Chicken Enchilada Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, you’ve come to the right place! This Chicken Enchilada Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal is one of my absolute favorites. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, beans, and corn. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with family and friends, this soup fits perfectly into any occasion.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. Just a bit of chopping, some simmering, and voilà! You have a delicious meal ready to serve. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings for that extra touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The mild flavors and fun toppings make mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve!
• Flavorful Comfort: With spices and creamy goodness, each spoonful is a hug in a bowl.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes to personalize each bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Chicken Enchilada Soup are simple and wholesome. No need to search far and wide for anything fancy here! With just a handful of accessible items, you can create a hearty meal the whole family will love.

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 4 cups chicken broth

For the Add-Ins

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream
• Tortilla strips
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Variations

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is super flexible! You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust flavors to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try shredded turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced zucchini or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Change the heat level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
• Creamy alternatives: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein without sacrificing creaminess.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. Sautéing these aromatics is key as it builds the base flavor of your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeño

Next up is adding minced garlic along with chopped red bell pepper and jalapeño (if using). Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. The bright colors and aromas will fill your kitchen with warmth!

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cooking these spices for about a minute allows their natural oils to release their full flavors. Trust me; it’ll make all the difference!

Step 4: Add Liquids and Canned Goods

Pour in the chicken broth along with black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel). Give everything a good stir so that all those flavors mingle together beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring your soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once bubbling away nicely, reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes—up to 30 minutes if you have time—to really let those flavors develop.

Step 6: Incorporate the Chicken

Now it’s time to add in that shredded cooked chicken! Stir well so that every bite has pieces of chicken throughout.

Step 7: Melt the Cream Cheese

Add softened cream cheese directly into your soup pot. Stir until it’s melted completely—this adds that rich creamy texture we all love in soups!

Step 8: Stir in Sour Cream

Remove your pot from heat then stir in sour cream until fully incorporated. This step brings an extra layer of creaminess that elevates your soup even more.

Step 9: Season to Taste

Take a moment to season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. A little adjustment here can really enhance all those wonderful flavors.

Step 10: Serve Hot

Ladle generous portions of your delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup into bowls while it’s hot.

Step 11: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Finally—don’t forget this part! Garnish each bowl with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro sprigs—and maybe even squeeze some lime juice on top. Enjoy every warm bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Enchilada Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Making this Chicken Enchilada Soup can be a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chopping your veggies and shredding the chicken beforehand can save you time during cooking, making the process feel seamless and enjoyable.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less jalapeño and cayenne pepper. You can always add more later to suit your taste preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the soup.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy protein option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It not only saves time but also adds incredible flavor to your soup without any extra cooking!

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding different flavors like pickled red onions or crumbled queso fresco can elevate the dish and make it even more appealing.

• Make It Ahead of Time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and reheat for an effortless meal when you’re short on time.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Presenting your Chicken Enchilada Soup beautifully can enhance the dining experience! Here are some ideas to make your serving special.

Garnishes

• Sliced Avocado: Adds creaminess and a fresh flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice that melts into the warm soup, providing an extra layer of richness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness; simply sprinkle some on top for color and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Soft and sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully, soaking up the delicious broth while adding to the comfort factor of your meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up the soup or enjoying on their own alongside it. They add a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great side dish that complements the flavors of enchilada soup and helps round out your meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the soup.

Enjoy serving this comforting Chicken Enchilada Soup with these simple ideas that are sure to impress family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Enchilada Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Plus, it stores wonderfully, so you can enjoy the flavors for days to come.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If your soup thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a little chicken broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to store.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze without adding sour cream and cream cheese. Stir them in after reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with additional beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to create a hearty vegetarian version.

How long does Chicken Enchilada Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use other types of beans in this soup?

Yes! Feel free to swap black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based cream cheese or blended silken tofu for that creamy texture.

Is this soup spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding or omitting jalapeños and cayenne pepper. Customize it according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Chicken Enchilada Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings everyone together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or prepping for busy weekdays, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with friends and family!