Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: 10 Best, Easy Recipes

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love These Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipes
• The 10 Best Easy Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipes
• Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
  • Ingredient Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Quick Tip: Shredding the Chicken
• Tips for the Best Creamy Texture
• Toppings and Serving Suggestions
• Storage Information
• Variations to Try
• F.A.Q
• More Delicious Soup Recipes

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the perfect bowl of **Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: 10 Best, Easy Recipes**! This comforting, flavor-packed soup is a family favorite, bringing all the deliciousness of chicken enchiladas into a warm, inviting bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty yet simple to prepare.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know, from essential ingredients to clever variations. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this incredible dish!

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipes

There are so many reasons to adore a good creamy chicken enchilada soup. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

This soup is also incredibly versatile, working beautifully as a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful dish for entertaining. It freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep, and the flavors only deepen with time.

The 10 Best Easy Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipes

While we’re focusing on one fantastic recipe today, the beauty of **Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: 10 Best, Easy Recipes** lies in its adaptability. Most recipes share a core set of ingredients, making it easy to find your perfect version. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder, more kid-friendly option, you can tailor it to your liking.

Here’s a classic, go-to recipe that embodies the best of creamy chicken enchilada soup. It’s designed to be simple, delicious, and achievable for any home cook.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

To make this rich and satisfying soup, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. These components come together to create that signature enchilada flavor in a creamy soup base.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (19 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Many ingredients can be swapped:

• **Chicken:** Leftover turkey or even ground beef (browned) can work in a pinch.
• **Rotel:** Use a can of diced tomatoes and add a chopped jalapeño or green chilies for heat.
• **Black Beans/Corn:** Feel free to omit or substitute with pinto beans, kidney beans, or other vegetables like bell peppers.
• **Cream Cheese/Heavy Cream:** For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese and milk, though the richness will differ. For extra creaminess, try full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
• **Enchilada Sauce:** Make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and tomato paste if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this creamy chicken enchilada soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious and easy meal.

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, shredded chicken, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. **Simmer Flavors:** Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer it will be!
4. **Add Creaminess:** Uncover the soup. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
5. **Season and Serve:** Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or your favorite toppings.

Quick Tip: Shredding the Chicken

The easiest way to shred chicken is to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Simply place cooked chicken breasts or thighs into the bowl and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. Voila, perfectly shredded chicken in no time! You can also use two forks.

Tips for the Best Creamy Texture

Achieving that perfect, luscious texture is key for a truly satisfying **Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup**. Here are some tricks to ensure your soup is wonderfully smooth.

Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the soup; this helps it melt seamlessly without clumping. Gradually whisk it in, stirring constantly until fully incorporated. If you prefer an even thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup (about 1-2 cups) with an immersion blender or in a regular blender, then return it to the pot before adding the cream cheese and heavy cream. This adds body naturally.

Toppings and Serving Suggestions

Enhance your **Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup** with a variety of delicious toppings. They add both flavor and texture, making each spoonful even better.

Consider these options:

• Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips or strips
• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice

Serve this hearty soup with a side of warm cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For more delightful recipes, check out Read our in-depth guide here.

Storage Information

This **Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup** is excellent for meal prep and stores beautifully. Leftovers are often even more flavorful the next day.

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out if it has thickened too much. This soup also freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For more food storage tips, visit FoodSafety.gov.

Variations to Try

Experiment with these delicious variations to keep your creamy chicken enchilada soup exciting and tailored to your tastes.

* **Spicy Kick:** Add a diced serrano pepper with the onions, or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
* **Smoky Flavor:** A smoked paprika can add a lovely depth. You could also add a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans, corn, and perhaps some diced bell peppers or zucchini for more substance.
* **Cheesy Goodness:** Stir in an extra cup of shredded cheese along with the cream cheese for an ultra-cheesy soup.
* **White Chicken Chili Style:** Use white beans, green enchilada sauce, and a touch of green chilies for a different flavor profile.

F.A.Q

Can I make this creamy chicken enchilada soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Combine all ingredients except the cream cheese and heavy cream in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking until melted and smooth.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Cooked, shredded chicken works best. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! You can also boil or bake chicken breasts or thighs and then shred them. Using dark meat chicken can add more flavor and moisture.

How can I make this soup less spicy?

To reduce the spice, use mild enchilada sauce and mild diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes). You can also omit the chili powder or use less of it. Adding extra heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream when serving can also help temper the heat.

More Delicious Soup Recipes

If you loved this **Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup**, you’re in for a treat! There are countless other fantastic soup recipes waiting to be discovered. From hearty stews to light broths, soup is a versatile meal for any occasion.

Explore different cuisines, experiment with seasonal ingredients, and find your next go-to comfort food. Happy cooking!