Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This comforting soup features tender rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, and zesty green enchilada sauce, all simmered to perfection. With its rich flavors and customizable toppings, this Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends. It’s easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Packed with spices and creamy goodness, each spoonful bursts with flavor that will satisfy your cravings.
• Customizable Toppings: Personalize your bowl with avocado, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and more, allowing everyone to tailor their dish to their taste.
• Hearty and Filling: With protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled beans, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the ingredients evenly while allowing ample space for stirring.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping vegetables ensures safety when preparing your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting easier and quicker, which streamlines your prep time.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Green Chicken Enchilada Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Broth

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1, 15 oz. jar green enchilada sauce (or salsa verde)
• 1, 4 oz. can diced green chiles (mild)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. chipotle chili pepper powder

Main Ingredients

• 4 oz. full-fat cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1, 15 oz. can yellow corn, drained
• 1, 15 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Toppings (Optional)

• Fried tortilla strips
• Avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Grated cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced scallions

How to Make Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the onion and jalapeno to the pot; season with salt. Cook while stirring until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Sauces

Pour in the chicken broth along with the green enchilada sauce, diced green chiles, oregano, cumin, and chipotle chili pepper powder. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Add in the softened cream cheese cubes into the pot. Stir until it partially melts; don’t worry if it looks clumpy at first—it will melt as you mix.

Step 6: Mix in Chicken and Beans

Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, drained corn, pinto beans, and sour cream. Mix well but avoid boiling; you want everything heated through without curdling the cream cheese.

Step 7: Serve with Toppings

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like avocado or fried tortilla strips. Store any leftovers properly in the fridge for up to four days; add more broth or water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is a versatile dish that shines with the right toppings. Transform your bowl into a flavor-packed experience by adding your favorite garnishes and sides.

Toppings

• Avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado adds creamy texture and freshness.
• Fried Tortilla Strips: Crunchy strips provide a delightful contrast to the soup’s smoothness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a burst of herbal brightness and enhances the flavors.
• Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully, enriching each spoonful.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers a tangy balance to the spiciness of the soup.
• Sliced Scallions: These add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to your dish.

How to Perfect Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Green Chicken Enchilada Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, jalapenos, and herbs elevate the overall taste significantly.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chipotle chili powder according to your heat preference for a personalized kick.
• Incorporate Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor depth.
• Stir Carefully: When adding cream cheese, stir gently to avoid curdling; it should melt smoothly into the soup.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust seasoning if necessary for perfect balance.
• Store Properly: For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge; add more broth when reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

Pairing side dishes with Green Chicken Enchilada Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread is a classic pairing that balances savory flavors beautifully.
2. Tortilla Chips: Serve crunchy tortilla chips on the side for additional crunch and dipping fun.
3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice flavored with tomatoes and spices complements the soup’s richness.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds another layer of flavor while enhancing the overall meal experience.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Bright cilantro lime rice complements the soup’s green hues and adds freshness.
6. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Green Chicken Enchilada Soup, avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust the spices to your liking.
• Overcooking the cream cheese: If you let the cream cheese boil, it may curdle and ruin the smooth texture of the soup. Stir it in gently and heat just until melted.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold sour cream or cream cheese can cool down your soup too quickly. Make sure these ingredients are at room temperature before adding them.
• Choosing low-quality broth: Poor quality broth can diminish the overall taste of your soup. Opt for a flavorful chicken broth to enhance the dish.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings elevate your Green Chicken Enchilada Soup. Don’t skip them! Avocado, tortilla strips, and fresh herbs add both flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing for optimal freshness.

Freezing Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

• 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 Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions often asked about Green Chicken Enchilada Soup.

What is Green Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is a hearty dish made with shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, corn, beans, and spices. It’s topped with delicious garnishes for added flavor.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace chicken with beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers while using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is Green Chicken Enchilada Soup?

The spiciness largely depends on how much jalapeno and chipotle chili powder you use. Adjust these ingredients based on your heat preference!

Can I use homemade green enchilada sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade sauce adds a personal touch and can enhance flavors even further. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned.

Final Thoughts

Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful mix of flavors that warms any day. Its versatility allows for customization—try adding different beans or veggies based on what you have on hand. Enjoy exploring this comforting recipe!