This rich and creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a perfect blend of bold spices and savory chicken, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy base. With the addition of corn kernels and a hint of cilantro, it creates a delightful depth of flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.
You can customize this soup with your preferred spice level, whether you want to ramp up the heat with extra chili powder or tone it down for a milder flavor. It’s the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for serving on cold evenings or for a family gathering. Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro for the perfect finishing touch.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the diced green chilies, red enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken and corn kernels, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Pour in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring the soup is well mixed and creamy.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup, creating a rich, cheesy texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, and then remove the soup from heat.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh cilantro (if desired), and serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Chicken enchilada soup is a delightful dish that combines the best flavors of a classic Mexican enchilada in a warm, comforting bowl of soup. The creamy texture, bold spices, and tender chicken make this soup an irresistible choice for lunch or dinner. Perfect for those chilly days when you crave something cozy, this soup is hearty enough to satisfy your hunger while being easy enough to make at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a simple family meal, creamy chicken enchilada soup will quickly become a favorite.
The recipe is a perfect balance of flavors, with smoky enchilada sauce, a subtle heat from chili powder, and a creamy finish from the heavy cream and cheese. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its versatility. You can add more spices to adjust the heat or make it even creamier with a dollop of sour cream. The corn adds a nice pop of sweetness, and the shredded chicken provides the heartiness that makes it a satisfying meal.
The Appeal of Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
What sets creamy chicken enchilada soup apart from other soups is its ability to pack so much flavor into one bowl. The use of red enchilada sauce gives the soup its signature flavor, offering the rich, slightly smoky taste that enchiladas are known for. The addition of cumin and chili powder elevates the dish with aromatic warmth and a hint of spice, but the creaminess of the soup tones down the heat and makes it accessible to everyone.
This soup is perfect for those who love the flavors of enchiladas but want an easier, more comforting alternative. The base of the soup is thickened and enriched with cream and cheese, turning it into a velvety smooth, indulgent experience. The shredded chicken gives it a satisfying protein boost, making this soup a filling meal.
How to Customize Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
One of the best things about creamy chicken enchilada soup is its adaptability. Depending on your tastes or dietary needs, you can tweak the recipe in various ways to suit your preferences.
For a spicier version, consider adding extra chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce. If you like the soup with more texture, you can top it with crispy tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips, adding a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. You can also experiment with different types of cheese; while cheddar is a popular choice, Monterrey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend will also work wonderfully.
If you’re looking to make the soup lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. For a lower-fat version, consider using lean chicken breast or swapping out some of the cheese for reduced-fat versions.
Vegetarians can easily make this soup their own by omitting the chicken and replacing it with beans, corn, or even tofu. Adding some roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers can give the soup even more depth and flavor. If you’re gluten-free, rest assured that this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you skip the flour-based toppings like tortilla strips.
Perfect Pairings with Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
This creamy chicken enchilada soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with freshly baked cornbread for a Southern twist, or perhaps some warm, soft tortillas to dip in the soup. A light green salad with a citrus dressing can provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup, balancing out the meal beautifully.
For a heartier side, you could serve this soup with Mexican rice or even a simple avocado salad. If you’re craving something sweet, a slice of tres leches cake or churros would be a perfect way to end your meal.
The best part about serving this soup with sides is that you can get creative and mix and match to suit the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or a festive Mexican-inspired gathering, creamy chicken enchilada soup is a versatile base that can be elevated with a variety of accompaniments.
Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
While this soup is undeniably indulgent, it also has some healthy components. The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The use of fresh vegetables like onions and garlic contributes to the overall nutritional value, offering antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, the soup is rich in fiber from the corn, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
For those who are watching their calorie intake, there are easy swaps you can make to lighten the dish, such as using a low-fat version of cheese or replacing the cream with a plant-based milk. If you’re looking to boost the soup’s nutritional value, you can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or kale for added vitamins and minerals.
Making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup for a Crowd
Creamy chicken enchilada soup is a great option for feeding a crowd, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or preparing a meal for a family gathering. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger number of people. It can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a few days, allowing the flavors to continue melding and develop over time. In fact, many find that the soup tastes even better the next day after the spices have had time to deepen.
For an even easier preparation, this soup can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, allowing you to cook it without much hands-on effort. Simply throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it simmer, or use the Instant Pot to cook everything in a fraction of the time.
Why Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is Perfect for All Seasons
Though this soup is incredibly comforting during the colder months, it can be enjoyed year-round. The creamy, flavorful broth provides warmth and satisfaction during winter, while the light spiciness and corn make it refreshing enough for the summer months. This soup is perfect for any season, as its versatility allows it to be customized to your tastes no matter the weather outside.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace or celebrating a summer evening with friends, creamy chicken enchilada soup fits the bill. Its rich, satisfying flavor makes it a year-round favorite.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken enchilada soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience. The combination of creamy, cheesy broth with shredded chicken, corn, and bold spices creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Its versatility in ingredients allows for endless customization, so you can adjust the recipe to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. This soup can easily be made in large batches, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and it’s just as delicious as leftovers.
The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to bring people together, whether you’re serving it on a cold evening or at a celebratory gathering. So next time you’re looking for a warm, hearty dish that delivers on flavor, try this creamy chicken enchilada soup—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.