Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Zesty, Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Introduction

If you crave all the bold, zesty flavors of chicken enchiladas but want the simplicity and comfort of a hearty soup, look no further than Chicken Enchilada Soup. This meal delivers layers of savory, slightly smoky magic, all in one easy-to-make pot. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and always leaves everyone reaching for seconds.

Flavor-Packed Comfort: Why Make Chicken Enchilada Soup?

What sets this recipe apart is how it translates the essence of enchiladas—rich tomato, creamy broth, and a hint of heat—into a deeply satisfying soup. You get tender shredded chicken, perfectly seasoned beans and corn, and gooey cheese in every bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or prepping quick meals for the week.

Streamlining Prep for Delicious Results

Chopping vegetables is a breeze with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, ensuring uniform onions and peppers in minutes. For authentic flavor, sautéing your aromatic ingredients in a large, heavy pan is key—just don’t forget to keep your workspace clean and organized with a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 that can handle whatever you throw at them.

When it comes to shredding cooked chicken, speed things up with a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black. It creates the perfect texture for this soup, saving you time and effort. And if you want an ultra-smooth base, blend a portion of the soup with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black—this adds rich body and depth.

The Easy Step: Layering & Simmering

Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic, then layer all your classic enchilada flavors: smoky spices, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and golden corn. Shredded chicken joins the party along with savory chicken broth and your favorite enchilada sauce. Let it all simmer until the flavors meld and the aroma says “dinner is ready.”

Serving & Garnish Tips

The beauty of Chicken Enchilada Soup is in the finishing touches. Ladle into bowls and garnish with melty cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, crunchy tortilla strips, or a squeeze of lime. For easy meal prep and storage, portion into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)—the soup stays fresh and reheats beautifully for lunches and leftovers.

Chicken Enchilada Soup: Nutrition and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each bowl provides ample protein from chicken and a good dose of fiber from beans and corn—with plenty of flavor and less guilt than classic enchiladas. Nutritional estimates may vary based on your toppings and cheese choice, but this soup is a balanced comfort food you can feel confident serving.

All the Best of Enchiladas, in a Bowl (Recap)

Chicken Enchilada Soup transforms everything you love about traditional enchiladas into an easy, ultra-satisfying dish—layered with vibrant spices, tender chicken, and creamy, cheesy goodness. With simple technique and a few helpful kitchen tools, you’ll have a bowlful of warmth for any night of the week.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen corn
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (plus more for topping)
– Garnishes: sour cream, cilantro, tortilla strips, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper (use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, even chopping). Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  2. Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot. Pour in the drained black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, red enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and flavors have melded.
  4. Remove chicken from the pot. Shred using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and the soup is creamy.
  5. (Optional) For extra creaminess, carefully blend 1-2 cups of soup in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black and stir it back into the pot.
  6. Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with additional cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla strips. For meal prep or easy leftovers, store soup using Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup).

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

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