Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup – A bold, hearty, enchilada-inspired bowl packed with tender chicken & warm spices

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup – A bold, hearty, enchilada-inspired bowl packed with tender chicken & warm spices

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup takes everything you love about classic chicken enchiladas — the rich sauce, melty cheese, tender chicken, and irresistible southwest spices — and transforms it into a warm, comforting soup. It’s thick, creamy, mildly spicy, and incredibly satisfying, delivering big Tex-Mex flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for cozy nights, easy weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this soup brings together pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a bowl that tastes like it simmered all day.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Chicken & Aromatics

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 pound chicken breasts or thighs

Soup Base

1 can 10 oz red enchilada sauce
1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
1 cup corn fresh, canned, or frozen
1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed & drained
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
Salt & pepper to taste
Creamy Finish
½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
¼ cup cream cheese optional for extra richness

Toppings

Crispy tortilla strips
Avocado
Cilantro
Jalapeño slices
Lime wedges
Shredded cheese
Green onions

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board & knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Ladle

Method

Step 1: Sauté aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and cook 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 2: Add chicken & spices

Place chicken into the pot.
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Stir to coat chicken in spices.

Step 3: Build the soup

Pour in enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook 20 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

Step 4: Shred the chicken

Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Step 5: Make it creamy

Lower heat to LOW.
Stir in heavy cream (or coconut cream), shredded cheese, and optional cream cheese.
Simmer gently until smooth — do not boil.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, cheese, lime, or jalapeños.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate for 3–4 days

Reheat gently on low heat; add broth if thickened

Freeze before adding dairy, then stir in cream after thawing

🥄 Variations

Green Enchilada Version
Swap red enchilada sauce for green and add diced green chilies.

Extra Spicy
Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or more cayenne.

Low-Carb
Skip beans and corn; add more chicken or veggies.

Cheesy Enchilada Soup
Add extra cheese or sprinkle cheese directly into bowls.

Slow Cooker Version
Add everything except dairy.
Cook LOW 6 hours, shred chicken, stir in cream + cheese.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — add during the last 10 minutes.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and skip cheese.

Can I use green enchilada sauce?
Absolutely — delicious variation.

How spicy is it?
Mild-medium; adjust based on spices used.

Can I add rice?
Yes — stir in cooked rice before serving.

Can I blend the soup?
Blend partially for extra creaminess.

What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Can I add bell peppers?
Yes — sauté them with onions.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — they stay extra tender.

Can I meal prep this?
Yes — flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

🏁 Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is bold, rich, and irresistibly comforting — everything you love about enchiladas in a warm, flavorful bowl. With tender chicken, sweet corn, black beans, spices, and a creamy finish, it’s a balanced soup that hits every craving. Perfect for busy nights, gatherings, or cozy weekends, this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite.