Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness that warms your heart and fills your belly, then this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is just what you need! It’s one of those recipes that I turn to time and again, especially on busy weeknights when time seems to slip away. The creamy texture combined with the delightful flavors of green chiles and spices makes it an instant favorite among friends and family alike.

What I love most about this soup is how simple it is to prepare. Toss everything into a slow cooker, let it simmer, and voilà! You have a hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or even casual gatherings. Plus, it’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep work, you can have this delicious soup ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and mild spice of the green enchilada sauce.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Just store leftovers in the fridge or freeze for later.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spices to suit your family’s taste.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with chicken, beans, and veggies—this soup nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some wholesome ingredients to bring this delicious soup to life. They are simple to find and come together beautifully in your slow cooker!

For the Soup

• 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

For Toppings

• 2 cups tortilla strips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large avocado (diced)
• cilantro (fresh chopped)

Variations

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the Protein: Use shredded turkey or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or switch to spicy green enchilada sauce!
• Creamy Alternative: For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream.

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 everything together until well combined. This step is important because mixing all these ingredients allows their flavors to meld beautifully as they cook.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

Cover your slow cooker and set it on high heat for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process lets all those lovely flavors develop while keeping the chicken moist and tender. It’s like magic happening in your kitchen!

Step 3: Serve with Toppings

Once your soup is hot and bubbly, ladle it into bowls. Now comes the fun part—add your favorite toppings! Sprinkle tortilla strips on top for crunch, followed by shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh avocado cubes, and cilantro for that pop of freshness. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful soup!

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe with loved ones! I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does mine. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Creating this delightful soup is a breeze, but a few tips can make it even better!

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and reduces your prep time significantly.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, opt for mild green chiles and reduce the amount of chili powder. This way, everyone can enjoy it without overwhelming their taste buds.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix and match toppings! Try adding sliced jalapeños or pickled onions for an extra zing and texture.
• Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with additional beans or add chopped bell peppers and zucchini. You’ll still get that hearty feel without the meat!
• Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they meld together!

How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Serving this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary items that enhance the meal experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime right before eating brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Crumbled Tortilla Chips: Adding some crunched-up tortilla chips on top provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Sliced Green Onions: For an added pop of color and mild onion flavor, sprinkle sliced green onions on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice makes a perfect side dish, soaking up the delicious broth while adding its own subtle flavors.
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a crispness that complements the richness of the soup.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole not only pairs well in flavor but also adds a rich texture that enhances each spoonful of soup.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins served warm are wonderful for dipping into the soup, adding a comforting sweetness to your meal.

Enjoy making this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe! It’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later use, making busy weeknights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• For stovetop reheating, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Always check that the soup is piping hot before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I make the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute cooked chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or simply add more beans and veggies for a hearty vegetarian version.

How long does the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe last in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before storing!

What toppings go well with Green Enchilada Chicken Soup?

Some popular toppings include tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!

Final Thoughts

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is truly a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week or looking for something special to share with loved ones, this recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Can’t wait for you to try it!