Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

The Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup combines the bold, zesty flavors of traditional enchiladas with the comforting richness of a homemade soup. Packed with lean protein, black beans, sweet corn, and a warming blend of spices, it delivers that satisfying “hug-in-a-bowl” feeling.

What sets this dish apart is its creamy texture, thanks to a luscious mix of cream cheese and shredded cheese stirred in at the end. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for a busy week, or craving a soul-soothing meal, this one-pot wonder is the answer. It’s quick, filling, and effortlessly delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken breast

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 4 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Add shredded chicken, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Pour in enchilada sauce and chicken broth. Stir well.

5. Add black beans, corn, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

7. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

8. Simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

9. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

If you love enchiladas but don’t want to spend time rolling tortillas, baking, and layering, this soup version brings all the familiar flavors you adore, but with half the work. It’s hearty, creamy, spicy, and savory, with layers of textures from tender chicken, plump black beans, sweet corn, and melty cheese. You get the essence of enchiladas in spoonfuls of warm, cozy comfort.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is also perfect for cold nights, game-day gatherings, or even weekly meal prep. The one-pot nature of this recipe makes it a no-fuss dish with minimal cleanup, while still impressing anyone you serve it to. Whether you enjoy it topped with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, or a squirt of lime, this soup adapts easily to personal tastes and dietary needs.

What Makes This Soup So Special?

There are plenty of soup recipes out there, but few deliver the same level of satisfaction that Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup does. It’s not just about warmth, it’s about comfort. The combination of enchilada sauce, cream cheese, and shredded cheese brings velvety richness, while the spices offer a subtle heat that builds with every spoonful.

This soup takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish, and you don’t need to be a culinary expert to make it. Even better, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, canned beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce, so you can throw it together on a whim.

Ingredient Highlights and Substitutions

Shredded Chicken:
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here if you’re short on time. You can also poach and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Thigh meat will add more richness, while breasts keep it lean.

Red Enchilada Sauce:
Store-bought enchilada sauce is a huge time-saver, but if you have a homemade recipe, go for it. You can also use green enchilada sauce for a tangier twist.

Cream Cheese & Shredded Cheese:
These give the soup its luscious creamy consistency. You can swap in Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a lighter or lactose-free option.

Black Beans & Corn:
These add fiber and a sweet-savory contrast to the soup. Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas are suitable substitutions.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes:
They add a smoky depth of flavor. If unavailable, regular diced tomatoes work just fine.

Spices:
Cumin, paprika, and chili powder are key to building that Tex-Mex flavor base. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Make It Your Own – Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on beans and corn. You can also add sautéed zucchini or bell peppers.

• Add grains: Stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or orzo pasta for a more filling version.

• Go low-carb: Omit the beans and corn, and use extra chicken and veggies like cauliflower or spinach.

• Boost the protein: Mix in more shredded chicken or top it with a poached egg for extra richness.

• Toppings bar: Serve with toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado chunks, crispy tortilla strips, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped scallions.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup stores beautifully, making it an ideal meal prep option. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. If planning to freeze, consider leaving out the dairy (cream cheese and shredded cheese) and adding it fresh when reheating to prevent curdling.

To Reheat:
Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is satisfying enough on its own, but it pairs well with several delicious sides:

• Warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping

• Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice on the side

• A simple avocado-tomato salad for freshness

• Cheesy quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches

To elevate presentation for dinner parties or guests, serve the soup in bread bowls, or offer a toppings station so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Health Benefits & Nutrition

While it tastes indulgent, Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can be quite balanced:

• Protein-rich: Chicken and black beans are excellent sources of lean protein.

• Fiber-packed: Beans and corn support digestive health and keep you full longer.

• Immune-boosting ingredients: Garlic, onions, and tomatoes are all beneficial for immune support.

• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free enchilada sauce and broth.

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese, skip or reduce the shredded cheese, and bulk up the soup with more veggies.

Ideal for Meal Preppers and Busy Families

This is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld, and the consistency becomes even richer. If you have a busy week ahead, make a large pot on Sunday and enjoy hearty, stress-free meals throughout the week.

The soup also travels well, making it ideal for office lunches, school thermoses, or freezing in individual portions for future use. If you’re feeding a family, it’s also budget-friendly since most of the ingredients are pantry staples and stretch far.

What to Pair With This Dish

Pair this soup with a refreshing drink like a sparkling lime agua fresca or a light lager beer. If you’re planning a themed dinner, consider following it up with tres leches cake, churros, or cinnamon sugar-dusted sopapillas for dessert.

CONCLUSION

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a deliciously comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re trying to feed a hungry family, impress guests with a cozy starter, or simply want a hearty lunch that’s ready in minutes, this soup delivers on every front. It’s proof that big flavor doesn’t have to come with big effort, just one pot, a few ingredients, and a whole lot of comfort.

Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s a reader favorite and a weekly staple in so many kitchens. Customize it, freeze it, serve it, just don’t forget to top it with love (and cheese).