Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soupù
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting and hearty soup combining tender shredded chicken, creamy texture from cream cheese, and classic enchilada spices. Quick and easy to prepare, this vibrant soup provides a perfect balance of rich flavors and mild spice, ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs
Sauce and Broth
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Fresh lime juice
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips or roasted pepitas
- Prepare the base: Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a bit of oil over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant, allowing them to slightly caramelize without burning to build the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Add spices and enchilada sauce: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies, then pour in the enchilada sauce and chicken broth, mixing well for a smooth combination of flavors.
- Incorporate chicken and corn: Add the shredded chicken and corn kernels to the pot. Let the soup simmer so the flavors meld and it warms through evenly.
- Make it creamy: Reduce the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts completely, creating a silky, creamy texture.
- Final touches: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, adding brightness and balance before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising flavor.
- Soften cream cheese before adding for a smooth texture.
- Don’t skip the lime; it cuts through the richness and enhances taste.
- Simmer gently after adding cream cheese to avoid curdling.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer.
- Substitute cream cheese with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cashew cream for dairy-free or alternative creaminess.
- Can be made in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients except cream cheese, cooking on low 4-6 hours, then stirring in cream cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, enchilada soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, Mexican soup, weeknight meal, family-friendly