This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights, this creamy and hearty soup is not only simple to prepare but also packed with nutrition. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, this soup will surely become a favorite at your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal cooking while you attend to other tasks.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of green enchilada sauce and spices creates a bold flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with toppings like tortilla strips, cheese, or avocado for a personalized touch.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe smoothly, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are the tools you’ll need to prepare this tasty dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Stirring spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, making it easy to let the flavors meld while you do other things.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
- Knife: Ensures precise cutting of chicken and vegetables for even cooking.
- Stirring spoon: Helps mix all ingredients thoroughly to enhance flavor integration.
Ingredients
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup features wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.
Protein & Beans
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
Creamy Base
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
Vegetables & Sauces
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles
- 1 14-ounce can green enchilada sauce (or red)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Broth & Toppings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 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: Prepare the 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 well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours. Check occasionally until the soup is hot throughout.
Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls. Add your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips or strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Add crispy tortilla strips on top for a delightful crunch.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for extra creaminess.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the heat from the green chiles.
- Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the soup and adds a burst of flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice for an added zing.
- Jalapeño Slices: For those who like it spicy, jalapeño slices are a great addition.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Rice: A side of cilantro lime rice pairs well with the soup.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To make this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup even better, consider these tips for a flawless dish.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For quicker prep, shred rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chili powder based on your spice preference.
- Experiment with Beans: Try different beans such as black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with spices complements the soup beautifully.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a tasty starter.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides freshness and crunch alongside the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans are hearty and nutritious.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds a zesty touch when served as a topping or side.
- Queso Dip: A warm queso dip served with chips is perfect for dipping before enjoying the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best results with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.
- Using unseasoned chicken: Always use well-seasoned or pre-cooked chicken to enhance the flavor of your soup. Seasoning while cooking makes a huge difference.
- Skipping the cream cheese: The cream cheese adds creaminess and depth. Don’t skip it! If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead.
- Overcooking the soup: Cooking for too long can break down the ingredients. Stick to the recommended cooking time for optimal texture and flavor.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; you might need to add more salt or spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Ignoring toppings: Toppings like avocado and cilantro bring freshness and texture. Don’t forget to add them before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Freeze in portions for easy reheating later. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are tightly sealed.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.
Can I make this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How spicy is this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
The spice level can vary based on the green chiles used. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for mild green enchilada sauce.
What toppings work best with this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
Some great options include tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor to your soup.
Final Thoughts
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only creamy and hearty but also a versatile dish that your whole family will love. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness any night of the week!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
Indulge in the cozy comfort of this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe. This creamy, hearty dish combines tender chicken, white beans, and vibrant green enchilada sauce, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just 10 minutes of preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor. Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like crispy tortilla strips, fresh avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to make it uniquely yours. Perfect for meal prep and packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can green chiles
- 1 can green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, enchilada sauce, seasonings, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until hot throughout.
- Serve in bowls topped with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
