This Chicken Enchilada Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy broth. It’s versatile, allowing for preparation on the stovetop or in a Crock Pot, and can be made with chicken breasts, thighs, or even leftover chicken. Perfect for cozying up during cooler months, this soup offers a delightful blend of spices and textures that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
4 cups chicken broth
1 pound cooked chicken (breast, thighs, or shredded leftover)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges

Directions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, stirring frequently.
Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, green chilies, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Add Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add softened cream cheese to the soup, stirring until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
Add Cheese: Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as sour cream, additional shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 cup):

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugars: 6 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sodium: 800 mg
Potassium: 700 mg

Health Benefits of Chicken Enchilada Soup

While Chicken Enchilada Soup is packed with flavor, it’s also a healthy and well-balanced dish. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this soup offers a wide range of benefits. One of the main ingredients, chicken, is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Protein helps in maintaining and building muscle mass and is important for the body’s structure and function.

The beans in this soup, particularly black beans, provide a rich source of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for good digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, fiber promotes satiety, which means you’ll feel full longer, making it a great choice for those looking to control their appetite. The combination of protein and fiber in this soup makes it an excellent option for those seeking a balanced, filling meal.

The addition of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes adds a variety of nutrients such as vitamins A and C, which support immune health, skin health, and eye health. These vegetables, along with the optional additions of cilantro, jalapeños, and lime, contribute to the soup’s nutritional value, providing antioxidants and additional health benefits.

Coconut or dairy cream in the recipe also adds healthy fats, particularly when using unsweetened coconut cream. These fats help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and the soup’s richness adds to the comforting feel of the dish. Moreover, these fats contribute to overall heart health when consumed in moderation.

Why Chicken Enchilada Soup is the Perfect Comfort Food

Comfort food is defined by its ability to provide warmth and nostalgia, and Chicken Enchilada Soup does just that. It’s the type of meal that makes you feel at home, offering the perfect blend of creamy and spicy flavors. The soup’s smooth and velvety texture, combined with the crunchy garnishes like tortilla chips or sour cream, makes each spoonful a satisfying experience. The richness of the broth contrasts beautifully with the fresh toppings, making each bite an exciting blend of textures and tastes.

Additionally, the ability to adjust the spice level allows you to customize the dish to your taste, whether you prefer a milder flavor or a more robust kick. If you like heat, you can add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to bring up the spiciness, or add more sour cream to mellow it out. For those who love rich and creamy flavors, the inclusion of cream cheese or Monterey Jack cheese adds a luxurious texture and a velvety mouthfeel that is often associated with comfort food.

The soup’s versatility means that it can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. For instance, it can be made gluten-free by ensuring the enchilada sauce and other ingredients are free from gluten. Additionally, for those who are looking for a lighter version, you can swap out the cream cheese or use a low-fat version without compromising the soup’s flavor.

Customizing Your Chicken Enchilada Soup

One of the best features of Chicken Enchilada Soup is its adaptability. You can make changes to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions, making this soup a versatile and personalized dish. Here are some ways to customize the recipe:

Add More Vegetables: You can incorporate additional vegetables to enhance the soup’s nutritional value. For example, corn, zucchini, or carrots can be added to increase the fiber and vitamin content. Adding vegetables not only boosts the nutrition but also adds more texture and flavor to the dish.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level based on your preference. If you prefer a milder soup, use less cayenne pepper or chili powder. For more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a tangy, spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: If you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can easily swap the chicken for plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or extra beans. You can also omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese for a completely plant-based version.
Toppings: The beauty of soups like Chicken Enchilada Soup lies in the toppings. You can use your favorite toppings to customize the dish. Consider adding crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor and crunch. Chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also elevate the soup’s taste and add richness.
Creaminess Level: For an extra creamy soup, consider adding more cream cheese or blending part of the soup in a blender for a thicker consistency. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese or use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Making Chicken Enchilada Soup in a Crock Pot

While making Chicken Enchilada Soup on the stovetop is quick and easy, preparing it in a Crock Pot (slow cooker) allows you to make a hands-off version that is just as delicious. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in an even more flavorful soup.

To make the soup in a Crock Pot, simply combine all the ingredients (except the cream cheese and cheese) into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the cream cheese and shredded cheese, allowing them to melt and blend into the soup. The slow cooking process will enhance the depth of flavor and make for an easy meal that requires minimal effort.

Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a filling and flavorful dish, but if you’re looking to serve it with something extra, here are some great pairing options:

Cornbread: A classic pairing for any soup, cornbread adds a slightly sweet, crumbly texture that complements the spiciness of the soup.
Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside some crispy tortilla chips for extra crunch. You can also dip them directly into the soup for added texture.
Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup. A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado would work wonderfully.
Rice: For a more substantial meal, serve the soup with a side of cilantro lime rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.

Conclusion

Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of Mexican cuisine in one easy-to-make meal. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. Its versatility allows it to be customized to suit various dietary preferences, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings with friends.

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