Chicken Cheese Enchilada Soup Recipe

When the weather takes a chilly turn, nothing warms the soul like a hearty bowl of soup. But what if you could take your regular chicken soup to the next level? Enter Chicken Cheese Enchilada Soup-a flavorful twist on a classic. This creamy, cheesy, and spice-kissed soup brings all the comforting goodness of enchiladas, but in a delightful soup form. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights, yet indulgent enough to serve at a family dinner or even a casual get-together.

Imagine rich, creamy broth mingling with tender chicken, spicy seasonings, and melty cheese, all topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s everything you love about enchiladas, minus the need for baking. This soup has layers of flavor, a comforting texture, and just the right amount of kick, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into the recipe-I’m sure you’ll be as excited as I am once you see how easy it is to prepare!

Chicken Cheese Enchilada Soup Recipe

This recipe yields a creamy, flavorful soup that’s filling and satisfying. It strikes the perfect balance between cheesy goodness and the subtle heat from the enchilada sauce. Whether you serve it with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a warm slice of bread, you’re going to love how easy it is to whip up.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need a combination of everyday pantry items and a few special ingredients that give it its signature flavor. Here’s the full list:

• Chicken: You’ll need cooked and shredded chicken, about 3 cups. Rotisserie chicken works great for this, saving you time and effort.
• Enchilada Sauce: This is the heart of the flavor profile. You’ll need one 10 oz can of red enchilada sauce.
• Chicken Broth: About 4 cups. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, the broth adds extra depth.
• Cream Cheese: This adds richness and creates the creamy texture of the soup. Use an 8 oz block.
• Heavy Cream: For extra creaminess, you’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream. It balances the acidity of the enchilada sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for that classic, gooey cheesy texture.
• Tortilla Chips or Tortilla Strips: These are used as a topping for crunch.
• Onion: One medium yellow onion, finely chopped, for a bit of sweetness and savory flavor.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to bring out that savory aroma.
• Spices: A teaspoon of cumin and chili powder, and a pinch of paprika for that slight smoky undertone.
• Lime: A fresh squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty finish and balances the richness.

Cooking Instructions

Making Chicken Cheese Enchilada Soup is surprisingly simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can cook chicken breasts in a skillet or bake them. Shred them once they’re fully cooked and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
3. Combine the liquids: Stir in the chicken broth and enchilada sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate all the flavors.
4. Add the cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the pot. Stir constantly until it melts and blends seamlessly into the soup.
5. Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, followed by the heavy cream, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Let the soup simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
6. Melt the cheese: Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. This will give the soup that smooth, cheesy texture that makes it so irresistible.
7. Taste and adjust: At this point, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. If you like more spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper. If you want more creaminess, add a little more heavy cream.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla chips or tortilla strips, a squeeze of lime juice, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the rich, bold flavors and textures of this soup. Here’s a breakdown:

• Chicken: Not only is chicken a lean protein, but it also serves as the base of the soup. When shredded, it absorbs the broth and enchilada sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Enchilada Sauce: This canned sauce is often a mix of chili powder, garlic, and cumin, with a slight tanginess from tomatoes. It’s the foundation for that signature enchilada flavor.
• Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: These ingredients are key to the soup’s creamy consistency. Cream cheese adds a slight tang and smoothness, while heavy cream deepens the richness and gives the soup a velvety texture.
• Shredded Cheddar: Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese and heavy cream.
• Tortilla Chips: The crunch from the chips adds texture and a bit of saltiness, perfectly complementing the soup’s creamy base.

Expert Tips

To make sure you get the most out of this recipe, here are a few expert tips:

• Balance the Spices: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin based on your spice tolerance. If you like it extra spicy, try adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth adds a much richer flavor to the soup. It’s especially great if you’re using a rotisserie chicken since you can use the bones to make the broth.
• Let it Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering step. The longer the soup cooks, the more the flavors blend together, creating a deeper, richer taste.
• Customize the Toppings: Don’t skimp on toppings! Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of lime zest can make your soup even more enjoyable.
• Save Time with Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. It also gives the soup an extra depth of flavor from the herbs and seasonings on the chicken.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this soup is its versatility. Here are some ways you can make it your own:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, or use a spicy enchilada sauce, for a more heat-packed version.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add black beans and corn instead. This will give you a hearty soup with a nice balance of protein and veggies.
• Creamier: Add an extra block of cream cheese for an ultra-rich and velvety soup.
• Smoky Flavor: Stir in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to introduce a smoky, deep flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortilla chips and top your soup with shredded lettuce or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Final Words

Chicken Cheese Enchilada Soup is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. It’s like your favorite Mexican dish wrapped up in a warm, creamy bowl. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels. And the best part? It’s completely customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re craving something mild and creamy or spicy and bold, this soup has got you covered.