Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Thick, creamy, and easy-to-make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful dish that everyone will love. This soup is wholesome and filling, loaded with chicken and your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a satisfying side dish for gatherings. The standout feature of this recipe is its simplicity, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels while delivering rich flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients – The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a delightful taste that packs a punch.
• Versatile Dish – Enjoy it alone or serve it with toppings like cheese or avocado; the possibilities are endless!
• Nutritious Option – Packed with beans and veggies, this soup is full of nutrients while still being comforting.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Hand blender
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot – Ideal for cooking larger quantities of soup without spilling.
• Hand blender – Helps achieve that creamy texture quickly without needing to transfer hot soup between containers.
• Cutting board – Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 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)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano

Base Ingredients

• 15 ounces Diced fire-roasted Tomatoes (1 can)
• ¼ Cup Tomato Paste
• 4 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth

Beans and Chicken

• 14.5 ounces Red Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
• 14.5 ounces Black Beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
• 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Sweet Corn
• 2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken

Toppings

• 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 1 tablespoon Butter or Ghee in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add:
– 1 Medium Onion (diced)
– 2 Celery Stalks (sliced)
– 1 Medium Carrot (thinly sliced)
– 1 Large Red Bell Pepper (diced)
– 2-3 Garlic Cloves (chopped)

Cook until softened for about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in the following seasonings:
– 1½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
– 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
– 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano

Add:
– 15 ounces Diced fire-roasted Tomatoes
– ¼ Cup Tomato Paste
– 4 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the veggies are very tender.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

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

Step 4: Add Beans, Corn, and Chicken

Add:
– 14.5 ounces Red Kidney Beans
– 14.5 ounces Black Beans
– 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Sweet Corn
– 2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken

Stir to combine and boil for a couple of minutes just to heat everything through.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Pour into bowls and top with shredded cheese or your favorite toppings. Enjoy this comforting 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 many ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or as part of a larger meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

• Avocado Slices: Add fresh avocado slices on top for a creamy texture and extra flavor.
• Crispy Tortilla Strips: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch.
• Chopped Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro to brighten the soup’s flavors.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish that complements the spices.

Pairing with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread for dipping, which can soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks alongside for a satisfying side.

Combining with Salads

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad pairs well and adds sweetness.
• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall taste and nutritional value of your soup.
• bold Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
• bold Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend the soup longer until smooth before adding additional ingredients.
• bold Use Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the saltiness while ensuring rich flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Serving side dishes alongside your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. bold Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the spicy flavors of the soup.
2. bold Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime complements the soup beautifully.
3. bold Quesadillas: Cheese quesadillas make a perfect dipping companion; try adding beans or veggies inside!
4. bold Nachos: Crispy nachos topped with cheese and jalapeños offer a crunchy element that pairs well with the creamy soup.
5. bold Mexican Rice Salad: A cold rice salad mixed with black beans and corn balances the warm soup nicely.
6. bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal, enhancing its appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not sautéing the vegetables properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always take the time to soften them in the pot first.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can result in a bland soup. Always season to your preference before serving.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Choosing subpar ingredients can affect the overall taste. Opt for fresh or high-quality canned products for the best results.
• Not Blending Enough: Under-blending can leave you with an uneven texture. Ensure you blend until smooth and creamy for that perfect consistency.
• Overcooking Beans: Overcooking beans can make them mushy. Add them at the right time, just enough for heating through without losing their texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Good for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over low-medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup:

Can I substitute chicken with another meat?

Yes, you can use beef or turkey instead of chicken. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I make this soup spicier?

To add heat, include diced jalapeños or extra chili powder when cooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with additional beans and vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What toppings work well with Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Consider using avocado slices, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

How long does it take to prepare this soup?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or as a comforting side dish. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!