This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that delivers warmth and flavor in every bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this creamy soup combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green enchilada sauce. With its simple preparation and rich taste, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just a few minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and green enchilada sauce creates a delightful taste that will excite your palate.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with chicken, beans, and veggies, this soup is sure to satisfy even the hungriest diners.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips for an extra burst of flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like chicken and beans, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking, simmering flavors to perfection while you go about your day.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts, making prep work quick and hassle-free.
Ingredients
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe includes the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles
- 1 14-ounce can green enchilada sauce (or red)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken broth
Toppings
- 2 cups tortilla strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large avocado (diced)
- cilantro (fresh chopped)
How to Make Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add the cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2–3 hours or until the soup is hot throughout.
Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls. Add your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips or strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a delightful experience that allows you to customize each bowl. With various toppings and accompaniments, you can cater to different tastes and preferences.
Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy strips add texture and are perfect for dipping.
- Shredded Cheese: Melted cheddar cheese enhances the creaminess of the soup.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spice and adds richness.
- Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado provides a creamy contrast and healthy fats.
- Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds freshness and a burst of flavor.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory soup.
- Rice: Serve with a side of rice for added heartiness, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Salad: A light salad with lime dressing complements the soup’s richness.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To make your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor without extra cooking.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicier, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Stir Occasionally: While cooking, give your soup a stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices; perfect for absorbing the soup’s flavors.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds a rich texture and flavor contrast.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa that brightens up the dish with its zesty taste.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add depth and are a colorful addition to your plate.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy tortillas filled with your choice of ingredients make a satisfying side.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa create a fun snack alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning – Failing to add enough spices can make the soup bland. Always measure your spices and adjust according to taste.
- Not using cooked chicken – Using raw chicken will alter the cooking time and texture. Ensure your chicken is pre-cooked and diced properly.
- Ignoring the cream cheese – Not allowing the cream cheese to soften can lead to clumps in your soup. Cube it and let it sit at room temperature before adding.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker – Adding too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Stick to the ingredient amounts listed in the recipe for best results.
- Neglecting toppings – Skipping toppings can make your soup less enjoyable. Use tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until hot throughout.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until warm.
- Stovetop – Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! Feel free to swap white beans for black or pinto beans based on your preference.
How spicy is this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
The spice level is mild due to green chiles. For more heat, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, and cilantro are excellent choices that enhance flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. Customize it with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what you have at home. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfect for any weeknight!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Indulge in the comforting warmth of our Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This creamy soup features tender chicken, hearty white beans, and a zesty green enchilada sauce that melds together beautifully in your slow cooker. With minimal prep time, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends spent with family. Topped with crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and shredded cheese, each bowl offers an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more. Make this nutritious and satisfying soup today, and watch it become a staple in your home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans (15 oz) white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 1 can (14 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours until heated through.
- Serve warm in bowls topped with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
