Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It combines the rich flavors of shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and zesty enchilada sauce, all simmered together in a savory broth. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something satisfying yet easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious dinner that your whole family will love.
Why We Love This Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Chicken Enchilada Soup. First and foremost, it strikes the perfect balance between taste and convenience. This dish is not only satisfying but can also be easily prepared in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup. The combination of spices and savory ingredients melds beautifully, creating a complex flavor profile that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Moreover, the customizable toppings like cheese, avocado, and cilantro elevate this soup to a whole new level, making it an exciting choice for both casual weeknight dinners and gatherings with friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is uncomplicated and rewarding.
Ingredients about Chicken Enchilada Soup
To whip up your delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado, diced
- Sour cream
How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup Directions
To start preparing this delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup, first, gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Sauté: In a large pot, place over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become translucent, releasing their aromatic qualities into the pot. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the cooked and shredded chicken to the pot. Pour in the enchilada sauce, followed by the black beans and corn. These ingredients offer a wonderful mix of textures and flavors that contribute to the soup’s heartiness.
- Add Broth and Spices: Next, pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything together. Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder to introduce that signature south-of-the-border flavor. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. This simmering time lets all the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a richly satisfying soup.
- Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, ensuring it’s just right for you.
- Serve: When ready to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Soup
Serving Chicken Enchilada Soup is as easy as enjoying it! When you dish it out, consider placing the soup in deep bowls, making it easier to enjoy every spoonful. Present it family-style on the dining table, allowing everyone to customize their servings with an array of toppings. The combination of the warm soup with the cold, creamy toppings like sour cream and fresh avocado creates an appealing contrast that is both delicious and satisfying.
If you want to elevate your meal further, pair your soup with tortilla chips or crusty bread. Offer some fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or laying out a comforting weeknight dinner, the simple act of serving this soup brings warmth and joy to the table.
Expert Tips: Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Use Leftover Chicken: For extra convenience, use leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s quick and adds more flavor without any additional cooking.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference. If you enjoy more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking.
- Make It Creamy: For a more indulgent soup, stir in a bit of cream or cream cheese just before serving to create a rich, luscious texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Avoid skip using garlic powder or onion powder for the best results.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the toppings! They not only add flavors but also a beautiful presentation that makes the soup even more enjoyable.
How to Store Chicken Enchilada Soup
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely because this soup is so delicious!), storing Chicken Enchilada Soup is straightforward.
- Cooling: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Containers: Transfer the soup into airtight containers. Glass containers are a great choice, as they don’t retain odors and can be reheated easily.
- Refrigeration: Store the containers in the refrigerator. The soup should remain fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to store it longer, consider freezing the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Variation of Chicken Enchilada Soup
One of the great things about Chicken Enchilada Soup is its versatility. You can customize it to your liking in numerous ways, making it an exciting dish that you won’t tire of.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with more black beans or other legumes, like chickpeas. You can also add in additional veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or kale for a nutritious boost.
- Cheesy Enchilada Soup: Stir in some cream cheese or shredded cheese while the soup simmers to create an even richer, gooier texture.
- Spicy Version: Add diced green chiles or a few drops of smoky chipotle sauce for an exciting twist.
- Taco Flavor Profile: Use taco seasoning instead of cumin and chili powder for a different flavor in your soup.
- Garnish Options: Experiment with various fresh herbs for garnishing. Instead of cilantro, you may want to try green onions or even fresh parsley for a different taste.
FAQ
What is Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Chicken Enchilada Soup is a flavorful, hearty soup that features shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce, all simmered together. It’s seasoned with spices and can be topped with cheese, avocado, and cilantro.
Can I make Chicken Enchilada Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when ready to serve.
How long does Chicken Enchilada Soup last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for about 3 to 4 days. If you decide to freeze it, it can last up to three months.
Are there variations of Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Yes! You can easily make variations by substituting the chicken for beans for a vegetarian option, adding more vegetables, or changing the spices to customize the flavors.
What toppings can I add to Chicken Enchilada Soup?
You can add various toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or even crushed tortilla chips for some crunch.
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed Adds heartiness to the soup.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 medium onion, diced For flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin For south-of-the-border flavor.
- 1 tsp chili powder Adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season accordingly.
Toppings
- Shredded cheese Customize based on preference.
- Fresh cilantro For garnish.
- Avocado, diced Adds creaminess and flavor.
- Sour cream Provides creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
Cooking
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn to the pot and stir.
- Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!