Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful soup that will make you feel like you’re indulging in comfort food but with a bit of a healthier twist, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is just what you need. This dish is like a big, warm hug in a bowl—rich, creamy, and bursting with all the familiar, delicious flavors of enchiladas. With tender chicken, a smooth, creamy broth, and just the right amount of spice, this soup is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for chilly nights when you want something cozy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

This soup isn’t just tasty—it’s practical, too. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple to make but packs a punch of flavor. Here’s why it’s going to be your new go-to:

Comforting and Hearty:

Creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavors, this soup feels like a cozy bowl of happiness. It’s the kind of dish that will warm you from the inside out.

Quick and Easy:

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Explosion:

The combo of chicken, enchilada sauce, and a creamy base creates a flavor explosion that’s both rich and just spicy enough. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, it’s like eating enchiladas in soup form!

Customizable:

You can easily adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or top it with all your favorite garnishes. Want extra cheese? Go for it! Add some avocado or a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.

One-Pot Wonder:

This is a one-pot soup, so you get all the flavor without all the mess. Cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for this comforting, creamy soup. With just a few key items, you’re going to create something that feels fancy but is actually super simple.

For the Soup Base:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy in this soup. They soak up all the flavorful broth and give the soup a hearty texture.
• Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, adding depth and flavor to the creamy broth. You can use low-sodium chicken broth for a lighter version.
• Enchilada Sauce: This gives the soup its signature bold flavor. The tomato and chili base of enchilada sauce brings that perfect mix of tangy and spicy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds the creamy, velvety texture that makes this soup so indulgent without being too heavy.
• Cream Cheese: A little cream cheese helps thicken the soup and makes it extra creamy. Plus, it adds a slight tang that balances out the heat.
• Onion: Diced onions bring a sweet, savory depth to the soup, complementing the spices and creaminess.
• Garlic: A must-have for any flavorful soup! Fresh garlic adds a punch of aromatic goodness.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne bring the perfect blend of heat and smokiness. Feel free to adjust these to your liking.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the soup, giving it that perfect consistency. You can omit it for a thinner broth if you prefer.

For Garnishes:

• Crispy Tortilla Strips: These add a delightful crunch and are a perfect complement to the creamy soup.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese makes for the perfect finishing touch.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the soup with a touch of freshness.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds just the right amount of zing to the dish.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

This creamy chicken enchilada soup is so simple to make and perfect for those days when you want comfort food without a lot of fuss. Let’s get started:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the pot for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The aromatics will add so much flavor to the base of your soup!

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Spices

Pour in the chicken broth and enchilada sauce. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and cornstarch. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

While the soup is simmering, shred the chicken breasts using two forks or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the soup hot with your favorite toppings—crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 890mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some delicious sides to round it out:

With Cornbread:

Serve with a warm slice of cornbread to sop up all that creamy broth. The slightly sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory, spicy soup.

With a Side Salad:

A crisp, fresh salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the soup.

With Chips:

Tortilla chips are a great side for dipping. Serve them alongside the soup for extra crunch!

As a Standalone:

Honestly, this soup is so flavorful and filling that it’s great all by itself. Just top it with all your favorite garnishes, and you’ve got a delicious meal in a bowl.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice:

Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne to your liking. If you want a spicier soup, add extra cayenne or some chopped jalapeños.

Make It in the Slow Cooker:

For an easy slow cooker version, add all the ingredients (except the cream and cream cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in the cream and cream cheese just before serving.

Make It Ahead:

This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Just make sure to add the cream and cream cheese when reheating, as they can sometimes separate when frozen.

Add More Veggies:

For extra veggies, consider adding corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to the soup. They’ll add color, texture, and extra flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
A1: Yes, rotisserie chicken works great! Just shred it and add it in during the last few minutes of simmering.

Q2: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A2: You can try substituting the cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A3: Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q4: Can I make this soup spicier?
A4: Absolutely! Add some diced jalapeños or a bit more cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

Q5: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A5: Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even queso fresco would work well in this soup.

Q6: How can I make this soup thicker?
A6: If you want a thicker soup, try adding more cream cheese or a bit of heavy cream. You can also reduce the broth slightly to create a more concentrated flavor.

Q7: Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?
A7: Yes! Ground chicken will work as well. Just brown it in the pot before adding the onions and garlic.

Q8: How can I make this soup more filling?
A8: Add some beans (like black beans) or corn for extra texture and bulk. You could also serve it over rice or cauliflower rice.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
A9: Yes! Feel free to throw in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition.

Q10: Can I cook this soup on the stovetop if I don’t have a slow cooker?
A10: Absolutely! This recipe is made for the stovetop, so just follow the instructions as written to make it on the stove.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is comfort food at its finest—creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spice. With tender chicken, a rich broth, and all the delicious flavors of enchiladas, it’s the perfect soup for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this soup won’t disappoint! Enjoy every warm, flavorful bite!

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