté the Vegetables: Use the sauté function to cook the onions and bell peppers.
- Add Other Ingredients: Then, add the rest of the ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick Release: Allow for a quick release of pressure, and your soup is ready!
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Enchilada Soup
Chicken Enchilada Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s filled with nutrients that benefit your health!
High in Protein
With chicken as a primary ingredient, this soup is an excellent source of protein, which helps with muscle repair, immune function, and more.
Packed with Veggies
The addition of vegetables adds vital vitamins and minerals, aiding digestion and contributing to overall health.
Heart-Healthy Components
Using black beans and corn contributes fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
Storing Chicken Enchilada Soup
If you have leftovers (or plan on making a big batch), here’s how to store them properly.
Refrigerator Storage
- Cool First: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- How Long It Lasts: It can last in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Always reheat thoroughly before enjoying.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze After Cooling: Place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave some space at the top as it will expand when frozen.
- How Long It Lasts: Chicken Enchilada Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Variations to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup
Bowl of Soup
Of course, the classic way to serve it is in a bowl, but why not make it a bit fancier?
- Add a Side of Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread pairs nicely with the zesty flavors of the soup.
- Tortilla Chips: Use crunchy tortilla chips for dipping or as a topping to add texture.
Savory Bread Bowls
Take it up a notch by serving your Chicken Enchilada Soup in a sourdough bread bowl. Hollow out a bread round, toast it lightly, and fill it right before serving for a delightful meal.
Toppings Bar
Set up a toppings bar with various options, allowing your guests to customize their bowls. Consider:
- Different Types of Cheese: Feta, cotija, or even Monterey Jack.
- Spices and Seasonings: Offer chili flakes, cayenne, or lime zest for an extra kick.
Pairing Ideas for Chicken Enchilada Soup
Beverage Pairings
- Margaritas: A classic choice, a refreshing margarita goes hand-in-hand with the flavors of chicken enchiladas.
- Beer: A light lager or a Mexican beer complements the dish beautifully.
- Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, try sweetened iced tea to balance the spiciness.
Side Dishes
- Guacamole and Chips: The creamy texture of guacamole pairs well with the spice of the soup.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices can enhance the whole meal experience.