Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and savory flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl. With its hearty ingredients and a touch of spice, it’s sure to become a beloved dish in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and can be made in a slow cooker, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Flavorful & Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and green enchilada sauce creates a rich, mouth-watering flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with chicken and beans, this soup provides essential protein and fiber for a healthy meal option.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado or cheddar cheese, to personalize each serving to your taste.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 8 generous servings, it’s ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup successfully, having the right tools on hand is crucial. Here are some essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other tasks or enjoy your day.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board helps keep your workspace organized when preparing ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures that chopping ingredients like chicken and vegetables is safe and efficient.

Ingredients

This Green Chile Chicken Soup is a simple, healthy, and delicious soup that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, hearty, full of flavor, and sure to become a new family favorite.

For the Soup Base

• 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)

How to Make Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in 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 about 2-3 hours or until the soup is heated throughout. The cream cheese should be fully melted into the mixture.

Step 3: Serve with Toppings

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with tortilla strips or chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy your warm bowl of deliciousness!

How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Serving your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is just as important as making it. The right toppings and accompaniments can elevate this dish and make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips add a delightful crunch and texture to the creamy soup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheese on top enhances the flavor while adding richness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream creates a creamy contrast and balances the heat from the green chiles.
• Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado provides a smooth, buttery texture that complements the soup perfectly.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color, enhancing the visual appeal.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread pairs wonderfully with the soup, offering a sweet and savory balance.
• Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Rice: Serving with cilantro-lime rice can absorb some of the soup’s broth and make for a heartier meal.

How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve delicious results every time.

• Use Leftover Chicken: Utilizing leftover chicken not only saves time but also adds depth of flavor to your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste before serving and adjust spices according to preference—add more chili powder for extra heat or omit if desired.
• Experiment with Broth: For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for cooking this soup.
• Let It Simmer Longer: If you have extra time, letting the soup simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Try Different Beans: Feel free to mix in black beans or pinto beans for varied texture and taste.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with other garnishes like lime wedges or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole adds richness that complements the spice in the soup.
2. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a perfect appetizer before enjoying the main dish.
3. Mexican Rice: This flavorful side is great for soaking up any leftover broth while adding extra substance to your meal.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo brings a zesty flavor that brightens up each bite of soup.
5. Spanish Rice: Seasoned rice cooked in tomato sauce provides a hearty addition that balances out the lightness of the soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A tray of colorful roasted vegetables can bring healthful variety to your plate while adding vibrant flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Make sure to measure out all your seasonings for a flavorful dish.
• Using cold chicken: Adding cold cooked chicken can slow down the cooking process. Use chicken that is at room temperature for quicker heating.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Low-quality broth or canned goods can affect the taste. Opt for high-quality chicken broth and fresh ingredients when possible.
• Not stirring properly: Failing to stir the mixture can cause uneven cooking. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined and heated.
• Overloading with toppings: Adding too many toppings can overwhelm the flavors of the soup. Choose a few favorites to enhance your dish without overshadowing it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container.

Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2-4 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.

Can I use other proteins in this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or even lamb depending on your preference.

How do I make this soup spicier?

To increase spiciness, add more green chiles or include diced jalapeños during cooking.

What can I serve with Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

Consider serving it with tortilla chips, fresh bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a delicious vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Try it today for a comforting meal that your whole family will love!