This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful dish that combines the warmth of creamy soup with the vibrant flavors of green enchiladas. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. With its hearty ingredients and savory spices, it stands out as a comforting meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just under 4 hours, making it perfect for those busy nights when time is short.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy texture creates a deliciously satisfying soup that’s bursting with flavor.
- Family Favorite: With its comforting taste and appealing toppings, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken, beans, and veggies, this soup provides nourishment without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips for an extra layer of flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this flavorful soup, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool simplifies cooking by allowing you to set it and forget it while achieving rich flavors through slow simmering.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, ensuring efficiency in preparation.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps in easily dicing chicken and chopping vegetables, making the prep work quick and safe.
Ingredients
For this delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Protein & Beans
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
Creamy Base & Veggies
- 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)
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Broth & Garnishes
- 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: Combine Ingredients
In a slow cooker, add all the prepared ingredients:
1. Add the cooked chicken.
2. Toss in white beans.
3. Mix in cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth.
4. Stir everything until well combined.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high heat:
– Cook for 2-3 hours until the soup is hot throughout.
Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Once cooked:
– Ladle the soup into bowls.
– Top each bowl with tortilla strips or chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro as desired. Enjoy!
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only easy to make but also packs a punch of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance flavors and textures.
With Tortilla Chips
- Crunchy texture: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy soup.
Add Fresh Avocado
- Creamy addition: Diced avocado adds a smooth texture and rich flavor, making each spoonful even more satisfying.
Top with Shredded Cheese
- Extra cheesiness: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top while serving for an added layer of flavor and creaminess.
Garnish with Cilantro
- Fresh herb: Chopped cilantro brings freshness and brightness, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Include Sour Cream
- Tangy finish: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a tangy flavor that balances the spices perfectly.
Serve with Lime Wedges
- Zesty kick: Offering lime wedges allows guests to add a zesty touch, brightening the soup’s rich flavors.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To make your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the taste significantly compared to canned or frozen options.
Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of chili powder or green chiles based on your heat preference. This customization can make a big difference.
Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like jalapeños or diced tomatoes to create new flavor profiles each time you serve this dish.
Cook low and slow: If time permits, cook on low for 6-8 hours instead of high for deeper flavors as ingredients meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with spices complements the soup’s creamy texture beautifully.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is an excellent pairing that balances the savory notes of the soup.
Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and pairs well with the spicy flavors in the soup.
Simple Salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas are great for dipping into the soup, adding extra cheesy goodness.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa provide an easy appetizer that complements the main dish perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using unseasoned chicken: Make sure your chicken is well-seasoned before adding it to the soup. This enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Skipping the cream cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess and depth. Don’t omit this ingredient for a smoother soup.
- Not rinsing beans: Rinsing white beans removes excess sodium and improves taste. Always rinse them before using.
- Cooking too long: Overcooking can make ingredients mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking time for optimal texture.
- Ignoring toppings: Toppings like avocado and cheese add flavor and texture. Don’t skip these for a complete experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup can last in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, bake in a covered dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about this delicious soup, here are some common questions answered.
What ingredients are in the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
The main ingredients include cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, and green enchilada sauce.
Can I customize the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables or spices based on your preference. Try bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor!
How do I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese or skipping the cheese toppings.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes! This soup stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Keep portions ready in your fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients. Give it a try; it’s sure to warm your heart and please your taste buds!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Indulge in the warmth of this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, where creamy goodness meets zesty flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this hearty soup combines tender chicken, white beans, and vibrant green enchilada sauce, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. With customizable toppings like fresh avocado, crispy tortilla strips, and tangy sour cream, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes for a delightful family meal. Ready in under four hours, it’s an easy recipe that delivers comfort and nourishment in every bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (rinsed)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 1 can (14 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- tortilla strips
- shredded cheddar cheese
- diced avocado
- sour cream
- cilantro
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, enchilada sauce, spices, and chicken broth. Stir until well mixed.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until heated through.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with tortilla strips, cheddar cheese, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
