Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with bold, zesty flavors. Enter the Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup, a mouthwatering combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, and tangy green enchilada sauce. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe makes for an easy, hands-off meal that will fill your home with tantalizing aromas as it cooks.

Jump to Recipe

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to share with family and friends, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Not only is it delicious and comforting, but it also has the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and savory goodness.

Why Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a Must-Try

This soup is a true crowd-pleaser, and there are several reasons why it stands out from other soups:

1. Easy to Prepare: Thanks to the slow cooker, most of the cooking is completely hands-off. You can set it and forget it, letting the crock pot do the hard work while you go about your day.
2. Rich and Creamy Texture: With a blend of Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, and half-and-half (or heavy cream), this soup is rich and velvety without being too heavy.
3. Bold Mexican-Inspired Flavors: The combination of green enchilada sauce and salsa verde brings a burst of tangy, slightly spicy flavors that are reminiscent of classic enchiladas.
4. Versatile Toppings: This soup can be customized with a variety of toppings, from avocado and cilantro to green onions and sour cream, making it easy to personalize for your taste.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this delicious and comforting Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup!

Ingredients Overview

Before we begin, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this soup so flavorful and satisfying.

• 2.5 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Whether you prefer white meat or dark meat, both work beautifully in this recipe. Chicken breasts will give you a leaner result, while thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes fall-apart tender.
• 28 oz Can of Green Enchilada Sauce: This is the star of the dish, providing a zesty, tangy flavor that gives the soup its signature enchilada taste. Look for a high-quality enchilada sauce at your local grocery store, or make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.
• 24 oz Chicken Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, adding a savory depth of flavor. You can use low-sodium broth if you want to control the salt level or homemade broth for an even richer taste.
• 1 Cup Half and Half or Heavy Whipping Cream: The creaminess of the soup comes from either half-and-half or heavy cream, depending on your preference. Half-and-half will give you a slightly lighter soup, while heavy cream adds extra richness and decadence.
• 2 Cups Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey jack cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor to the soup. It’s the perfect complement to the tangy green enchilada sauce.
• 4 oz Cream Cheese (cubed, at room temp): Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang, making the soup rich and smooth. Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese so it melts easily into the soup.
• 4 oz Green Salsa (Salsa Verde): Salsa verde, made from tomatillos, brings a fresh, slightly acidic flavor to the soup, balancing out the richness of the cheeses and cream. It also adds a little extra heat and brightness.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasoning is essential to enhance all the flavors in the soup. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

This slow cooker soup couldn’t be easier to make. With just a few minutes of prep and the right ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

1. Prepare the Chicken and Base Ingredients

To start, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crock pot. Both types of chicken work wonderfully for this soup, but if you’re looking for extra flavor and tenderness, chicken thighs are a great option. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while chicken breasts are leaner and firmer.

Next, pour in the green enchilada sauce and chicken broth. The green enchilada sauce is what gives this soup its unique flavor, providing that tangy, slightly spicy kick that enchilada lovers crave. The chicken broth adds depth and helps to create the soup’s base, giving it a rich, savory flavor.

Set your slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the chicken will slowly absorb the flavors of the sauce and broth, becoming tender and easy to shred.

2. Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken has cooked and is tender enough to easily shred, it’s time to remove it from the crock pot. Place the chicken on a cutting board or large plate and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. The slow cooking process will have made the chicken so tender that it should fall apart with minimal effort.

After shredding the chicken, return it to the crock pot. The shredded chicken will soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth, enchilada sauce, and salsa, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

3. Add the Cheeses and Cream

Now it’s time to make the soup extra creamy and rich. About 30 minutes before serving, add the following ingredients to the crock pot:

• 2 cups Monterey jack cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese (cubed and at room temperature)
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 4 oz green salsa (salsa verde)

Stir everything together until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the soup. This will give the soup a velvety texture and a deliciously creamy consistency. The Monterey jack cheese melts smoothly and adds a mild, buttery flavor, while the cream cheese thickens the soup and adds a subtle tang.

The salsa verde adds an extra layer of brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cheeses and cream. If you prefer a spicier soup, feel free to add more salsa verde or even a splash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.

4. Season to Taste

At this point, it’s time to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the cheeses and enchilada sauce will have already added some saltiness to the soup. If you prefer a little more heat, you can also stir in some additional salsa verde or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is how versatile it is. You can serve it as-is, or get creative with a variety of toppings to enhance the flavor and texture. Here are some delicious topping ideas:

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds a cool, buttery contrast to the spicy and tangy flavors of the soup.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with a burst of herbal freshness.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides extra creaminess and helps to balance the spice from the salsa verde.
• Shredded Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add some extra shredded Monterey jack or cheddar cheese on top.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: For some added crunch, garnish the soup with a handful of crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips.
• Jalapeño Slices: For an extra kick of heat, top your soup with fresh or pickled jalapeño slices.

Serve the soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side for dipping. The creamy broth pairs perfectly with the chewy, crispy texture of tortillas, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Craving more? You’ll want to try this recipe too!

Chicken Enchilada Soup

The BEST Crab Bisque

Ground Beef Vegetable Soup

French Onion Soup

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Be sure to let your cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the soup. This will help it melt smoothly into the broth without leaving any lumps.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the crock pot is forgiving, be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry if left in the slow cooker for too long. If you’re using chicken breasts, check for doneness at the 6-hour mark.
3. Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, use less salsa verde or a milder enchilada sauce. For extra heat, add more salsa, hot sauce, or even a diced jalapeño to the soup.

Storage and Leftovers

This soup is great for leftovers and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to thin it out if it thickens after refrigerating.

If you’d like to freeze the soup, I recommend doing so before adding the cheeses and cream. Dairy can sometimes separate when frozen, resulting in a grainy texture. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and stir in the cheeses and cream just before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting and flavorful soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

With minimal prep and a crock pot to do the work, this soup is as convenient as it is delicious. Top it with your favorite garnishes, serve it alongside warm tortillas, and enjoy the ultimate bowl of comfort.

Happy cooking!