Name: Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups tortilla strips; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 large avocado (diced); Fresh cilantro (chopped)

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If you’ve ever wished for a comforting bowl that brings together the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the soothing warmth of a hearty soup, look no further than this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and a deliciously tangy green enchilada sauce that makes every spoonful a celebration of taste and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this soup is guaranteed to become a fast favorite with its inviting aroma and bold, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled surface with cooked chicken pieces being chopped. The chicken is light beige with some golden brown edges, roughly torn into small to medium chunks and piled on the right side of the board. A woman's hand is holding a knife on the left side, cutting a more solid piece of chicken into smaller strips. The overall color palette of the ingredients is soft beige with some light pink and brown hues. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze because each one plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavors, colors, and textures that make this soup so special. From the creamy softness of the white beans to the bright, slightly spicy punch of green chiles, everything comes together effortlessly.

2 cups cooked chicken: Diced into 1/2″ chunks to add tender, protein-packed bites throughout the soup.
2 15-ounce cans white beans: Rinsed and drained for a creamy texture and subtle nuttiness that complements the spices.
4 ounces cream cheese: Cubed and softened, melting into the broth to create a luscious, silky base.
1 cup corn: Canned or frozen, adding pops of sweetness and bright color to every spoonful.
1 4-ounce can green chiles: Bringing a mild heat and smoky undertone to keep things exciting.
1 14-ounce can green enchilada sauce: The heart of the soup, delivering rich, tangy depth and vibrant green hues.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhancing savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adding just the right garlicky warmth that lingers gently.
1 teaspoon chili powder: For a subtle kick that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance and elevate all the ingredients, bringing harmony to the bowl.
4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that unites every element in this soup.
2 cups tortilla strips: Perfect for topping, adding a crunchy texture contrast.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts wonderfully on top, adding gooey, tangy richness.
1/2 cup sour cream: For a cool, creamy finish that complements the spice.
1 large avocado: Diced for a buttery, fresh creaminess in each bite.
Cilantro: Fresh chopped, bringing a bright herbal lift to the dish.

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

How to Make Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by adding the cooked chicken, rinsed white beans, softened cream cheese, corn, green chiles, enchilada sauce, spices, and chicken broth right into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to allow the cream cheese to start melting and the flavors to mingle from the very beginning.

Step 2: Let It Cook Slowly

Cover the slow cooker and set it to high heat for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking time lets all those fantastic flavors deepen and develop, and ensures the soup comes out hot and comforting with perfectly tender chicken.

Step 3: Serve and Top

Ladle the soup into bowls and get creative with your favorite toppings. Tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch, while shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro bring extra layers of richness, creaminess, and freshness to this already amazing dish.

How to Serve Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with a creamy, light brown stew that has small chunks of meat and scattered green herb pieces on top. A metal spoon is stirring the stew, and the pot handle is visible on the right side. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a partial view of some red vegetables and green stems in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To truly elevate this soup, generous garnishes are the secret weapon. Crispy tortilla strips provide a wonderful texture contrast, melty cheddar cheese gives a luscious finish, and a dollop of sour cream offers cooling richness. Don’t forget the diced avocado and chopped cilantro for that fresh, creamy, and herbaceous touch that ties everything together.

Side Dishes

This soup can easily stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple side like a crisp green salad or warm cornbread will round out your meal perfectly. The lightness of fresh greens or the sweet, buttery crumb of bread complements the heartiness and bold flavor of the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic earthenware bowls to bring out its cozy, home-cooked vibe. For a festive touch, present an assortment of garnishes in little bowls, inviting your guests to customize their bowls. You can even offer crunchy browned tortilla strips or crispy baked chips to add an extra burst of texture right before eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld even more overnight, you might find it tastes just as good, if not better, the next day—making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or a quick, comforting lunch.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious soup ready for later, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as it freezes. When freezing, consider omitting toppings like avocado and tortilla strips, which are best added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps maintain the creamy texture without overcooking any ingredients. Add fresh toppings once heated to recapture the full, vibrant flavors of the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer over medium heat for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese melts and everything is heated through.

Is it possible to use red enchilada sauce instead of green?

Yes! While this is a Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe, substituting with red enchilada sauce will give you a different but equally delicious flavor profile that’s a little richer and earthier.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand? What can I use instead?

You can swap cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep that creamy texture, but add it toward the end of cooking to avoid curdling. Alternatively, a splash of heavy cream can also do the trick.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just place the raw chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker and add all other ingredients on top. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

What toppings work best with this soup?

The classics like shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced avocado, and cilantro are fantastic, but you can also add sliced jalapeños, a squeeze of lime, or even some crispy bacon bits if you want to experiment and bring your own twist to the Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a warm bowl of soup that’s bursting with vibrant, layered flavors, and this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly that. It’s easy to prepare yet so full of satisfying textures and bold tastes, making it perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and discover just how incredibly cozy and delicious Mexican-inspired soup can be!

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Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need