Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the onions and garlic. If you’re starting with raw chicken, simply cook it in the pot until browned on both sides, then shred it with a fork or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Corn To the pot, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies (if using), black beans, and corn. Stir to combine all the ingredients. The combination of tomatoes and beans creates a hearty, flavorful base for the soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika. These spices will infuse the soup with the smoky, warm flavors that are characteristic of enchiladas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the soup to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Creamy Texture Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have come together, add the cream cheese to the pot. Stir it in until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir to combine. This will give the soup its rich, comforting texture.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Once the soup is creamy and smooth, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend). Let the cheese melt into the soup, creating an extra layer of creamy goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. For added crunch and texture, top with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. These add a delightful contrast to the creamy soup, mimicking the crunch of a classic enchilada.

Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion:

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of shredded chicken, beans, corn, and cheese makes this soup incredibly filling and satisfying. It’s a complete meal in a bowl!
• Cheesy and Creamy: The cream cheese and cheddar cheese elevate this soup, giving it that luscious, velvety texture that makes every bite feel indulgent.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner. It’s a great make-ahead meal that can save you time during a busy week.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Want more spice? Add extra chili powder or a diced jalapeño. Prefer a vegetarian version? Skip the chicken and add extra beans and veggies.

Tips for Success:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version of this soup, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it to the soup for a time-saving shortcut without compromising flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like your soup with a little kick, add extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the broth. You can also substitute the diced green chilies for pickled jalapeños for an added burst of flavor.
• Thicken It Up: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add some mashed potatoes or tortilla chips to the soup as it simmers, allowing them to break down and thicken the broth.
• Make It Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream cheese, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for the topping.

Conclusion:

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a warm, comforting, and flavor-packed meal that combines the best of a chicken enchilada in soup form. With tender chicken, a rich, creamy broth, and the signature spices of enchiladas, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or taking it to a potluck, this soup is sure to please a crowd. Plus, with the ease of a one-pot meal, you’ll love how simple it is to make. Enjoy a bowl of this creamy, cheesy goodness, and feel like you’re enjoying an enchilada in every bite!