This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this soup stands out as a nutritious meal option that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a comforting dish for your family, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with chicken and beans, each spoonful is filled with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your soup with toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips for added flair.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
Tools and Preparation
To create this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for easy cooking, letting you set it and forget it while you go about your day.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping your ingredients efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing chicken and vegetables, saving you time in preparation.
Ingredients
This Green Chile Chicken Soup is made with fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together to create a comforting dish.
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
Beans
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Vegetables
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles
- 1 large avocado (diced)
- cilantro (fresh chopped)
Sauces & Seasonings
- 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
Broth & Toppings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups tortilla strips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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 thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours or until the soup is hot throughout. The longer it cooks, the more flavors meld together.
Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips or strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can elevate the meal experience. With the right toppings and accompaniments, you can customize each bowl to meet your family’s tastes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your soup.
Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips add a delightful texture and are perfect for scooping.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, adding richness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spiciness with its creamy goodness.
- Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, making every bite satisfying.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances flavor with a burst of freshness and color.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully, offering a comforting side that complements the soup.
- Rice: Serve with a side of fluffy rice for added heartiness, perfect for soaking up the flavors.
- Salad: A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To make your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience and added flavor, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut in this recipe.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more chili powder or using spicy green enchilada sauce if desired.
- Add Fresh Veggies: For extra nutrition, toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini during cooking.
- Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like lime wedges or jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
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 delightful options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices and tomatoes, this rice dish adds a delicious base that pairs perfectly with the soup.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers freshness and flavor while enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Black Bean Salad: This refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and lime dressing adds a nice crunch alongside the soup.
- Chips and Salsa: Crisp tortilla chips served with salsa provide an enjoyable crunch and zesty flavor contrast.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with veggies or chicken make great dipping companions for your soup.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo brings bright flavors that enhance every spoonful of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not using enough liquid: If you don’t add enough chicken broth, the soup can become too thick. Always ensure you measure liquids accurately.
- Overcooking ingredients: Cooking the soup for too long can make the chicken dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best results.
- Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget key spices like chili powder and onion powder!
- Ignoring texture: Not adding toppings like tortilla strips or avocado can result in a less satisfying dish. These add crunch and creaminess that elevate your soup.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap or old ingredients can affect the overall flavor. Opt for fresh produce and high-quality canned goods for a tastier soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before sealing it tightly.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Leave some space in the container as the soup may expand when frozen.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover it; heat until hot throughout.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, here are some common questions.
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.
How spicy is the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
The spice level depends on the green chiles you use. For milder flavors, select a mild variety of green enchilada sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What toppings work best with this soup?
Toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla strips add great flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spices according to your taste. Give this hearty dish a try; it might just become your new go-to meal!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Indulge in the comforting warmth of our Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, a delightful blend of creamy textures and hearty ingredients. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with family and friends. Featuring tender chicken, wholesome beans, and zesty green enchilada sauce, each bowl is customizable with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips. Not only is this dish bursting with flavor, but it is also a nutritious meal option that can be made in a slow cooker for ultimate convenience. Enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade soup that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans (15 oz) white beans (rinsed & drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 1 can (14 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Toppings: tortilla strips, shredded cheese, diced avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until heated through.
- Serve hot with desired toppings like tortilla strips and fresh avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
