Introduction:
Warm up with a bowl of this Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup! This hearty and flavorful soup combines tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a variety of tasty ingredients to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Simple: Minimal prep with easy steps make it a go-to for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults.
- One-Pot Meal: Simple cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) red or green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Crushed tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your taste preferences.
- Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings with sliced jalapeños, avocado, or diced red onions.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer soup.
- Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of warm cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with additional tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for dipping.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
Special Equipment:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the soup.
FAQ:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and will add a bit more flavor to the soup. - Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, add all the ingredients (except for the chicken) to a slow cooker, place the chicken on top, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and stir it back into the soup before serving. - Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade enchilada sauce will add an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prep and cooking the chicken.
Cook Time:
- 20-25 minutes for simmering the soup.
Total Time:
- 35 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) red or green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Crushed tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious soup and check back for more tasty and easy recipes.
