Hearty Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of cooking oil (separated, $0.12)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped, $0.70)
- 1 jalapeño (de-seeded & chopped, $0.33)
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped, $0.16)
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour ($0.02)
- 2 tablespoons of chili seasoning ($0.60*)
- ½ teaspoon of ground cumin ($0.05)
- ½ teaspoon of garlic seasoning ($0.05)
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne spice ($0.02)
- ¾ teaspoon of salt ($0.05)
- 3 ounces of tomato concentrate ($0.43**)
- 1 can (15 oz.) of black beans (rinsed, $0.69)
- 1 can (15 oz.) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes ($1.18**)
- 1 can (10 oz.) of diced tomatoes with green chilies ($0.96**)
- 1 cup of frozen corn kernels ($0.30)
- 4 cups of chicken stock ($0.52)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1½ lbs., $4.00***)
- grated cheese
- fresh cilantro
- sliced avocado
- cream
- sliced jalapeño
Instructions
Step 1
To kick off your Chicken Enchilada Soup, grab a large Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot and place it over medium heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, letting it warm up for a moment. While that’s heating, prepare your veggies: dice one onion, finely chop a jalapeño (be sure to remove the seeds if you prefer less heat), and mince a couple of garlic cloves. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion, jalapeño, and garlic to the pot. Sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
Step 2
With your sautéed vegetables now fragrant and vibrant, it’s time to enhance that deliciousness. Grab your flour, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Carefully sprinkle the flour and spices over the vegetables in the pot, stirring everything together until well-coated. Keep the heat on medium and let this mixture cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want to see the flour absorb the oil and spices, creating a slightly thickened paste that will help deepen the flavor of your soup. The spices will start to release their aromas, making your kitchen smell incredible!
Step 3
Now it’s time to add some hearty goodness to your pot! Start by spooning in the tomato paste, which will serve as a rich base for our soup. Next, grab your drained black beans and toss them in, followed by the fire-roasted tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Don’t forget to add the frozen corn for that sweet crunch! Pour in the chicken broth to bring everything together. As you stir, make sure to break up the tomato paste completely, incorporating it into the mix and scraping up any spices that might be clinging to the bottom of the pot. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and you see a beautiful, colorful medley of ingredients. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the chicken breasts to your bubbling pot of goodness. Gently nestle them into the soup, ensuring they're submerged in that flavorful broth. Once the chicken is in, cover the pot with a lid and turn up the heat to bring everything to a lively boil. As soon as you see those big bubbles rolling, reduce the heat to medium-low. This will allow the soup to simmer gently for about 45 minutes. You want to keep an eye on it, ensuring the soup maintains a steady simmer — this is key for getting that tender chicken you’re aiming for. After 45 minutes, your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll be ready to move on to the next delicious step!
Step 5
Once the soup has been bubbling away for about 45 minutes, it’s time to give that chicken some attention. Carefully lift the chicken breasts out of the pot and set them on a clean cutting board. Allow them to cool for a few moments until they’re safe to handle—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Now, grab a couple of forks and get ready to shred! Start pulling the chicken apart, using the forks to break it into bite-sized pieces. You want it to be tender and fluffy, so don’t be afraid to get in there. Once you’ve shredded all the chicken, you can add it back into the pot, stirring it into the flavorful broth to combine all those delicious ingredients.
Step 6
Once your soup is bubbling and fragrant, it’s time to bring it all together. Carefully add the shredded chicken back into the pot, ensuring the meat is evenly dispersed throughout the soup. Give it a good stir, and let it simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes on medium heat, just until everything is warmed through and the flavors meld beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when you can see steam rising and the chicken is heated to a comforting warmth. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 7
To serve your delicious Chicken Enchilada Soup, ladle it into bowls while it's still hot and steaming. This is your moment to get creative with toppings! Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top, letting it melt slightly into the warm soup. Then, add a handful of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Next, slice an avocado and arrange a few pieces atop the soup for creaminess. A dollop of sour cream can add a nice tang, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss on some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Take a moment to admire your vibrant creation, and then dig in—each spoonful is bound to be comforting and satisfying!
Nutrition Information
My Tip
For a deeper flavor in your Chicken Enchilada Soup, be sure to sauté the diced onion, jalapeño, and garlic until they're just starting to caramelize. This extra step enhances their natural sweetness and adds a rich layer of flavor to the base of your soup.
Leftovers
To store your Chicken Enchilada Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, which helps maintain its rich flavors. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps preserve the soup's creamy texture!
Make It Your Own
For a delicious twist, try swapping the chicken for black beans to make a hearty vegetarian version. You can also add a splash of lime juice at the end for a zesty finish that brightens up the flavors beautifully!
