Chicken Enchilada Soup

Cooking often takes me back to my childhood, a joyful time spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. The smells of simmering spices and the comfort of hearty meals always filled the air. I remember the first time she made chicken enchilada soup. It was one of those dishes that brought everyone together, a delicious combination of flavors and warmth that wrapped around us like a cozy blanket.

That magical experience sparked my passion for creating and sharing meals that not only nourish the body but also the soul. Chicken enchilada soup became a staple in our family, enjoyed on cold days and celebrated during gatherings. Each bowl carries a touch of nostalgia, combined with easy preparation that anyone can master.

Chicken enchilada soup offers vibrant flavors, hearty textures, and the opportunity for personal touches through optional toppings. It embodies simplicity and satisfaction. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that warms hearts and home on any occasion. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover the joy of homemade chicken enchilada soup.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Fundamentals

Chicken enchilada soup stands out for its comforting ingredients and bold flavors. The foundation relies on a blend of sautéed onion, garlic, and bell pepper that creates a savory aroma right from the start. This mix serves as a flavor base, giving the soup depth and richness.

Using shredded chicken ensures the soup has a satisfying protein source while easily absorbing the surrounding ingredients’ flavors. The addition of enchilada sauce brings the essence of traditional enchiladas to the pot, enhancing the overall experience. With a variety of toppings available, you can customize your bowl to suit your palate.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation for chicken enchilada soup is straightforward. Start by chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. This initial step allows you to easily throw everything together in the pot. Once your veggies are prepped, the cooking process becomes a breeze.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot, providing a perfect environment for sautéing the aromatics. Ensure your chicken is cooked and shredded before you begin. This can be done ahead of time or with leftover chicken from a previous meal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to whip up a delicious pot of chicken enchilada soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and become aromatic.

2. Stir in the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. After simmering, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and integrates into the soup.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or freshly chopped cilantro.

Enhancing Chicken Enchilada Soup

Technique

One of the keys to a successful chicken enchilada soup lies in your technique. Sautéing the vegetables properly allows for the development of enhanced flavors. Avoid rushing this step; taking the time to soften the onions and bell peppers makes a difference.

When simmering the soup, keep the heat low and give it time. This simmering process enables the ingredients to merge, resulting in a richer flavor profile.

Tips/Tricks

• For a spicier soup, consider adding diced jalapeños while sautéing your vegetables or incorporating a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken serves as a fantastic shortcut. Just shred it and add it to the pot.
• Feel free to vary the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Sliced green onions or crushed tortilla chips can add a nice touch as well.

Perfecting Your Chicken Enchilada Soup

Perfecting Results

To achieve that ultimate bowl of chicken enchilada soup, ensure all ingredients are fresh. High-quality broth, flavorful enchilada sauce, and fresh vegetables drastically improve the taste.

Taste the soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure it meets your flavor expectations. If it seems too thick, a splash more broth can help reach your desired consistency.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your soup appears too thin, simply let it simmer longer to allow for evaporation, or consider whisking in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up. Conversely, if it’s too thick, additional broth or water can balance it out.

For variations, consider adding more veggies like diced zucchini or carrots for added nutrition. You can also swap in other beans or use quinoa for a different texture.

Serving Your Chicken Enchilada Soup

Serving/Presentation

Present chicken enchilada soup in warm bowls to enhance the comforting experience. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top right before serving, along with any garnishes that appeal to you. A colorful array of toppings not only adds a visual appeal but also invites guests to personalize their bowls.

Pairings/Storage

Pair your chicken enchilada soup with tortilla chips or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Alternatively, cornbread or crusty bread can complement the dish beautifully.

Once prepared, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth to restore consistency if needed.

Make chicken enchilada soup the centerpiece of your culinary endeavors, knowing that it not only nourishes the body but also creates memories at the dinner table.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting and flavorful chicken enchilada soup that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and become aromatic.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. After simmering, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and integrates into the soup.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

For a spicier soup, consider adding diced jalapeños. Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut if you’re short on time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: chicken, soup, enchilada, Mexican, comfort food