Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Thick, creamy, and easy-to-make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful dish that combines comforting flavors with wholesome ingredients. This soup is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as a satisfying side dish for gatherings. With its rich texture and zesty taste, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with spices, beans, and chicken, every spoonful delivers a burst of flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a hearty side; it pairs well with tortillas or rice.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro for extra flair.
• Healthy & Filling: Loaded with nutritious ingredients, this soup is both satisfying and good for you.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Hand blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without spilling.
• Hand blender: Allows you to easily blend the soup to a creamy consistency without transferring hot liquids.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

Vegetables & 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)

Canned Goods & Spices

• 1½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
• 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 15 ounces Diced fire-roasted Tomatoes (1 can)
• ¼ Cup Tomato Paste
• 4 Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth

Beans & Corn

• 14.5 ounces Red Kidney Beans (drain and rinsed, 1 can)
• 14.5 ounces Black Beans (drain and rinsed, 1 can)
• 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Sweet Corn

Protein & Garnish

• 2 Cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
• 1 Cup Mexican Shredded Cheese Blend (for garnishing)
• Salt and pepper, to your taste

How to Make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Melt the Base Ingredients

Melt 1 tablespoon of Butter or Ghee in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, sliced celery, thinly sliced carrot, diced red bell pepper, and chopped garlic. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Seasonings and Broth

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

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Remove from heat. Using a hand blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Beans and Chicken

Return the pot to medium heat. Stir in the drained red kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, and shredded cooked chicken.

Step 6: Heat Through and Serve

Boil for a couple of minutes to heat everything thoroughly. Pour into bowls and top with shredded cheese or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add extra flair, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh and zesty flavor that complements the soup.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado balances the spicy notes of the soup.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors, making each bite refreshing.

Pair with Tasty Toppings

• Mexican Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle on top for an extra layer of creaminess.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop provides a cooling contrast to the spices.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: For added crunch and texture, sprinkle some chips over the soup.

Serve in a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and fill it with the soup. It’s both fun and edible!

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

To make your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture in your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer it spicier, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper while cooking.
• Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, blend the soup longer before adding beans and chicken.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different beans like pinto or black-eyed peas for variation in taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup.
2. Guacamole: This rich dip adds creaminess and enhances the Tex-Mex experience.
3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices rounds out the meal nicely.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with fresh salsa provide a delightful starter.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies add a healthy touch to your plate.
6. Ceasar Salad: A crisp salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and beans make for a hearty side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skip the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Ensure you measure your ground cumin, chili powder, and oregano carefully for a flavorful dish.
• Boldly ignore ingredient prep: Failing to chop vegetables uniformly can result in uneven cooking. Take your time when dicing and slicing to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Boldly rush the cooking process: Cooking the soup too quickly can lead to undercooked veggies. Allow enough simmering time for all ingredients to become tender.
• Boldly forget to blend: Skipping the blending step means missing out on that creamy texture. Use a hand blender for smoothness that makes every bite delightful.
• Boldly neglect toppings: Serving without toppings can make the soup less appealing. Garnish with shredded cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup.

What is Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a thick, hearty soup made with chicken, beans, vegetables, and Tex-Mex spices. It’s rich and satisfying!

Can I customize this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different beans, use ground turkey instead of chicken, or adjust the spice levels according to your taste.

How long does it take to make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup?

The total time for making this soup is about 35 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients or toppings based on your preference. Try this recipe today for a comforting and satisfying meal!