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Warm bowl of Chicken Enchilada Soup with garnishes

Chicken Enchilada Soup

A warm and comforting classic that brings all the beloved flavors of chicken enchiladas into a hearty, satisfying soup.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 10 oz can red enchilada sauce
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 oz can corn, drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Method
 

Cook Chicken and Aromatics
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Soup Base
  1. Stir in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Finish and Serve
  1. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced avocado, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño with the onion and bell pepper, or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. You can also use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.