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Bowl of delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup topped with cheese and herbs

Chicken Enchilada Soup

A warm and comforting chicken enchilada soup with rich flavors, creamy consistency, and vibrant textures, perfect for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Comfort Food, Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced adds flavor to the base
  • 1 whole jalapeno pepper, diced seeds removed for less heat
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced adds aromatic depth
  • 10 oz red enchilada sauce for flavor and color
  • 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed adds protein and texture
  • 15 oz canned whole kernel corn, drained adds sweetness and color
  • 4 cups chicken broth base of the soup

Spices

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 pinch cinnamon
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper for heat
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Chicken and Cheese

  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (or 2 small) adds heartiness
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened for creaminess
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded for flavor and topping
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until bubbling.
  • Add the diced yellow onion and jalapeño; stir for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute.
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper; stir to toast the spices for a minute.
  • Pour in the red enchilada sauce and the diced tomatoes with their juices; stir to combine.
  • Add the black beans, corn, and chicken broth; stir to distribute evenly.

Cooking

  • Mix in hot sauce if using, then add the chicken breasts whole into the soup.
  • Let the soup simmer, allowing the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
  • Remove the chicken once cooked, shred it, and return to the pot.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted.
  • Finally, add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the black beans. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation. Tweak spices to your taste.
Keyword Chicken Enchilada Soup, Comforting Soup, Cozy Recipes, easy dinner, One-Pot Meal