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The first chilly breeze of autumn wafted through my kitchen, and all I could think of was cozy, comforting meals that warm you from the inside out. One sip of this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup, and you’ll understand why it instantly became my go-to for busy weeknights. With its creamy texture and a punch of flavor from spicy green chiles, this soup perfectly captures the essence of classic chicken enchiladas while also presenting a hearty chili twist.

As I gathered the ingredients, I felt a sense of excitement; this versatile recipe can easily adapt between a stovetop or slow cooker, fitting seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules. Whether you opt for leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked, the result will leave your family asking for seconds. Dive into a bowl of this vibrant, heartwarming soup, and you might just find yourself savoring moments that turn a regular evening into a delightful culinary experience.

Why choose Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?

Comforting Warmth: This soup brings a cozy embrace to chilly evenings, with its creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.

Flavor Packed: The vibrant blend of green chiles and enchilada sauce infuses each spoonful with zesty goodness, making it a taste sensation for the whole family.

Customizable: Don’t hesitate to tailor it to your liking—swap in black beans or add extra spices for a personalized touch.

Quick to Prepare: With both stovetop and slow cooker options, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness with minimal effort.

Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup offers comfort and joy that everyone will love. Enjoy it with warm tortillas or cornbread for the ultimate meal experience!

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Ingredients

For the Soup
– Cooked Chicken – Provides protein and heartiness; substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
– White Beans – Adds creaminess and fiber; can replace with black beans for a different flavor.
– Cream Cheese – Contributes to the soup’s creaminess; substitute with a roux (flour and butter mixture) for a dairy-free option.
– Corn – Offers sweetness and texture; can use canned or frozen corn.
– Green Chiles – Provide a mild spiciness; adjust based on preference using mild or medium varieties.
– Green Enchilada Sauce – Primary flavor component; can substitute with red enchilada sauce for a different taste.
– Onion Powder – Adds depth; fresh onions can also be used for more flavor.
– Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall savory taste; fresh garlic is a great substitute.
– Chili Powder – Infuses warmth; customize spices to taste.
– Salt – Seasoning agent; adjust according to preference or use low-sodium alternatives.
– Chicken Broth – Base of the soup; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.

For Serving
– Tortilla Strips – Adds crunch and texture; a perfect complement to the creamy soup.
– Shredded Cheese – Offers a deliciously melty finish; choose your favorite cheese for extra flavor.
– Sour Cream – Adds a tangy creaminess; a dollop enhances the overall experience.
– Diced Avocado – Brings freshness and a nutritious boost; great for adding creaminess without dairy.
– Chopped Cilantro – Offers a burst of herbal brightness; enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

Dive into this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup and enjoy a comforting bowl that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!

How to Make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add the diced cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese, corn, green chiles, enchilada sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and chicken broth. Stir well until everything is blended beautifully.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and creamy. The ingredients should meld together, creating a delightful aroma in your kitchen.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Each topping brings its own delightful texture!

Optional: Sprinkle with extra chili powder for a spicy kick.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by personalizing this comforting soup to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a roux made of flour and butter to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Vegetarian: Swap out chicken and chicken broth for hearty mushrooms and vegetable broth, keeping the flavor vibrant and satisfying.
Bean Bonanza: Change white beans for black beans or kidney beans to add a different texture and flavor twist, enhancing the soup’s heartiness.
Spice Lover’s Delight: Increase the heat by using jalapeños or spicier green chiles to kick up the flavor profile and warm you up even more.
Protein Packed: Add shredded turkey instead of chicken, perfect for utilizing leftovers and giving a unique flavor to the dish.
Flavor Depth: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to introduce a smoky depth that beautifully complements the green chiles.
Textural Twist: Mix in some diced hominy for a traditional Mexican taste and a chewy texture that elevates every bite.
Global Flavor: Change the enchilada sauce for a Thai curry sauce for an unexpected but delicious fusion experience.

What to Serve with Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?

This vibrant soup is the perfect centerpiece for a comforting evening meal, enticing everyone to the table with its mouth-watering aroma.

Warm Tortillas: Soft and pliable, warm tortillas complement the soup’s creamy texture, perfect for dipping and scooping.
Cornbread Muffins: The subtle sweetness of cornbread beautifully balances the savory flavors of the soup, creating a delightful combo.
Zesty Mexican Rice: Lightly spiced and fragrant, this dish provides a fantastic contrast that elevates the meal with added color and flavor.
Avocado Salad: Crisp greens tossed with avocado create a fresh, creamy side that enriches the overall dining experience.
Spicy Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add a hearty protein option, enhancing the dish with a textured bite that pairs well with the soup.

For dessert, you might want to finish with a Chocolate Flan: This velvety treat is indulgent without being overwhelming, leaving everyone with a sweet memory of the meal.

Expert Tips for Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

Flavor Boost: Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the soup for an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish.
Perfect Thickness: If your soup is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water before stirring it into the soup to achieve a desired consistency.
Freezing Friendly: For the best texture post-freezing, omit dairy when storing leftovers; add cream and cheese after reheating for a fresh taste.
Chicken Choices: Feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but ensure it’s added just before serving for optimal flavor.
Spice It Up: Customize the heat level by experimenting with different varieties or amounts of green chiles to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Storage Tips for Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without dairy for up to 3 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add cream and cheese during the reheating process to regain that creamy texture.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the soup out for more than 2 hours to ensure it remains safe for consumption.

Make Ahead Options

These Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can chop and combine the ingredients (excluding the cream cheese and chicken broth) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For even more convenience, you can cook the soup completely and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving—just warm it on the stove when you’re ready. To maintain the creamy texture, add the cream cheese just before reheating. Alternatively, if you want to freeze the soup, do so without the dairy components for optimal quality, adding them upon reheating for delicious results. Enjoy effortless mealtime as you savor each comforting bowl!

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for the soup?
You can use shredded cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. If using fresh chicken, make sure to cook it fully before adding it to the soup for the best flavor and texture.

How long can I store the soup in the fridge?
Absolutely! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing to maintain its delicious flavor.

Can I freeze Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Yes, you can! For optimal texture, freeze the soup without any dairy ingredients for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, and add in cream cheese or sour cream when warming it up on the stove for that creamy goodness.

What can I do if my soup is too thin?
No worries! If your soup is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! This soup is quite flexible: it’s gluten-free, and you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting cream cheese with a roux or a dairy-free cream alternative. Be sure to check that any broth or sauces used are also gluten-free.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
You can customize the spice level by choosing mild or medium green chiles. If you prefer a bit more heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring that zesty flavor up a notch!

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe FAQs