Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food

Few dishes can satisfy the soul quite like a bowl of Chicken Enchilada Soup. This hearty soup, bursting with bold flavors, combines the rich taste of fire-roasted tomatoes, the warmth of Mexican spices, and the creaminess of cheese to create a dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight meal or something special to serve at a party, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

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Packed with protein, veggies, and a delightful blend of spices, this recipe balances convenience with homemade goodness. The soup can be made in a single pot, and it’s a great way to use up leftover shredded chicken. With its Mexican-inspired flavors and creamy texture, Chicken Enchilada Soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Chicken Enchilada Soup brings its own unique element, contributing to the dish’s texture, flavor, and heartiness. Let’s explore the role of each component and why it’s so important.

1. Butter, Ghee, or Avocado Oil (1 Tbsp)

The recipe begins with a choice of cooking fat: butter, ghee, or avocado oil. These fats help to sauté the vegetables, adding richness and depth to the soup. Ghee, which is clarified butter, brings a slightly nuttier flavor, while avocado oil is known for its high smoke point and neutral taste.

• Tip: If you want a dairy-free version, stick with avocado oil or any other plant-based oil.

2. Vegetables: Onion, Celery, Carrot, Bell Pepper, and Garlic

The aromatic vegetables in this soup form the base of the flavor profile. Onion, celery, carrot, and red bell pepper add a slight sweetness, while garlic enhances the savory depth of the dish.

• Onion (1 Medium, diced): Adds a mild sweetness and pungency as the base for the soup.
• Celery Stalks (2, sliced): Provides a subtle bitterness and crunch.
• Carrot (1 Medium, thinly sliced): Offers natural sweetness and texture.
• Red Bell Pepper (1 Large, diced): Adds vibrant color, mild sweetness, and a fresh crunch.
• Garlic Cloves (2-3, chopped): Introduces a rich, aromatic quality that complements the other ingredients.

These vegetables are sautéed in the butter, ghee, or oil until softened, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.

3. Spices: Cumin, Chili Powder, and Oregano

The spices used in this recipe are key to achieving the classic enchilada flavor. These seasonings add warmth, complexity, and a bit of heat.

• Ground Cumin (1½ tsp): Brings an earthy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other Mexican-inspired spices.
• Chili Powder (1 Tbsp): Provides a smoky and spicy kick that gives the soup its signature heat.
• Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Lends a slight bitterness and herby note, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

These spices are added after the vegetables have softened, allowing their flavors to bloom and infuse the dish.

4. Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Both fire-roasted diced tomatoes and tomato paste contribute to the robust, tangy tomato base of the soup. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth, while the tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and helps to thicken the soup.

• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): These tomatoes have a rich, smoky flavor from being roasted over an open flame, making them perfect for this soup.
• Tomato Paste (¼ cup): Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the soup and adds an umami-rich depth.

5. Chicken Broth (4 cups)

The chicken broth acts as the liquid base, creating the right consistency while adding more flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level in the final dish.

• Tip: If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.

6. Beans: Red Kidney Beans and Black Beans

Beans are a staple in Mexican-inspired dishes, and they add heartiness, texture, and plant-based protein to the soup.

• Red Kidney Beans (1 can, 14.5 oz, drained and rinsed): Slightly firm, these beans hold their shape well and add a hearty bite.
• Black Beans (1 can, 14.5 oz, drained and rinsed): Soft and creamy, black beans balance the texture of the kidney beans and add a subtle earthiness.

7. Sweet Corn (1 cup, fresh or frozen)

Corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and a delightful pop of texture to the soup. Whether you use fresh or frozen corn, it brightens up the dish and complements the richness of the other ingredients.

8. Shredded Cooked Chicken (2 cups)

The shredded chicken brings protein and substance to the soup, making it more filling and nutritious. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken from a roast or rotisserie.

• Tip: If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly poach or roast some chicken breasts and shred them for the recipe.

9. Mexican Shredded Cheese Blend (1 cup, for garnishing)

The Mexican cheese blend adds creaminess and a slight tang when melted over the soup. You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of the two.

• Tip: Add the cheese just before serving so it melts beautifully into the soup.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Soup

Now that we’ve broken down the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delightful Chicken Enchilada Soup. It’s straightforward, requires only one pot, and comes together in less than an hour.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large stockpot, melt the butter, ghee, or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the diced onion, sliced celery, thinly sliced carrot, diced red bell pepper, and chopped garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-6 minutes, until they soften and become fragrant.

• Tip: Be careful not to overcook the garlic as it can turn bitter if it browns too much.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute or two to allow the spices to toast slightly, which enhances their flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Chicken Broth

Next, add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for a minute or two to meld the flavors.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are very tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Once the vegetables have cooked through, remove the soup from heat. Using a hand blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you don’t have a hand blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.

• Tip: You can leave some chunks of vegetables if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Step 5: Add the Beans, Corn, and Chicken

After blending the soup, return it to the heat and stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn, and shredded cooked chicken. Stir to combine and bring the soup back to a boil to heat everything through. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Mexican shredded cheese or your favorite toppings.

• Suggested Toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, tortilla strips, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Soup

1. Full of Flavor

The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, spices, and chicken broth creates a deep, rich flavor profile that mimics the taste of a traditional enchilada, but in a comforting soup form.

2. Hearty and Nutritious

With a variety of vegetables, two types of beans, and shredded chicken, this soup is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. It’s a wholesome meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

3. Easy to Make

This soup comes together in just one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It requires minimal prep time, especially if you have pre-cooked chicken on hand.

4. Customizable

You can easily customize this soup to suit your taste. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, or make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Enchilada Soup

Beyond its rich flavor, this soup is loaded with nutrients that make it a healthy and satisfying meal. Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits:

• Protein: The chicken and beans provide a high amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Fiber: The beans and vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables, particularly the bell pepper and carrots, are rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and promote healthy skin.
• Healthy Fats: The avocado oil or ghee used in the recipe offers healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re short on time.

Variations and Customizations

There are plenty of ways to make this Chicken Enchilada Soup your own:

• Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more beans or vegetables for additional substance.
• Creamier Soup: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for a richer, creamier texture.

Conclusion: A Soup That Satisfies Every Craving

Whether you’re a fan of enchiladas or just love a good, hearty soup, Chicken Enchilada Soup is a must-try recipe. Its blend of vegetables, beans, spices, and shredded chicken creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Best of all, it’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients.

So, the next time you’re craving something warm, comforting, and full of flavor, give this Chicken Enchilada Soup a try. You won’t be disappointed!