Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

By: Julia Pacheco

All the bold flavor of enchiladas in a cheesy, cozy soup—this easy recipe is ready in a flash and packed with Southwest flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal. This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup will quickly become a family favorite. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor and creamy texture in every spoonful!

Ingredients

This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry! Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. This recipe is very adaptable, so you can easily add more vegetables or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup masa (harina de maiz)
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
• ¾ pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
• Optional toppings: Cheese, avocado, tortilla strips, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup. The key to a great soup is to layer the flavors, so don’t skip any steps! Get ready for a flavor explosion that will warm you from the inside out.

• In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil followed by the diced onion. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. This is the foundation of your soup’s flavor, so take your time.
• Add in the salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. The aromatic spices will infuse the broth, creating a rich and savory base. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
• Prepare the masa by slowly pouring it into the two cups of water, whisking until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps for a creamy and consistent texture. This will act as a thickening agent for the soup.
• Pour in the masa mixture, enchilada sauce, and Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup begins to thicken. The Velveeta cheese adds a delightful creaminess and cheesy flavor that makes this soup irresistible.
• Once the soup reaches a simmer (a gentle boil), add in the cooked shredded chicken and white beans. Stir to combine and ensure the chicken is heated through. The chicken adds protein and substance, while the white beans provide a creamy texture and additional flavor.
• Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings! Some popular options include shredded cheese, diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Get creative and customize your soup to your liking!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Here are a few extra tips to help you create the ultimate Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup:

• Use high-quality chicken broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor.
• Don’t skip the masa: The masa is essential for thickening the soup and giving it that authentic enchilada flavor.
• Adjust the spices to your liking: If you like your soup spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
• Slow Cooker Option: This soup can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the cheese and toppings) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes until melted and serve with your favorite toppings.
• Spice it Up!: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans, corn, or more white beans to make a delicious vegetarian version.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving to enhance the creaminess.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and convenient. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: Packed with bold Southwest flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Comforting: A warm and cozy bowl of soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Serve with a side of warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their soup.
• Garnish with a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

More Soup Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup, be sure to check out these other delicious soup recipes:

• Creamy Tomato Soup: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for any time of year.
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A cheesy and nutritious soup that’s easy to make.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: A soothing and comforting soup that’s perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather.
• French Onion Soup: A rich and flavorful soup that’s topped with melted cheese.

Variations on Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Want to mix things up? Here are some exciting variations you can try:

• Spicy Chorizo Version: Add cooked chorizo for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
• Creamy Corn Soup: Mix in some creamed corn to add sweetness and creamy texture.
• Roasted Poblano Soup: Roast poblano peppers and blend them into the soup base for a smoky and savory twist.
• Black Bean and Sweet Potato: Add black beans and diced sweet potatoes for a hearty and nutritious option.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Enhance your meal with these complementary pairings:

• Side Dish: A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette.
• Drink: A refreshing margarita or a chilled Mexican beer.
• Dessert: Churros with chocolate dipping sauce or a slice of tres leches cake.

A History of Enchiladas

Enchiladas, the inspiration behind this comforting soup, have a rich history rooted in Mexican cuisine. The word “enchilada” comes from the Nahuatl word “chīllapītzalli,” which refers to a corn tortilla dipped in chili sauce. The earliest versions of enchiladas were simple corn tortillas dipped in chili sauce and sometimes filled with fish. As Mexican cuisine evolved, enchiladas became more complex, with a variety of fillings and sauces. Today, enchiladas are a beloved dish enjoyed around the world, and this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delicious tribute to their rich culinary heritage. Now you can enjoy all the great flavors of enchiladas without all of the extra work!

Health Benefits of Chicken Soup

Chicken soup, including this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup, offers several health benefits. The warm broth helps to soothe a sore throat and clear nasal congestion, making it a comforting remedy for colds and flu. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. The vegetables in the soup provide vitamins and minerals, boosting the immune system. The addition of spices like cumin and chili powder adds antioxidants, which help to protect the body against damage from free radicals. While this version has the added cheese for creaminess and flavor, it still carries similar health benefits to traditional chicken soup.

Masa: The Secret Ingredient

The masa in this recipe is a key ingredient that adds both flavor and texture to the soup. Masa, which translates to “dough” in Spanish, is made from nixtamalized corn, a process where corn kernels are soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, usually limewater. This process softens the corn and makes the nutrients more bioavailable. The masa used in this soup not only thickens the broth but also imparts a distinct corn flavor that is characteristic of enchiladas. Using masa harina, a dried and powdered version of masa, makes this recipe even easier and more convenient.