Flavorful Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinners
Hearty and comforting, this chicken enchilada soup simmers with robust flavors that dance across your palate with every spoonful.
Authentic Mexican-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create a rich, creamy experience that warms you from the inside out.
Each carefully chosen ingredient whispers tales of traditional culinary craftsmanship and bold southwestern charm.
Tender chicken mingles with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary embrace.
Bright peppers and zesty seasonings add depth and complexity to this soul-satisfying soup.
Topped with crisp tortilla strips and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this soup transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining adventure.
Let’s find out this delectable recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a true flavor fiesta.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients Required for Enchilada Soup
For Building Flavor Base:
Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich foundation for sautéing vegetables and releasing their deep, aromatic qualities.
Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized undertone that creates depth in the soup's overall taste profile.
Green Onions: Brings a sharp, fresh bite and vibrant green color to enhance visual and flavor complexity.
Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a mild, slightly crisp vegetable note with a subtle green freshness.
For Creating Soup Texture and Liquid:
Enchilada Sauce: Delivers a robust, spicy Mexican-inspired flavor that defines the soup's character.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity, natural sweetness, and a chunky texture to the soup base.
Cream Cheese: Provides a luxurious, creamy smoothness and rich tangy undertone that binds ingredients together.
For Protein and Heartiness:
Chicken Breasts: Offers lean, tender protein that makes the soup filling and satisfying, best when using pre-cooked, tender meat.
Black Beans: Introduces a protein-packed, earthy element with a delightful creamy texture and nutritional boost.
Frozen Corn Kernels: Brings a sweet, juicy pop of flavor and additional texture with minimal preparation effort.
Kitchen Items for Making Enchilada Soup
Dutch oven or soup pot: Large, deep cooking vessel perfect for making hearty soups with even heat distribution.
Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and breaking down cream cheese smoothly without scratching the pot.
Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, bell peppers, and chicken with ease.
Sharp knife: Reliable tool for precise dicing of vegetables and chicken breast.
Measuring cups: Helps accurately portion ingredients like chicken broth and beans.
Stirring spatula: Great for mixing ingredients and ensuring everything combines well.
How to Prepare Cheesy Enchilada Soup
Sizzling Aromatics The Dutch oven becomes your flavor playground. Drizzle olive oil and welcome chopped onions and bell peppers, letting them dance and soften into golden tenderness.
Creamy Magic Splash enchilada sauce into the pot, then introduce cream cheese. Gently coax the cheese into silky submission, breaking it down with gentle wooden spoon strokes.
Hearty Layers Tumble in diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels. Watch as the soup transforms into a vibrant, colorful landscape of textures and tastes.
Protein Power Add tender chicken pieces and pour in rich chicken broth. Let everything simmer and mingle, creating a harmonious blend that warms from the inside out.
Final Touch Remove the pot from heat. Crown your creation with sprinkles of green onions and a generous handful of melty mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to dive into this comforting bowl of goodness.
Flavor and Texture Tips for Enchilada Soup
Turn this enchilada soup into a hearty casserole by layering ingredients in a baking dish and topping with crispy tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version that keeps the same flavor profile.
Adjust heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce, or add diced jalapeños for adventurous taste buds who love a little kick.
This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly to maintain its creamy texture without separating the ingredients.
Get creative with garnishes like crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or extra shredded cheese to personalize each bowl and add exciting texture contrasts.
Ways to Serve This Enchilada Soup
Comfort Corner: Pair this hearty soup with warm, buttery cornbread for a classic southwestern comfort meal that hugs your taste buds.
Crunch Factor: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips on top to add a delightful texture and extra Mexican-inspired crunch to every spoonful.
Cooling Companion: Serve alongside a fresh, zesty side salad with cilantro-lime dressing to balance the richness of the cheesy chicken enchilada soup and provide a refreshing contrast.
Dip and Dive: Offer warm, soft flour tortillas or crusty bread on the side for dunking and soaking up all the delicious, cheesy broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
How to Store and Reheat Enchilada Soup
Soup Storage Solutions: Smart Ways to Keep Your Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup Fresh
Refrigerator Magic: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring maximum taste when reheated.
Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and maintain creamy consistency.
Portion Control Trick: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing. This makes quick meals easy and prevents repeated reheating that can affect quality.
Rich Mexican-inspired chicken enchilada soup delivers hearty comfort with complex southwestern flavors. Home cooks can quickly prepare this satisfying one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, bold spices, and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (from a roast chicken)
1 can (10 oz / 280 g) enchilada sauce
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels, drained
Instructions
Preparation: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium flame, coating the bottom with olive oil.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Build Base: Stream in enchilada sauce and cream cheese, whisking continuously until cheese melts completely and blends smoothly into the liquid.
Combine Ingredients: Introduce diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, and chicken breast pieces, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
Simmer and Develop Flavors: Pour in chicken broth and allow the soup to gently simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent bottom scorching and ensure consistent heat distribution.
Adjust Consistency: Thin the soup with additional broth if needed, aiming for a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the spoon.
Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh green onions and a lavish sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing residual warmth to slightly melt the cheese topping.
Serve Immediately: Ladle into warm bowls, ensuring each serving captures the soup’s rich, creamy essence and is enjoyed while piping hot.
Notes
Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and peppers thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized base that enhances the overall soup’s taste profile.
Prevent Cheese Clumping: Break down cream cheese slowly and consistently to ensure smooth, lump-free integration into the soup.
Simmer Strategically: Maintain a gentle, steady simmer to allow flavors to meld and chicken to become perfectly tender without overcooking.
Top with Texture: Add fresh green onions and melted cheese just before serving to create a vibrant, appetizing final presentation that elevates the dish’s appeal.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.