This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. You can serve it as a main dish or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. The combination of tender chicken, white beans, and green enchilada sauce creates a comforting bowl that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup simmering away in your slow cooker.
- Rich Flavor: The mix of spices and creamy ingredients ensures every spoonful is packed with taste.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with protein from chicken and beans, this soup is not only tasty but also nourishing.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Ideal for allowing flavors to meld together while you go about your day.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
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.
Protein & Beans
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
Creamy Base
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
Flavor Boosters
- 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
Broth & Toppings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 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 the 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 with its lid. Cook on high heat for 2-3 hours or until the soup is hot throughout.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips or strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy your flavorful Green Enchilada Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit your taste. This hearty soup is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Here are some creative ways to serve it.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Avocado: Add diced avocado for creaminess and a fresh flavor.
- Cilantro: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro to brighten up the dish.
- Cheese: Serve with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a cheesy touch.
Accompany with Crunchy Snacks
- Tortilla Strips: Use crispy tortilla strips for an added crunch.
- Cornbread: Pair with warm cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Chips and Salsa: Offer tortilla chips with salsa on the side for a tasty dip option.
Create a Full Meal
- Salad: A simple green salad can complement the richness of the soup.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of rice to make it more filling.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To make your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- seasoning choices: Don’t hesitate to add more spices if you prefer extra heat; jalapeños can elevate the flavor.
- Fresh ingredients: Using fresh vegetables like bell peppers can enhance both taste and nutrition.
- Slow cook longer: If time permits, let it cook on low for an even richer flavor profile.
- Cream cheese alternatives: For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
- Garnish creatively: Experiment with toppings like lime wedges or pickled jalapeños for added zest.
Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup enhances the meal experience. Here’s a list of great options.
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole brings a refreshing taste to the table.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup beautifully.
- Refried Beans: A classic side that adds protein and heartiness to your meal.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder makes a perfect match.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled tortillas are easy to prepare and pair well with soup.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using uncooked chicken: Always use cooked chicken for this recipe. It ensures the soup is flavorful and saves time.
- Neglecting seasonings: Don’t skip the spices! They elevate the soup’s flavor. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- Ignoring the cream cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth texture.
- Not adjusting consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or add more beans.
- Overloading toppings: While toppings enhance flavor, don’t overdo it. A few key ingredients like cheese and avocado will keep it balanced.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and can save you prep time.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as healthier alternatives while still keeping the soup creamy.
How spicy is this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
The spice level depends on your choice of green chiles and enchilada sauce. You can adjust these based on your heat tolerance.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with beans or tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different toppings or adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. Give this cozy recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, white beans, and zesty green enchilada sauce in one delightful bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup can be prepared in just a few minutes and cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty meal on its own or paired with toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans (15 oz) white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
- 1 can (14 oz) green enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Toppings: tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Combine cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth in a slow cooker. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours until heated through.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
