There’s a certain comfort that comes from a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s as enticing as Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup. Picture this: you’re coming in from a brisk day, the smell of earthy spices and creamy goodness welcomes you home. This isn’t just soup; it’s a delightful hug in a bowl, brimming with shredded chicken, hearty beans, and just a kiss of heat from the green chiles.
I stumbled upon this recipe on a particularly hectic weeknight, and I’ve been thankful for it ever since! It transforms garden-fresh ingredients into a creamy concoction that can be made effortlessly either in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into leftover rotisserie chicken or raw chicken—no more boring meals! Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or craving something satisfying after a long day, this soup is here to impress.
So, why not ditch the takeout and embrace homemade goodness? Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why is Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup a Must-Try?
Comforting Warmth: After a long day, nothing beats the soothing embrace of this creamy soup, perfect for cozy nights at home.
Quick Preparation: This recipe is designed for busy schedules, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the stress of lengthy cooking.
Versatile Options: Whether you have leftover rotisserie chicken or prefer to start with raw chicken, this dish accommodates your pantry staples.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of green chiles, creamy cream cheese, and spices delivers a rich and satisfying taste that your family will love.
Nutritional Balance: With healthy components like white beans and chicken broth, it’s a nourishing option for your dinner table.
Take advantage of these benefits and discover how to make the best Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup that everyone raves about!
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- Cooked Chicken – Adds protein and substance; shredded rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- White Beans – Provides creaminess and texture; can substitute with black beans or chickpeas.
- Cream Cheese – Contributes creaminess and a rich flavor; use softened cream cheese for easy blending; can also substitute with sour cream.
- Corn – Adds sweetness and crunch; use canned corn or frozen corn, depending on availability.
- Green Chiles – Introduces a mild heat and flavor boost; adjust quantity based on spice preference; use canned or fresh.
- Green Enchilada Sauce – Offers a key flavor dimension and color; red enchilada sauce can be used for a different taste.
- Onion & Garlic Powder – Enhances flavor and aromatic quality; fresh minced onion and garlic can be used for more intensity.
- Chili Powder & Salt – Adds seasoning and depth; adjust quantities to taste; consider using smoked chili powder for a smoky flavor.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the soup base; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
For the Toppings
- Tortilla Strips – Adds crunch and texture; use store-bought or homemade for freshness.
- Cheddar Cheese – Provides richness and flavor; shredded cheese can be adjusted to your preference.
- Sour Cream – Brings creaminess and brightness; substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Avocado – Adds creaminess and healthy fats; diced avocado enhances texture.
- Cilantro – Introduces fresh herbal notes; use chopped or whole leaves based on preference.
Dive into this flavorful adventure with all the ingredients you need for perfect Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup!
How to Make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
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Prepare Base: In a slow cooker, combine cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth. Stir everything well until combined.
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Cooking Process: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the soup is hot and bubbly. If using the stovetop, bring to a simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro before serving.
Optional: For an extra layer of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
This creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep, making your busy weeknights easier! You can prepare the soup base (all ingredients except the toppings) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Simply mix your cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, and spices in a slow cooker or pot and let it chill. When you’re ready to serve, just heat it on the stove or in the slow cooker for about 10-15 minutes until hot, then add your favorite toppings. This way, you’ll enjoy a fulfilling homemade meal with minimal effort and just as rich a flavor!
What to Serve with Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Complete your comforting meal with these delightful pairings that enhance the flavors of your soup.
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Cornbread: A slightly sweet, buttery cornbread complements the creamy soup perfectly, adding a lovely texture contrast.
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Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips add an enjoyable crunch and make for a fun dip, ideal for scooping up the soup.
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Fresh Cilantro Salad: A zesty salad with cilantro, lime, and diced tomatoes adds a refreshing brightness, balancing the soup’s rich flavors.
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Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on warm, crusty bread offers a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with the enchilada soup.
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Pineapple Salsa: A sweet and tangy pineapple salsa provides a delicious contrast, enhancing the soup’s southwestern flair with tropical sweetness.
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Margaritas: The light citrusy zing of a classic margarita complements the flavors while making your meal feel festive and fun.
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Churros: For dessert, cinnamon-sugar churros offer a deliciously sweet finish, rounding out your meal with a touch of indulgence.
Expert Tips for Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, opt for precooked rotisserie chicken, adding it in the last 10 minutes to warm through.
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Control Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of green chiles and enchilada sauce according to your spice preference; start with less for a milder soup.
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Don’t Skimp on Cream Cheese: Make sure to use softened cream cheese for a smoother blend into the soup base; this is key to achieving that creamy texture.
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Simmer for Flavor: Let the soup simmer longer on the stovetop if you have time—this enhances the flavor as the spices meld beautifully together.
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Top ‘Em Right: Make your soup truly special with an assortment of toppings—don’t skip the avocado and cilantro for added freshness and texture!
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Make-Ahead Friendly: This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup can be made in bulk and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful soup to suit your taste, each bite will be unique!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free alternative.
- Heat It Up: Add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to crank up the spice levels for those who like it hot.
- Veggie-Loaded: Toss in fresh vegetables like zucchini or diced tomatoes for a colorful, nutrient-packed twist.
- Protein Boost: Use shredded beef or ground turkey instead of chicken to switch up the protein while keeping it hearty.
- Beans Galore: Swap white beans for black beans or navy beans, resulting in a different texture and flavor profile.
- Zesty Lime: Squeeze in fresh lime juice at the end for a zesty kick that brightens every flavor note in the soup.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs such as oregano or thyme, which can add depth and a wonderful aroma to the dish.
- Creamy Avocado: Blend in ripe avocado for an ultra-creamy texture that makes the soup even more indulgent and satisfying.
Discover a myriad of flavors and textures with these variations to make this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup your very own!
How to Store and Freeze Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without dairy components (like cream cheese and toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a dollop of sour cream or cheese before serving for extra creaminess.
Make-Ahead Tips: This Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use cooked chicken, like shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or raw chicken cut into pieces. If using raw chicken, it will need to be cooked through in the soup, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes until no longer pink inside.
How should I store leftovers?
Absolutely! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, just warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, and if it’s gotten too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to life!
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Can I freeze Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup, but make sure to leave out the cream cheese and toppings. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
How can I make the soup less spicy?
Very! To mellow the spice levels, use fewer green chiles and choose a mild enchilada sauce. It’s always good to start with smaller quantities, taste as you go, and adjust according to your taste preferences.
What can I substitute for white beans?
You can easily swap the white beans for black beans or chickpeas depending on what you have on hand. Each alternative will bring a different texture and flavor profile, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Are there any dietary considerations?
If you have dietary restrictions, there are several adjustments you can make! For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based cream cheese or omit the dairy altogether and enhance the flavor with extra spices!
Hearty Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup for Cozy Nights
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- In a slow cooker, combine cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth. Stir everything well until combined.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the soup is hot and bubbly. If using the stovetop, bring to a simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro before serving.