There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s brimming with flavors that take you on a delicious journey. Picture this: the first chilly evening of fall, where I found myself craving something hearty yet simple. That’s when this Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup became my go-to recipe.
With tender chicken mingling with a creamy base elevated by the zesty notes of green chiles and enchilada sauce, it’s a harmony of flavors that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Plus, the beauty of this dish lies not just in its taste but in its versatility; whether you opt for the slow cooker method or whip it up on the stovetop, this soup delivers comfort without the fuss.
Join me as I share this family favorite that transforms your weeknight dinners into something special, inviting everyone to gather around the table for a warm, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to savor.
Why is Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup a Must-Try?
Comforting Warmth: This soup embodies the warmth of home, perfect for cozy evenings with family or friends.
Quick to Prepare: With simple stovetop or slow cooker options, dinner can be on the table in no time!
Flavorful Base: The creamy combination of green chiles and enchilada sauce makes each spoonful a delight.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with beans or your choice of vegetables to suit everyone’s taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Its flavors and textures make it a hit, even among picky eaters, ensuring second helpings!
Make it even easier by using leftover rotisserie chicken for a seamless cooking experience.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Ingredients
For the Soup
- Cooked Chicken – Provides protein and substance; using rotisserie chicken speeds up prep.
- White Beans – Adds creaminess and additional protein; can substitute with black beans or pinto beans.
- Cream Cheese – Contributes a rich, creamy texture; using softened cream cheese ensures it blends well.
- Corn – Offers sweetness and texture; frozen corn is a convenient substitute.
- Green Chiles – Adds mild heat and flavor; opt for mild varieties if you prefer a less spicy soup.
- Green Enchilada Sauce – Infuses the soup with robust Southwestern flavors; red enchilada sauce can be used for a different taste.
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Salt – These spices enhance the overall flavor profile; feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Chicken Broth – Serves as the soup base; homemade or store-bought broth works great for convenience.
For Toppings
- Tortilla Strips – For crunchy texture and topping; crushed tortilla chips are a quick alternative.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds rich flavor; feel free to use your favorite cheese for a unique twist.
- Sour Cream – Introduces creaminess and tang; Greek yogurt can serve as a lighter option.
- Avocado – Adds freshness and creaminess; slice just before serving to maintain its vibrant color.
- Cilantro – Offers a fresh finish; adjust quantity based on your love for this aromatic herb.
Elevate your dinner with this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
How to Make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
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Prep Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure to soften the cream cheese, as this will help it blend smoothly into the soup, creating that luscious texture we all love.
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Combine in Slow Cooker: 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 everything together until well mixed for an even flavor distribution.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll want it to be thoroughly heated, and the aroma will let you know it’s time to enjoy your heartwarming dish!
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro to taste. Enjoy it warm, and watch the smiles grow at your dinner table!
Stovetop Instructions: If you prefer a quicker method, combine all ingredients in a large pot and heat over medium. Stir occasionally until it simmers, which should take about 10 minutes.
Optional: Top with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup prep tips are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare all your ingredients—like the cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, and spices—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply chop and measure everything, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just combine all the prepped ingredients in your slow cooker or pot, add the chicken broth, and heat for about 2-3 hours on high (slow cooker) or 10 minutes (stovetop). This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavor while skipping time in the kitchen on hectic weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: Freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but omit dairy ingredients before freezing for best texture. Add cream cheese and toppings after reheating.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Stir well to reincorporate ingredients.
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Serving Tip: For a delightful experience, serve your reheated Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup with freshly made tortilla strips or cornbread!
What to Serve with Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
As you savor this delightful bowl of creamy goodness, consider pairing it with these complementary dishes to elevate your dining experience.
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Cornbread: The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread balances the soup’s creamy richness, providing a perfect bite every time.
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Tortilla Chips: Crisp tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch, making them an irresistible addition for scooping up every last drop of soup.
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Spanish Rice: Fluffy, flavorful Spanish rice rounds out the meal, offering a hearty side that absorbs the delicious flavors of the soup.
Creamy and comforting, this soup is versatile enough for any sidekick. Each pairing enhances the soup’s flavors, turning a simple dinner into a feast for the senses.
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Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad with lime dressing brightens your plate and complements the southwestern flavors beautifully.
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Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn topped with lime, cheese, and chili powder adds smokiness and sweetness that harmonizes with the soup.
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Margaritas: For a spirited touch, serve a zesty margarita to complement the flavors, making it a delightful dining experience.
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Churros: End your meal with warm, sugary churros that offer a sweet contrast to the soup’s savory depth, leaving everyone satisfied and smiling.
Expert Tips for Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and enhances flavor. Just shred and add it straight into your soup for convenience.
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Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending, preventing lumps in your creamy soup.
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Adjust Spice Levels: Start with mild green chiles and gradually increase the quantity or add jalapeños if your family enjoys a kick in their Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup.
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Thickening Option: For a creamier texture, use a cornstarch slurry; mix cornstarch with a little cold broth before adding to the soup.
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Ingredient Variations: Don’t hesitate to substitute white beans or add fresh veggies like spinach for a nutrients boost without compromising flavor.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with this comforting recipe and make it your own while adding bold flavors and textures!
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Bean Swaps: Replace white beans with black beans or hominy for a different creaminess and a bit of extra color.
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Veggie Boost: Add fresh spinach or diced bell peppers to increase nutrient content and add a pop of color to your bowl.
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Spicy Twist: Include diced jalapeños or switch to a spicy enchilada sauce for an extra kick that heat lovers will adore.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep it creamy without the dairy.
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Herb Infusion: Elevate flavor by adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme, enhancing that cozy, home-cooked aroma.
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Texture Play: Replace tortilla strips with crunchy roasted chickpeas for added protein and an unexpected crunch that adds texture.
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Citrus Splash: Squeeze in some fresh lime juice right before serving for a zesty freshness that brightens the entire dish.
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Fun Garnishes: Spice it up with toppings like pickled red onions or crumbled feta cheese, adding layers of flavor that surprise your palate.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of cooked chicken should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and convenience, I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken. It saves prep time and infuses the soup with a delicious roasted flavor. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, that works perfectly too!
How should I store my leftover soup?
You’ll want to keep your leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it to ensure it stays fresh and delicious for your next meal!
Can I freeze Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Very! To freeze, you should omit any dairy ingredients (like cream cheese and toppings) before freezing, as they don’t freeze well. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers and it will be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then add the cream cheese after reheating for the best texture!
What if my soup turns out too thick?
No worries! If you find your soup is thicker than you’d like, simply add more chicken broth or water a little at a time while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. This way, you’ll keep that creamy flavor while adjusting the texture to your liking!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! For those with dairy allergies, you can swap the cream cheese for a non-dairy cream cheese alternative or leave it out entirely for a lighter option. Additionally, always check the labels of canned ingredients like enchilada sauce and broth for potential allergens.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup?
Great question! To elevate the flavors, consider sautéing some onions and garlic before adding them to the soup for a fragrant kick. You can also add a splash of lime juice or some fresh herbs like cilantro right before serving for an added burst of freshness!
Hearty Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup You’ll Crave Daily
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure to soften the cream cheese, as this will help it blend smoothly into the soup.
- 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 everything together until well mixed for an even flavor distribution.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours until heated thoroughly.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro to taste. Enjoy warm!
- For a quicker method, combine all ingredients in a large pot and heat over medium. Stir occasionally until it simmers, about 10 minutes.
- Optional: Top with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zesty kick!