If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dinner that’s quick to prepare, then you’re in for a treat! This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in your slow cooker, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones while the delicious aroma fills your home.

This soup has a special place in my heart because it brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a cozy night in with the family, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and mild spices.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; this soup tastes even better the next day!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of green chiles and enchilada sauce gives this soup a rich, savory kick.
Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings for extra fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup

2 cups cooked chicken (diced into 1/2 chunks)
2 15-ounce cans white beans (rinsed and drained)
4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened)
1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
1 4-ounce can green chiles
1 14-ounce can green enchilada sauce (or red)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups chicken broth

For Toppings

2 cups tortilla strips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large avocado (diced)
Cilantro (fresh chopped)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to make it your own by trying out some of these variations:

Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even beans for a vegetarian twist.
Change up the beans: Try black beans or pinto beans instead of white beans for a different flavor.
Add veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini to sneak in extra nutrients.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add jalapeños or increase the chili powder for an extra kick.

How to Make Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a 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 everything together well. This step is crucial as combining these ingredients allows their flavors to meld beautifully during cooking!

Step 2: Cook

Cover and cook on high heat for 2-3 hours. This low-and-slow method helps make the flavors richer while ensuring everything heats through nicely. The smell wafting from your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting at dinnertime!

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and let everyone top their servings with tortilla strips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. This not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of each bowl. Enjoy this comforting meal with loved ones—it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Every great recipe comes with a few insider tips to elevate your cooking experience! Here are some helpful pointers to ensure your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time:

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience: If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save you precious minutes while still delivering delicious flavor.
Adjust the spice level: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to amp up the spiciness. Conversely, if you prefer milder flavors, reduce the chili powder.
Experiment with beans: While white beans are fantastic, feel free to mix it up with black beans or chickpeas for a different texture and taste profile.
Add fresh veggies: For an extra nutrient boost, toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach during the last hour of cooking. This adds vibrant color and freshness to your soup.
Make it creamy: For an even creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. Just use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker or transfer some to a blender, then stir it back in.

How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Serving your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ideas on how to present this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color that complements the soup beautifully.
Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze fresh juice over their bowl for a zesty finish.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread makes a perfect companion to this savory soup, offering a delightful contrast in flavors.
Simple green salad: A crisp salad tossed with olive oil and lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to your meal.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served alongside enhances the southwestern flavors and provides another layer of richness.
Rice or quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or protein-packed quinoa can help soak up any extra broth while adding heartiness to your meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Green Enchilada Chicken Soup will not only warm hearts but also create lasting memories around the dinner table. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade comfort food throughout the week. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just want to savor leftovers, this recipe stores beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
Transfer the soup into airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Leave some space at the top of containers or bags to allow for expansion as it freezes.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
For microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time. Just shred or dice it into pieces before adding it to your slow cooker.

How can I make this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe spicier?

To add more heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I substitute other beans in the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap white beans with black beans or kidney beans based on your taste preference.

Is this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! This soup is creamy and flavorful without being too spicy, making it appealing to kids. You can adjust toppings based on their preferences as well.

Final Thoughts

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warm flavors and comforting textures. It’s easy to make and perfect for those busy evenings when you need something quick yet satisfying. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dish as much as my family does! Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations; I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!