If you adore bold flavors combined with a comforting creamy texture, this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. Bursting with tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and the smooth richness of cream cheese, each spoonful is a delicious celebration of cozy satisfaction. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare, this soup brings together a fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe promises layers of flavor and a bowlful of happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe comes together with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that unlock incredible depth and texture. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to balance creaminess, spice, and heartiness, making the soup flavorful and satisfying from the very first bite.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Provide tender, protein-packed bites that soak up the soup’s vibrant flavors.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the savory base that ties all ingredients together harmoniously.
- Enchilada sauce: Adds authentic Mexican zest and rich, smoky undertones.
- Cream cheese: Melts into the soup for the perfect creamy texture and subtle tang.
- Black beans: Contribute a hearty, earthy element that enhances the soup’s body.
- Corn kernels: Offer a sweet pop of color and texture, balancing the spices.
- Onion and garlic: Build a fragrant foundation that invites you in with their deep aroma.
- Ground cumin and chili powder: Season the soup with warm, smoky spice notes, elevating every spoonful.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing all the flavors into balance.
- Shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, crushed tortilla chips: Optional garnishes that add layers of indulgence and crunch when serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Begin by heating some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft, translucent, and wonderfully fragrant. This step sets the stage for the rich depth of flavor that makes this soup so irresistible.
Step 2: Spice It Up and Brown the Chicken
Sprinkle in the ground cumin and chili powder, stirring quickly so they toast and release their aromatic oils. Then add your diced chicken pieces, cooking them just until lightly browned on the outside. This seals in their juiciness and ensures each bite is tender.
Step 3: Add the Broth, Sauces, and Veggies
Pour in the chicken broth and enchilada sauce, then stir in the black beans and corn. Combine everything well, then bring your soup mixture to a gentle boil. The enchilada sauce enriches the broth with a smoky, tangy punch that’s truly mouthwatering.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 20 to 25 minutes. This gently finishes cooking the chicken and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that warm, comforting character you expect from a great soup.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to very low and whisk in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup achieves a smooth, velvety texture. This transforms the soup into a luscious, creamy masterpiece that’s wonderfully comforting.
Step 6: Season and Get Ready to Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spices as you prefer. Remove from heat and prepare your garnishes for the final delightful presentation.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your creamy chicken enchilada soup recipe, consider topping it off with shredded cheese that melts on contact, freshly chopped cilantro that adds a burst of herbal brightness, dollops of sour cream for tangy richness, creamy slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for satisfying crunch. These add-ons transform every spoonful into a flavorful adventure.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup with simple sides like warm, buttery cornbread or lightly charred tortillas offers the perfect contrast and makes the meal feel complete. Fresh green salads or a selection of pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing, crisp balance to this creamy and hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or small bread bowls to impress guests and add charm to your meal presentation. Layering the garnishes in a build-your-own topping bar also encourages interaction and customization, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy chicken enchilada soup recipe stores beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup successfully, though the cream cheese may slightly separate upon thawing. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for optimal texture. Stir well before reheating to reincorporate the creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to restore its creamy consistency. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help if the soup thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just add it during the simmering stage to allow flavors to meld without overcooking the chicken.
Is it possible to make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to tailor the heat level to your preference without overwhelming the balance of flavors.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a dairy-free version?
Coconut milk or cashew cream can be good dairy-free alternatives that provide creaminess. Adjust the amount gradually to reach the desired texture while maintaining that luscious quality.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours, stirring in cream cheese at the end to melt thoroughly.
How thick should the soup be?
The ideal consistency is creamy but still spoonable, not too thick or too watery. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s satisfying, comforting, and packed with flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I promise once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. So grab your pot and let the magic of this soup brighten your table and your day!
Print
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of classic enchilada spices all simmered to perfection in a rich and creamy broth enriched with cream cheese. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for cooler days or anytime you crave a hearty Mexican-inspired soup topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Dollops of sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, building the soup’s flavorful foundation.
- Cook Chicken and Spices: Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and any other desired spices, stirring briefly to toast them. Add diced chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside.
- Add Liquids and Veggies: Pour in chicken broth and enchilada sauce, then add drained black beans and corn. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Cream Cheese for Creaminess: Lower the heat to very low and whisk in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and velvety in texture.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, or additional spices to your liking. Remove from heat and prepare to serve with your preferred garnishes like shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful soup; chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Adjust spiciness by adding more or less chili powder or including a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Fresh corn can be substituted with frozen or canned corn if not in season.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
