This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion from busy weeknights to cozy family dinners. Its creamy consistency and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing the work, this soup is not just easy to make but also full of wholesome goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Comfort Food: The creamy texture and rich flavors provide the ultimate comfort on chilly evenings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken, beans, and vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice for the whole family.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro for added flavor.
- Feeding a Crowd: Serves 8 people easily, making it great for gatherings or meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup requires some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Perfect for hands-off cooking; it allows flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
- Cutting board & sharp knife: Essential for safely chopping ingredients like chicken and vegetables quickly and efficiently.
Ingredients
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a simple, healthy and delicious soup that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, hearty, full of flavor and sure to become a new family favorite.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles
- 1 14-ounce can green enchilada sauce (or red)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken broth
Toppings
- 2 cups tortilla strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large avocado (diced)
- cilantro (fresh chopped)
How to Make Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add the cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours. The soup is ready when it is hot throughout.
Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls. Finish by adding your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips or strips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your flavorful Green Enchilada Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup in creative ways can enhance the meal experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to make this dish even more enjoyable.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Tortilla Strips: Add crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top not only adds flavor but also makes the soup look appealing.
- Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and a rich flavor, balancing the spices in the soup.
- Cilantro Garnish: Chopped cilantro gives a refreshing taste that brightens up each bowl.
Pair with Bread or Chips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping; it’s perfect for soaking up every drop of the soup.
- Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with this savory soup, adding a comforting touch.
Create a Full Meal
- Side Salad: A simple green salad can provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serving this soup over rice or quinoa adds heartiness and makes it more filling.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added convenience, use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by selecting mild or hot green chiles based on your preference.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition and flavor.
- Blend for Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, blend part of the soup before serving and mix it back in.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like jalapeños or pico de gallo for added zest.
Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup creates a delightful meal. Here are some great options:
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole adds richness and pairs well with tortilla chips.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice is a perfect complement, providing a mild base that balances the soup’s spices.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer alongside the soup.
- Black Bean Salad: A cold black bean salad offers a refreshing contrast and adds fiber to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans make an attractive and hearty side dish.
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These are perfect for dipping into your soup while adding cheesy goodness to every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can be a breeze, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using uncooked chicken – Always use cooked chicken for this recipe. Raw chicken will not cook properly in the slow cooker and can lead to food safety issues.
- Skipping the seasoning – Don’t underestimate the power of spices. Properly season your soup to enhance flavors; otherwise, it may taste bland.
- Neglecting the cream cheese – Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the mixture. This helps it blend smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
- Overcooking the soup – Cooking for too long can break down ingredients and change textures. Stick to the recommended cooking time for best results.
- Forgetting toppings – Toppings are essential for texture and flavor. Don’t skip them; they elevate your soup from good to great!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this delightful soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
What makes the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe creamy?
The addition of cream cheese contributes to its rich and creamy consistency, making each spoonful comforting and satisfying.
Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes! While white beans work well, feel free to experiment with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.
How spicy is this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
The spice level can vary depending on the green enchilada sauce used. Choose mild sauce for a gentler flavor or hot sauce for extra kick!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace chicken with diced vegetables or plant-based protein, and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try it today, and enjoy a cozy bowlful of deliciousness that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
Indulge in the comforting and flavorful Green Enchilada Chicken Soup, a perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. This creamy soup combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green enchilada sauce, creating a delightful bowl of goodness that everyone will love. With minimal preparation time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can have a nutritious meal ready to serve in just a few hours. Top it off with fresh ingredients like avocado, cheese, and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Experience the warmth of this easy-to-make soup that promises to be a hit at your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 1 can (14 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Stir until well mixed.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until heated through.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
