This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful option for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends and family. The creamy texture, combined with hearty ingredients, makes it both satisfying and nutritious. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this soup suits even the busiest schedules.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with chicken and beans, it provides a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of green enchilada sauce and spices delivers a unique taste that delights the palate.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe serves eight people, making it perfect for families or small gatherings.
- Customizable Toppings: You can personalize each bowl with toppings like sour cream and avocado for extra flair.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Why These Tools Matter
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld together beautifully over time.
- Cutting board: A stable surface ensures safe and efficient chopping of ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing chicken and chopping toppings.
- Mixing spoon: Essential for combining ingredients evenly before cooking.
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.
For the Soup Base
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 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
- 4 cups chicken broth
For Toppings
- 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 Ingredients
In your 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 well to combine all ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on high heat for 2-3 hours or until the soup is thoroughly heated.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once hot, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro as per your preference. Enjoy your delicious Green Enchilada Chicken Soup!
How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Serving this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is an enjoyable experience. With rich flavors and creamy textures, you can elevate your meal with various delicious toppings and side options.
Toppings
- Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips add a delightful crunch, enhancing the soup’s texture.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, adding creaminess.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers a cool contrast to the warm soup, balancing the flavors.
- Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado provides a creamy touch and healthy fats, making each spoonful richer.
- Chopped Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the overall dish.
Pairing Suggestions
- Warm Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rolls for dipping; it complements the soup perfectly.
- Rice: A side of fluffy rice can absorb the flavorful broth, making for a hearty meal.
How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
To achieve perfection with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup, keep these simple tips in mind.
- Bold spices: Enhance flavor by adjusting the chili powder level according to your taste preference.
- Cream cheese blending: Ensure cream cheese is well-mixed for a smooth and creamy consistency throughout the soup.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh corn instead of canned for added sweetness and texture.
- Slow cooking magic: Allow sufficient cooking time in the slow cooker to develop deeper flavors; don’t rush it!
- Garnish generously: Don’t skimp on toppings; they elevate both presentation and flavor immensely.
Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices and herbs, this rice complements the soup beautifully.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs well with tortilla chips or on its own.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread contrasts nicely with the savory soup, perfect for dipping.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa offer a fun appetizer option before enjoying the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted veggies provide a healthy balance to your meal.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad dressed lightly can cleanse the palate between bites of rich soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is convenient, but cooking it too long in the slow cooker can dry it out. Aim for just enough time to heat through.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping or skimping on spices can leave your soup bland. Be sure to measure and taste as you go to adjust flavors.
- Ignoring Texture: Not blending the cream cheese properly can result in a lumpy soup. Make sure it’s well incorporated for a creamy consistency.
- Using Incorrect Beans: Using beans that aren’t white can change the flavor profile significantly. Stick with white beans for the best results.
- Adding Ingredients Too Early: Some toppings like avocado and cilantro should be added just before serving. This keeps them fresh and vibrant.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish made with chicken, beans, corn, and green enchilada sauce, perfect for cozy nights.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it cooks thoroughly as per safety guidelines when prepared in the slow cooker.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup has mild heat from green chiles. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or using spicier chiles.
Can I customize my Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or use different types of beans for variety.
Is this soup healthy?
This soup is packed with protein and fiber while being lower in calories. It’s a nutritious choice for any meal!
Conclusion
This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners, you can customize it with your favorite toppings and ingredients. Try it today and make it your own!
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Warm up your evenings with this Creamy Green Enchilada Chicken Soup, a delightful blend of flavors that is both comforting and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this hearty soup combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty green enchilada sauce for an unforgettable dish. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a slow cooker to do the work, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve. Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like fresh avocado and crispy tortilla strips for a personal touch that will please the whole family. This soup not only satisfies hunger but also brings vibrant flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chiles
- 1 can (14 ounces) green enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, green enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth. Stir well to mix.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours or until heated through.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
