Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup is both creamy and hearty, filled with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for family dinners or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, white beans, and zesty green enchilada sauce makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can get this soup cooking in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices and green chiles creates a robust flavor that warms the soul.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado and cheese for added texture.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing delicious Green Enchilada Chicken Soup requires just a few key tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld together beautifully over time.
• Measuring cups: Ensuring accurate measurements helps maintain the recipe’s balance of flavors.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon makes it easy to stir ingredients thoroughly before cooking.

Ingredients

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe calls for simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Protein & Beans

• 2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
• 2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)

Creamy Components

• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Vegetables & Sauce

• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• 1 4-ounce can green chiles
• 1 14-ounce can green enchilada sauce (or red)

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Broth & Toppings

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups tortilla strips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large avocado (diced)
• cilantro (fresh chopped)

How to Make Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Gather all ingredients listed above.
• Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

• 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 all ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

• Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
• Set to high heat and cook for 2-3 hours or until the soup is hot throughout.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls.
• Top each serving with tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro as desired. Enjoy your delicious Green Enchilada Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Serving Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a delightful experience. This hearty dish can be customized with various toppings and sides, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Add some crunch by using crispy tortilla strips on top of the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese to enhance the creamy texture and flavor.
• Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado adds a creamy element that complements the soup beautifully.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream creates a rich contrast and balances the spices.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and brightens up the flavors.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a comforting combination.
• Rice: A side of fluffy rice can soak up the delicious broth and add more substance to the meal.

How to Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Perfecting your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh spices instead of stale ones for enhanced flavor.
• Creamy Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is well softened before adding it to avoid lumps in your soup.
• Customize Proteins: Feel free to swap chicken with turkey or beef if desired for variety.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly.

Best Side Dishes for Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the spice of the soup perfectly.
2. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices can round out your meal nicely.
3. Refried Beans: A side of refried beans adds protein and pairs well with tortilla strips.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a fun appetizer.
5. Simple Salad: A light green salad with lime vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brushed with butter enhances your southwestern experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland soup. Make sure to measure and mix the onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder correctly for full flavor.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality chicken or broth can make a huge difference in taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to elevate your soup.
• Overcooking the chicken: If you add uncooked chicken, it may become dry. Use shredded rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken for a tender result.
• Not adjusting thickness: Some may find the soup too thick or too thin. Adjust the amount of broth according to your preference for a creamy texture.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings like avocado and cheese enhance flavor and texture. Don’t skip them; they’re essential for creating a delicious finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot, usually 5-8 minutes.
• Stovetop: Simmer on medium heat in a pot, stirring often until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.

Can I use other types of meat in this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or beef for chicken if you prefer different flavors.

How spicy is this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

The spice level depends on the green chiles used. For less heat, opt for mild varieties.

Can I make this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace chicken with plant-based protein and use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives.

What toppings go well with Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

Toppings like tortilla strips, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro add great flavor.

How do I thicken my Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

Add more cream cheese or blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a thicker consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding beans or different vegetables based on your preferences. Try it out and enjoy a hearty meal that’s perfect any night of the week!