Name: Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 4 cups chicken broth (950 ml); 10 oz red enchilada sauce (300 ml), canned; 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes (430 g), canned; 4 oz diced green chiles (118 g), canned; 15 oz black beans (450 g), canned, drained and rinsed; 1½ cups frozen or canned corn, drained; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well); 4 oz cream cheese (118 g), softened and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) or half-and-half; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese; Chopped cilantro; Sliced avocado; Sour cream; Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips; Lime wedges; Canned or fresh jalapeños or chilies

If you love cozy, comforting meals that burst with bold, zesty flavors, this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. It combines hearty shredded chicken, smoky spices, and a luscious creamy base that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Loaded with wholesome ingredients like black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this soup offers a perfect balance between satisfying textures and rich flavors. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a quick meal packed with flavor, this soup delivers step after step of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot is shown with two stages of cooking inside. On the left side, the pot contains a mixture of small, evenly chopped red bell peppers and onions, cooked until soft with a slightly browned texture, stirred by a wooden spoon resting inside. On the right side, the same pot now has a bright red chunky tomato base with visible pieces of onion and pepper, into which a clear liquid is being poured, creating small bubbles on the surface. In the background, there are halved green limes and fresh parsley on a white marbled surface, along with a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes close to the pot's handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe are delightfully simple yet essential for building layers of flavor and texture. Each one adds a unique element — from the smoky spices that bring warmth to the dish to the creamy cheeses that make every spoonful velvety smooth and indulgent.

Olive oil: Perfect for gently sautéing veggies and releasing their natural sweetness.
Small onion (diced): Adds a subtle, savory foundation that melds beautifully with spices.
Small red bell pepper (diced): Brings a hint of sweetness and bright color to the soup.
Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses an aromatic punch enhancing every bite.
Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy tone that’s classic in enchilada dishes.
Chili powder: For a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth that complements the creaminess perfectly.
Dried oregano: Lends a subtle herbaceous note to keep flavors bright and balanced.
Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
Red enchilada sauce (10 oz): The soul of the soup, imbuing each spoonful with rich, tangy spice.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds a smoky, fresh tomato sweetness that elevates the broth.
Diced green chiles (4 oz): For a touch of heat and bold personality.
Black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed): Add hearty texture and protein to balance the creaminess.
Frozen or canned corn (1½ cups, drained): Offers bursts of subtle sweetness and color.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): The star protein that carries all the flavors deliciously.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened and cubed): Infuses irresistible creaminess and richness.
Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup): Makes the soup luxuriously smooth without overpowering.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (1½ cups): Melts into the soup for cheesy, gooey goodness.
Chopped cilantro: Brightens and freshens each spoonful.
Sliced avocado: Adds creamy texture and a cool contrast.
Sour cream: Offers a tangy finish that balances spice beautifully.
Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips: Give satisfying crunch and a hint of salt.
Lime wedges: Add a zesty brightness to customize each bowl.
Canned or fresh jalapeños or chilies: Perfect for those who want a spicy kick.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking them gently until they soften, which usually takes about 3–4 minutes. This step is where the magic begins — the softened vegetables create a fragrant and flavorful base. Once the veggies are translucent, mix in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook everything together for another 30 seconds or so until the spices release their lovely aroma, setting the tone for the entire soup.

Step 2: Add the Liquid Components and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and the canned enchilada sauce, which is the heart of this soup’s rich flavor. Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and diced green chiles next. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all these ingredients to meld together. This simple but flavorful broth lays the foundation for the Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe’s unforgettable taste.

Step 3: Mix in Beans, Corn, and Chicken

Now, stir in the black beans, corn, and shredded cooked chicken. These ingredients add texture and substance, making the soup hearty and satisfying. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, giving ample time for all the components to blend and for the chicken to soak up the smoky, spicy flavors.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream. Whisk gently until the cream cheese melts fully and the broth turns creamy and smooth. Then sprinkle in the shredded cheese, constantly stirring to ensure it melts evenly into the soup. This step transforms the soup into the indulgent, velvety bowl you’re dreaming of.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The layers of spice and creamy richness should be perfectly balanced now. Ladle the soup hot into bowls and get ready to dive into one of the most comforting dishes you’ll ever make.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

The image shows a white pot with black handles filled with a red soup. The soup has three main layers: the bottom is a red broth filled with visible corn kernels and black beans, the middle layer features shredded light-colored cooked chicken piled in the center, and on top, the right side pot adds a mound of shredded yellow cheese sitting on a dollop of white sour cream, slightly melting into the soup. Around the pot, there are small bowls containing lime wedges, shredded cheese, and chili powder, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top the soup with chopped cilantro and sliced avocado for fresh contrast and creamy bites. A dollop of sour cream adds cool tang, while crunchy tortilla strips or crushed chips bring a satisfying texture. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors, and for heat lovers, fresh or canned jalapeños will add that extra punch.

Side Dishes

While the soup shines on its own, pairing it with warm cornbread or a crisp green salad rounds out the meal beautifully. Light Mexican rice or a simple avocado and tomato salsa also complement the soup wonderfully, making each dinner feel special and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls is a fun way to impress guests and keep things interactive. You can also offer a toppings bar with shredded cheese, multiple salsas, and herbs so everyone can tailor their bowl the way they love it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your soup will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting a bit, so leftovers taste amazing.

Freezing

To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Just note that the texture of the cream cheese might change slightly upon thawing, but a good stir or a splash of cream during reheating refreshes it perfectly.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through and creamy again. If the soup thickens too much, add a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up. This easy reheating makes it a convenient, nourishing option for busy days.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this soup. Just shred it well and add it during the simmering step for great flavor absorption.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You might want to add extra beans or tofu for protein to keep it hearty.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Definitely! Add extra diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a hotter enchilada sauce. Adjust gradually to suit your preferred spice level.

What’s the best substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?

Cream cheese provides crucial creaminess and tang, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream stirred in at the end. The soup might be slightly less rich but still delicious.

How thick should the soup be?

The Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe should be rich and creamy but still spoonable and slightly brothy—think hearty stew rather than thick chowder.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time, and this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe hits that perfect note beautifully. It’s easy to prepare, packed with incredible flavors, and comforting enough to turn any ordinary day into a cozy celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own personal touches to this delicious, creamy classic that’s guaranteed to become a lifelong favorite.