Chicken Enchilada Soup

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Chicken Enchilada Soup transforms the beloved Mexican dish into a hearty, soul-warming soup that's both simpler to prepare and equally satisfying. The recipe combines tender shredded chicken with classic enchilada ingredients like black beans, corn, and authentic enchilada sauce, all simmered together to create a rich, flavorful broth. What makes this soup special is its perfect balance of convenience and flavor - it delivers all the complexity of traditional enchiladas in a one-pot meal that comes together in just 45 minutes. The customizable topping bar is the finishing touch, allowing each person to create their perfect bowl with additions like melty cheese, cool sour cream, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips. Whether you're seeking comfort food on a cold night, a crowd-pleasing meal for casual entertaining, or a make-ahead option for busy weeknights, this versatile soup hits all the right notes.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:41:39 GMT
Chicken Enchilada Soup Pin it
Chicken Enchilada Soup | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Chicken Enchilada Soup transforms the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican enchiladas into a soul-warming bowl that satisfies with every spoonful. This richly spiced creation combines tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and aromatic spices in a silky tomato-enchilada broth that delivers authentic Southwestern comfort. Crowned with melty cheese, cool sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips, each serving offers the perfect balance of textures and bold flavors.

After serving this at a neighborhood gathering during an unexpected cold snap, three different families asked for the recipe. My friend who claims to "never cook Mexican food at home" now makes this regularly.

Essential Elements

  • Enchilada sauce: Provides authentic foundation flavor
  • Tender chicken: Shreds perfectly throughout the soup
  • Black beans: Add hearty texture and protein
  • Fresh aromatics: Create essential flavor base
  • Warming spices: Develop authentic depth
  • Quality broth: Forms the backbone of the soup
  • Vibrant toppings: Complete the enchilada experience
Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Pin it
Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Perfect Soup

Aromatic Base:
Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and softened. This crucial first step builds flavor complexity.
Gentle Simmering:
Cook chicken just until tender for ideal texture. Avoid overcooking which toughens meat.
Flavor Development:
Allow spices to bloom in hot oil before adding liquids. This enhances their aromatic qualities.
Thoughtful Garnishing:
Add fresh elements that contrast with the rich soup. Create multiple textures for interest.

My grandmother always said a great soup should be "a meal that hugs you from the inside." This enchilada soup honors that wisdom with its perfect balance of nourishment and comfort.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this zesty soup with warm flour tortillas or golden cornbread for dipping. A simple jicama and orange salad provides refreshing contrast, while Mexican rice makes a hearty accompaniment for bigger appetites.

Creative Variations

Experiment with rotisserie chicken for convenience, or try ground turkey for a different texture. Add fire-roasted green chilies for smoky depth, or incorporate sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and added nutrition.

Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Pin it
Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Success

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep. Freeze individual portions for up to three months for quick, satisfying meals.

After perfecting this recipe through countless cool evenings, I've found that success lies in the details - the proper sautéing of aromatics, the gentle cooking of the chicken, and the thoughtful balance of spices. Whether you're feeding a family on a busy weeknight or looking for comfort food with a twist, this Chicken Enchilada Soup delivers Mexican-inspired flavors in a spoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except toppings to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Remove the chicken to shred it, then return to the pot before serving with toppings.
→ What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
If you don't have enchilada sauce, you can use salsa or tomato sauce mixed with extra chili powder, cumin, and a dash of oregano. For a homemade version, blend roasted red peppers with the additional spices.
→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Add fresh toppings when serving.
→ How can I make this soup creamier?
For a creamier texture, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of sour cream or 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. You could also add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot.
→ What's the best way to prepare the chicken for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for cooking raw chicken breasts directly in the soup, you can also use 2-3 cups of pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. If using rotisserie chicken, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm through.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

A hearty, flavorful soup that captures all the delicious flavors of chicken enchiladas in a comforting bowl, customizable with your favorite toppings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 onion, diced
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
05 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
06 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
07 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
08 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
09 4 cups chicken broth
10 1 teaspoon chili powder
11 1 teaspoon cumin
12 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings (Optional)

13 Shredded cheese
14 Sour cream
15 Chopped cilantro
16 Avocado slices
17 Lime wedges
18 Crispy tortilla strips

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup.

Step 05

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and crispy tortilla strips.

Notes

  1. Add a splash of lime juice directly into the soup before serving to brighten the flavors
  2. For a creamier soup, stir in a cup of sour cream or cream cheese until well blended
  3. Adjust the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to suit your spice preference

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle
  • Two forks for shredding chicken

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (if using cheese or sour cream toppings)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 234
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 23 g