Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Thick, creamy, and easy-to-make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a wholesome meal that brings comforting Tex-Mex flavors right to your table. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious side dish, this soup fits the bill perfectly. Packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Each bowl is filled with rich spices and fresh veggies that create a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with your favorite sides like cornbread or tortilla chips.
• Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with beans, chicken, and vegetables, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone.
• Easy Cleanup: Made in one pot, this recipe minimizes dishes and makes cooking stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Hand blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: It allows for ample space to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough room for blending.
• Hand blender: Perfect for achieving the creamy texture without transferring hot soup to another container.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while you chop fresh ingredients efficiently.

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

Garnish

• 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 of Butter or Ghee in the large stockpot over medium-high heat.
– Add the diced onion, sliced celery, thinly sliced carrot, diced red bell pepper, and chopped garlic.
– Cook until softened for about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Stir in the seasonings:
– Add ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and low sodium chicken broth.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until veggies are very tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Remove from heat; using a hand blender:
– Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
– Return the pot to medium heat.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Mix in:
– Red kidney beans,
– Black beans,
– Sweet corn,
– Shredded cooked chicken.

Stir well to combine. Boil for a couple of minutes just to heat everything through.

Step 5: Serve

Pour the soup into bowls:
– Top with shredded cheese or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re looking for something simple or a bit more extravagant, here are some great serving suggestions.

Toppings

• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and richness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream gives a tangy contrast to the soup’s flavors.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the dish.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the entire bowl, enhancing all flavors.

Accompaniments

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a delightful texture contrast. Use them for dipping!
• Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread pairs well, adding a comforting element to your meal.
• Rice: Serving the soup over rice makes it even heartier and more filling.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese: Top with extra Mexican shredded cheese for a gooey finish.
• Jalapeños: Sliced jalapeños can add heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creating an unforgettable Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; adjust spices to your preference for the perfect balance.
• Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, blend thoroughly after cooking but leave some chunks for added texture.
• Add Extra Protein: Consider adding beans or extra chicken for a protein boost and satisfying meal.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can elevate the meal. Here are some delicious options.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup beautifully.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and pair perfectly with Tex-Mex flavors.
3. Guacamole: This creamy dip not only tastes great but also provides healthy fats.
4. Salad Verde: A fresh salad with lime dressing balances the richness of the soup.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smoky flavor and are an excellent way to include more greens.
6. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make a delightful side that kids will love too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking vegetables: Overcooked veggies lose their texture and flavor. To avoid this, sauté until just tender before adding liquid.

• Skipping the blending step: For a truly creamy soup, blending is essential. If you skip this, your soup may be too chunky. Use a hand blender for a smooth consistency.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor. Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust salt, pepper, or spices accordingly.

• Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup. Opt for a low-sodium, high-quality chicken broth to enhance the flavor profile.

• Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Rushing the cooking time can lead to a bland soup. Allow it to simmer so all ingredients can infuse their flavors together.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Pour into freezer-safe containers.
• Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup that might help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use other meats in my Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef based on your preference.

How spicy is this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

The spice level depends on the chili powder you use. Adjust it according to your taste by adding more or less.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with extra beans or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What toppings work best for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

You can top it off with avocado slices, cilantro, or tortilla strips for added flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different proteins or toppings based on your preferences. It’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or as a hearty side dish. Give it a try!