Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, then you absolutely need to try this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and hearty flavors that come together so effortlessly. The tender chunks of chicken paired with the smoky green chiles and rich enchilada sauce create a soup that’s anything but ordinary. With every spoonful, you get a delicious fiesta that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want to cozy up with something truly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the soup’s incredible flavor and texture. From the soft cream cheese that adds creaminess to the zing of green chiles, every item enhances the final dish.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced into 1/2″ chunks: Adds meaty, tender protein that makes the soup hearty and filling.
• 2 15-ounce cans white beans, rinsed and drained: Provide a creamy texture and subtle earthiness, plus they bulk up the soup.
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened: Melts beautifully into the broth to deliver a luscious, velvety consistency.
• 1 cup corn, canned or frozen: Brings a touch of sweetness and a pleasant bite to balance the spices.
• 1 4-ounce can green chiles: The star ingredient that infuses the soup with that signature mild heat and vibrant flavor.
• 1 14-ounce can green enchilada sauce (or red): Loads the broth with rich, tangy depth and savory goodness.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor by adding a subtle, savory note.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth that’s simply irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Delivers a gentle kick while complementing the other spices perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors beautifully.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together in one delicious pot.

How to Make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Start by placing the cooked chicken, white beans, cream cheese cubes, corn, green chiles, and green enchilada sauce into your slow cooker bowl. Then sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Finally, pour in the chicken broth to bring it all together. This simple assembly step is where the magic begins as the flavors start to meld.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it to high. Let everything cook for 2 to 3 hours until the soup is piping hot and the cream cheese has melted into a silky base. The slow heat does a beautiful job of allowing the spices to fully bloom and the ingredients to marry perfectly.

Step 3: Stir and Taste

Before serving, give the soup a good stir to ensure the cream cheese is well-incorporated and all the tastes are evenly distributed. This is also a great time to taste and adjust seasoning if you want a touch more heat or salt.

How to Serve Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

Garnishes

The best part about Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is dressing it up with your favorite toppings. Pile on crunchy tortilla strips for a satisfying crunch, sprinkle sharp shredded cheddar cheese to melt on top, add a dollop of cool sour cream for creaminess, diced avocado for buttery richness, and fresh chopped cilantro to brighten it all up. These garnishes add layers of texture and celebratory flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup is so hearty it can stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside warm cornbread, a crisp green salad with lime dressing, or even simple tortilla chips for scooping. These sides complement the soup’s spicy, creamy nature perfectly without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or a special occasion, serve the soup in individual hollowed-out mini bell peppers or small bread bowls. You can also set up a “toppings bar” so everyone can personalize their bowl with their preferred garnishes. This makes for a really fun and interactive meal that turns the humble Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup into a real celebration of flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup without losing any flavor or texture. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Reheating brings back that comforting warmth and rich flavor every time.

FAQs

Can I make Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simply combine all ingredients in a large pot over medium heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld beautifully.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I want a dairy-free version?

You can try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, or for a lighter option, blend in some soaked cashews to achieve that creamy texture without dairy.

Is this soup very spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat because of the green chiles and chili powder, but it’s easy to adjust. Use milder chiles or reduce chili powder to suit your spice preference.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this soup and adds an extra layer of flavor, making this an even quicker recipe to throw together.

What can I do with leftover soup besides reheating?

Leftover soup can be used as a filling for enchiladas, poured over rice for a quick bowl meal, or even turned into a casserole by mixing with tortilla chips and cheese then baking briefly.

Final Thoughts

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is one of those dishes that never fails to bring warmth and happiness to the table. It’s easy to make, so comforting, and packed with bold, delicious flavors that everyone will love. Whether you are feeding a family or looking for a simple meal that feels special, this soup is a total game changer. I hope you try it soon and enjoy every satisfying spoonful as much as I do!

Print