Warm up with a bowl of this creamy, cheesy Green Enchilada Chicken Soup! With tender shredded chicken, zesty green enchilada sauce, and melty cheeses, it’s the perfect comforting meal for any chilly day.

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup : as the days grow colder, finding delicious meals that warm both your body and soul becomes essential. This is where the creamy, cheesy Green Enchilada Chicken Soup bursts into the spotlight. Packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty green enchilada sauce, and melty cheeses, this dish offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your heart with warmth and joy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, you will find that this recipe is approachable and straightforward.

The combination of creamy textures and cheesy goodness makes this soup a family favorite. Kids and adults alike will be coming back for seconds! What’s more, this soup is versatile: you can enjoy it as a meal on its own or pair it with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

Moreover, this soup is a great way to make use of leftover ingredients. Have some chicken in your fridge? Want to use up that jar of green enchilada sauce? This recipe can help you turn simple kitchen staples into a delectable dish that everyone will love.

How to Prepare Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

Let’s dive into the details of preparing this delightful Green Enchilada Chicken Soup. The process is simple and requires minimal preparation time. Below, you will find the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this lovely dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 can (10 oz) of green enchilada sauce
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
2. Combine the Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken to the pot, followed by the green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, black beans, corn, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together.
3. Season the Soup: Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Cheese: Once the soup is simmering, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend together.
5. Serve: Once your soup is ready, serve it hot in bowls. You can garnish it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup makes for a hearty meal on its own, but there are numerous ways to elevate your dining experience. Serving this soup with warm tortilla chips or crispy tostadas adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

You can also consider pairing it with a simple salad for a fresh, vibrant contrast. A side of Mexican rice or cornbread would be wonderful as well, soaking up all the creamy goodness of the soup.

To make it even more festive, consider topping your servings with additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or extra cheese.

How to Store Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

If you happen to have leftovers (which is quite rare with how delicious this soup is), storing them is straightforward. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

You can safely store the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the soup before serving if it has thickened.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stove.

Tips for Preparing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken not only saves you time but also adds wonderful flavor to the soup. However, if you prefer to cook your own chicken, poach or grill it beforehand.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients like herbs and spices. This will enhance the flavor profiles of your soup.
4. Make It a Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner ready for the week.
5. Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the toppings you use. Every addition can transform the taste and experience of the soup and can be tailored to individual preferences.

Variations

While this recipe for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is already delicious, you might want to try out some variations to mix things up:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for kidney beans or chickpeas for a filling vegetarian option. You could also add in seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.
• Spicy Version: If you’re a heat lover, consider adding chipotle peppers or diced serrano peppers to amplify the spiciness of the soup.
• Creamy Dreamy Version: If you want to make the soup even creamier, consider adding cream cheese while it simmers for extra richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken but make sure to fully cook it first before shredding, either in a pot or a slow cooker. Just remember that frozen chicken will require additional cooking time.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese shortly before serving to keep it melty and creamy.

3. Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese blend for a delicious dairy-free soup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a perfect dish for those chilly days when you crave warmth and comfort. Its creamy, cheesy nature combined with shredded chicken and zesty flavors creates a satisfying meal that everyone in your family will adore. With its simple preparation and the ability to serve it in numerous ways, it’s sure to become a staple recipe in your home. So, get your ingredients ready, gather around the stove, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!