Name: Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 red bell pepper, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 15 oz red enchilada sauce; 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken; 15 oz black beans, rinsed; 15 oz canned corn, drained; 1 tsp salt (adjust to preference); 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ll absolutely adore this Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of tender chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and hearty beans and corn, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth with just the right kick. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or something satisfying to share with family and friends, this soup is incredibly simple to make yet so deeply satisfying, it quickly becomes a favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a metal pot filled with two sections of diced vegetables on a white marbled surface; one half holds small pieces of white onion while the other half shows bright red and orange chopped bell peppers, all finely diced and evenly spread side by side inside the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this soup just right is all about the fantastic balance of simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. From buttery sautéed veggies adding sweetness and depth, to the bold enchilada sauce that gives it that signature Mexican flair, every component is essential for creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

2 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a rich base to sauté the vegetables and adds a silky mouthfeel.
1 medium onion (finely diced): Brings natural sweetness and a subtle crunch when softened.
1 red bell pepper (finely diced): Adds vibrant color and a touch of fruity brightness to the soup.
3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the broth with aromatic depth and a gentle spicy undertone.
15 oz red enchilada sauce: The key flavor driver that delivers a smoky, tangy richness.
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium): Keeps the soup light and savory while marrying all the flavors together.
1 lb chicken (boneless skinless): Adds lean protein and tender chunks that soak up the sauce beautifully.
15 oz black beans (rinsed): Brings earthiness and heartiness, plus a great source of fiber.
15 oz canned corn (drained): Adds sweetness and bursts of juicy texture with every spoonful.
1 tsp salt (adjust to preference): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
1 1/2 cups Mexican cheese (shredded): Melts creamy and gooey, rounding out the soup with indulgent richness.

TIP

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

How to Make Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook these until they become soft and just start to caramelize, about 5 to 8 minutes. This step builds a savory and slightly sweet flavor base that sets the tone for the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Sauce, and Broth

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for a brief minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the red enchilada sauce followed by the chicken broth, stirring to combine the bold flavors with the sautéed veggies. This mixture will be the heart of your soup.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place the whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the simmering liquid. Cover and let them cook through gently until they are fully cooked and tender, about 15 minutes. This gentle simmer infuses the chicken with all those rich, spicy flavors from the broth.

Step 4: Remove and Chop the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will be easy to enjoy in every spoonful of this delicious soup.

Step 5: Mix in Beans, Corn, and Season

Return the chopped chicken back to the pot. Add the black beans and corn and season the soup with salt, adjusting to your taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to meld all the flavors together perfectly.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Finally, sprinkle in the shredded Mexican cheese while stirring the soup over low heat. The cheese melts into a creamy, decadent finish that makes this soup feel extra indulgent and comforting. Serve warm and enjoy every luscious bite.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

The image shows a deep black pot filled with a warm, orange-yellow soup. The soup has visible small pieces of ingredients floating, including some small chunks and a light sprinkling of thin, white shredded cheese in the middle. The soup looks smooth but with texture from the bits inside. The pot has two handles on the sides and is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes transform this soup into a feast for the eyes and add layers of flavor and texture. Consider topping your bowl with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the spice, or crunchy tortilla strips for satisfying crispness. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own, but serving it alongside simple sides like warm corn tortillas, a fresh garden salad, or Mexican rice can make your meal even more hearty and enjoyable. These sides complement the flavors and keep the meal exciting and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out avocados for a playful presentation that impresses guests. You can also layer the soup with toppings in individual mason jars for an easy grab-and-go lunch or picnic option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the flavors from fading. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the ingredients have plenty of time to mingle.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup without any hassle. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months, making it a great option to have on hand for busy nights when you want quick comfort food ready in no time.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly warm through. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up without diluting the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe even faster to prepare. Just add the shredded chicken toward the end of cooking to warm it through.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the red enchilada sauce. If you prefer more heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the vegetables.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra beans or even diced tofu to keep it hearty and satisfying.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

A Mexican cheese blend is ideal because it melts smoothly and combines cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla. If you can’t find that, Monterey Jack or mild cheddar work beautifully too.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Just sauté the veggies and garlic first, then combine all ingredients except cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, shred the chicken, stir in the cheese at the end, and serve hot.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm, flavorful hug after a busy day. It balances simplicity with delicious layers of taste and texture that the whole family will adore. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen—you’ll be smiling with every spoonful.

Easy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need