This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful and comforting dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this creamy and hearty soup combines tender chicken with zesty green chiles and savory spices. It’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to whip up something special with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time, allowing you to get dinner on the table in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings, making it versatile for all taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe a success, having the right tools can make a big difference. Below are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool makes cooking hands-free, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time while you attend to other tasks.
- Knife: A sharp knife will help you chop ingredients quickly and safely, ensuring an efficient prep process.
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.
Main Ingredients
- 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
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: Prepare Your Ingredients
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 until well combined.
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. Stir occasionally if possible.
Step 3: Serve with Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls. Add your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips or strips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is both comforting and versatile. It’s perfect for serving up a cozy meal with family or friends. Here are some great suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips add a delightful texture and complement the creamy soup.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese creates a rich, melty layer on top.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices and adds creaminess.
- Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado provides a creamy element and a burst of flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers a refreshing finish that brightens the dish.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a sweet and buttery addition.
- Salad: A light green salad can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
- Rice: Fluffy rice pairs well, making the meal more filling and satisfying.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To make this soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added convenience, rotisserie chicken can save time while enhancing flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference for a customized taste.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can increase nutrition and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Alternatives: For a lighter version, low-fat cream cheese works well without sacrificing creaminess.
- Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes—try jalapeños or lime wedges for an extra zing!
Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Pairing sides with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole makes for a perfect dip alongside the soup.
- Mexican Rice: This seasoned rice pairs wonderfully, adding more substance to the meal.
- Black Bean Salad: A zesty black bean salad brings in protein and freshness as a side dish.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are always a hit, providing an easy-to-eat companion to the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer an earthy taste that complements the soup’s flavors.
- Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips with salsa provide crunch and zest for dipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience with this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.
- Skipping Prep Work: Not preparing your ingredients beforehand can lead to a chaotic cooking experience. Chop, measure, and organize everything before you start.
- Overcooking the Chicken: If you use dried chicken, it can become tough. Use tender cooked chicken and ensure not to overcook while in the slow cooker.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Not adjusting the seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust spices to your liking for maximum flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Low-quality beans or broth can affect the soup’s taste. Choose high-quality, low-sodium broth and fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Not Allowing for Customization: Sticking strictly to the recipe may limit your enjoyment. Feel free to add extra veggies or swap beans based on what you have at home.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Ensure the soup is completely cooled before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space for expansion as the soup freezes.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.
What is a green enchilada?
A green enchilada is typically made with tortillas filled with meat or beans and topped with a green sauce made from tomatillos or green chiles.
Can I make this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
How do I spice up my Green Enchilada Chicken Soup?
For added heat, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also increase the chili powder for more flavor.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! If using raw chicken, cut it into pieces and cook on high in the slow cooker for about 4 hours until fully cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also highly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and additional ingredients. Give it a try and discover how delightful homemade soup can be!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
Warm up your evenings with this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, a creamy and hearty dish that bursts with southwestern flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this soup combines tender chicken, zesty green chiles, and savory spices into a delightful bowl of comfort. Ready in just a few hours thanks to your slow cooker, it’s an easy way to enjoy a nutritious meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Customizable and delicious, this soup is bound to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 1 can (14 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Spices: onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt
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. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours until heated through. Stir occasionally if possible.
- Serve hot and top with tortilla strips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
