Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Thick, creamy, and easy to make, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a wholesome and filling dish. This delightful soup is loaded with tender chicken and vibrant Tex-Mex ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a comforting side dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this soup can be on your table in just 35 minutes.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and beans creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or a hearty appetizer; serve it with tortilla chips or rice for added texture.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it makes for a nourishing meal option.
• Freezable: Make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for busy days when you need a quick meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Hand blender
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Ideal for simmering your soup without spilling; ensures even cooking of all ingredients.
• Hand blender: Quickly blends the soup to achieve that creamy texture without transferring to another container.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through veggies much easier and safer.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Butter or Ghee (or Ghee, avocado oil also works)
• 1 Medium Onion (diced)
• 2 Celery Stalks (sliced)
• 1 Medium Carrot (thinly sliced)
• 1 Large Red Bell Pepper (diced)
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
• 1½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 15 ounces Diced fire-roasted Tomatoes (1 can)
• ¼ Cup Tomato Paste
• 4 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 14.5 ounces Red Kidney Beans (drain and rinsed, 1 can)
• 14.5 ounces Black Beans (drain and rinsed, 1 can)
• 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Sweet Corn
• 2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
• 1 Cup Mexican Shredded Cheese Blend (for garnishing)
• Salt and pepper, to your taste

How to Make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Melt the butter or ghee in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
* Add the diced onion, sliced celery stalks, thinly sliced carrot, diced red bell pepper, and chopped garlic.
* Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Broth

Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and low sodium chicken broth.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Bring the mixture to a boil.
* Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are very tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Remove from heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy.
* Place the soup back over medium heat.

Step 4: Incorporate Additional Ingredients

Add in the red kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, and shredded cooked chicken.
* Stir to combine everything well.
* Boil for just a couple of minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Serve Your Soup

Pour into bowls and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend or your favorite toppings. Enjoy your warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience and make every bowl delightful.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the soup’s richness.
• Sliced Avocado – Creamy avocado provides a wonderful texture and additional nutrients.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Chips – Serve alongside for a crunchy contrast. You can also crush them on top for added texture.
• Pico de Gallo – Fresh salsa adds a burst of flavor and a colorful touch to your bowl.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices.

Enjoy with Bread

• Crusty Bread Rolls – Perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs well, adding another layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

To achieve the best version of Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, consider these helpful tips for a delicious outcome.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – This saves time and adds great flavor to your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the chili powder based on your heat preference; start with less and add more if needed.
• Add Fresh Veggies – For extra nutrition, consider throwing in some spinach or kale just before serving.
• Blend for Creaminess – Using an immersion blender gives you control over the soup’s texture; blend to your liking.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
2. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip adds richness that pairs perfectly with each spoonful of soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for a nutritious side.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Charred veggies bring out natural sweetness and add variety to your plate.
5. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine topped with creamy dressing offers refreshing crunch alongside the soup.
6. Nachos – Tortilla chips topped with cheese serve as a fun, shareable side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can spoil the dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the vegetables properly before adding other ingredients can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always sauté them until they’re soft for the best taste.
• Overcooking the soup: Cooking the soup for too long after blending can lead to a thick, gummy texture. Simmer just enough to heat through after blending.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor, so failing to taste and adjust salt and pepper can result in a bland soup. Always season to your preference.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a fundamental part of this dish. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while ensuring rich flavor.
• Forgetting garnishes: Skipping garnishes like cheese or avocado can make your soup less appealing. Top with your favorite ingredients for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring often until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup:

What is Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a rich and flavorful soup made with chicken, beans, vegetables, and spices, topped with cheese for extra creaminess.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it even easier and quicker to prepare.

How can I customize my Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick!

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check if any added toppings contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as a comforting side dish. Customize it with your favorite toppings or additional veggies to suit your taste!