The creamy, cheesy richness of this Chicken Enchilada Soup will instantly transport you to a cozy Tex-Mex kitchen. With every spoonful packed with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and the warming kick of spices, it’s a comforting meal that’s quick enough for any night of the week.
Ideal for busy families, this one-pot wonder satisfies cravings while saving time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this soup is a bold, flavorful hug in a bowl. Don’t forget the crushed tortilla chips on top—they add just the right amount of crunch!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup frozen corn
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
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Crushed tortilla chips (for serving)
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Sour cream and avocado slices (optional toppings)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
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Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
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Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for another minute to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
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Add enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Stir well.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
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Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot with crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and avocado slices if desired. Garnish with cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Soup (And Why It’s the Best)
When it comes to comfort food with a bold flavor twist, few dishes can compete with Chicken Enchilada Soup. This recipe combines everything you love about classic chicken enchiladas—savory shredded chicken, vibrant spices, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheese—but transforms it into a cozy, spoonable soup that’s perfect for any time of year.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for a busy week, or simply craving something warm and hearty, this dish delivers. Let’s dive into why this chicken enchilada soup isn’t just good—it’s the best.
A Flavorful Fusion of Comfort and Tex-Mex
This soup takes its inspiration from the bold, zesty flavors of traditional Tex-Mex cuisine. Think cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a base of red enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies—all simmered together with chicken broth and cream cheese to create a rich, velvety soup base.
The addition of black beans and corn brings both texture and nutrition, while shredded chicken soaks up all that smoky, spicy goodness. Finished with a sprinkle of cheddar and a few crunchy tortilla chips on top, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
The Origins Behind the Dish
While traditional enchiladas have been around for centuries—traced back to Aztec times—enchilada soup is a modern twist that emerged as a quick, comforting way to enjoy the same great flavors in half the time.
Many home cooks began turning to soups as a weeknight alternative, especially in colder months, and Chicken Enchilada Soup gained popularity for its bold taste, ease of preparation, and versatility. It became a staple in both restaurant menus and home kitchens, celebrated for being hearty, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Here’s what sets this Chicken Enchilada Soup apart:
1. One-Pot Wonder
Everything comes together in a single pot, making cleanup minimal. It’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something filling without a lot of fuss.
2. Flavor Depth Without Complication
Thanks to a combination of pantry staples like enchilada sauce, canned tomatoes, and spices, you get incredible depth of flavor in just 35 minutes. No need to spend hours slow cooking!
3. Super Customizable
Prefer it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce. Want it creamier? Stir in more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. Need it dairy-free? Skip the cheese and use plant-based alternatives. The recipe is flexible enough to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
4. Great for Leftovers and Meal Prep
This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge or freeze in batches—it reheats like a dream.
Health Benefits of Chicken Enchilada Soup
While it’s creamy and indulgent, this soup can actually be quite nutritious—especially when made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of some of its nutritional benefits:
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the shredded chicken and black beans, this soup is rich in protein, helping to keep you full and support muscle health.
- Fiber-Rich: Beans and corn add a solid dose of fiber, which is important for digestion and satiety.
- Balanced Meal: You get a little of everything—lean protein, complex carbs, healthy fats (from avocado or cheese), and veggies—all in one bowl.
- Immune-Boosting Ingredients: Garlic, onion, and spices like cumin have natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
You can make this recipe even healthier by using low-sodium broth, adding extra veggies (like spinach or bell peppers), or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Tips for the Best Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and cuts prep time in half.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour with oil and spices at the start helps thicken the soup and creates a rich base.
- Soften Cream Cheese Before Adding: Let the cream cheese come to room temp, or cube it and stir slowly so it melts evenly into the soup.
- Top It Right: Garnishes elevate the soup—don’t skip the tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado. Even a squeeze of lime adds a bright contrast.
Perfect Occasions for Serving
- Weeknight Dinner: Fast and filling enough for your busiest evenings.
- Game Day Favorite: A fun, crowd-pleasing soup that pairs perfectly with nachos or beer.
- Potluck Star: It’s easy to transport and always gets compliments at gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Store it in portioned containers for the week ahead.
What to Serve with Chicken Enchilada Soup
While this soup is a full meal on its own, here are a few great pairings:
- Cornbread or Jalapeño Cheddar Muffins
- Side Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Quesadillas or Cheese-Stuffed Tortillas
You can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a cold margarita for a Tex-Mex twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sauté the onions and spices first, then transfer all ingredients (except cheese/cream cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4. Stir in cheese and cream cheese 30 minutes before serving.
Is it gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with cornstarch or a GF flour blend and ensure your enchilada sauce is certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Enchilada Soup is more than just a dish—it’s a warm bowl of comfort, culture, and convenience. It takes the heartiness of traditional Mexican fare and blends it with the simplicity of a one-pot soup that anyone can make.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, warm up on a chilly day, or impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe checks all the boxes. Add it to your meal plan—you won’t regret it!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying, this Chicken Enchilada Soup is the one to try. It brings together all the bold Tex-Mex flavors you love in a quick, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or cozy weekends at home. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and just the right amount of spice, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Don’t forget to make it your own—add your favorite toppings, spice it up to your taste, or double the batch to freeze for later. No matter how you serve it, one thing’s for sure: every bowl is packed with comfort and crave-worthy flavor.