Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

You’ll love this creamy, cheesy green chicken enchilada soup! Made with green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, melty cheese, and tender shredded chicken, it’s easy to make in your slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot—perfect for busy nights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready to cook.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and monterey jack cheese creates a delectable creamy texture that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer using a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, this recipe fits your cooking style.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
• Comforting Meal: This soup is not only satisfying but also brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Instant Pot
• Large Pot (for stovetop cooking)
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Perfect for hands-off cooking while you go about your day; just set it and forget it!
• Instant Pot: Great for quick meals; it significantly reduces cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
• Large Pot: Ideal for preparing a big batch on the stovetop; ensures even heating and easy stirring.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like cream cheese with other components before adding them to the pot.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Soup Base

• 2.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 recipe green enchilada sauce (or a 28-ounce can store-bought sauce)
• 24 ounces chicken broth

For the Creaminess

• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened – warm in the microwave if needed)

For Flavor Enhancements

• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
• 4 ounces green salsa (salsa verde)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and chop any vegetables if you’re adding extras. Measure out your broth and sauces.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In your chosen cooking method:
1. If using a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom.
2. Pour in the green enchilada sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Remove the chicken from the pot.
2. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Return shredded chicken to your pot:
1. Stir in half and half or heavy cream along with cubed cream cheese until melted.
2. Add shredded monterey jack cheese gradually until fully combined.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add green salsa:
1. Stir well to incorporate flavors.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls:
1. Enjoy hot as a comforting meal anytime!

How to Serve Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

Serving your Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is as delightful as making it. This creamy and cheesy dish can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
• Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and richness to each spoonful.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spice and enhances the creamy texture.

Pair with Crunchy Elements

• Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds a vibrant, zesty contrast.

Enjoy with Extra Cheese

• Shredded Cheese: Top each bowl with extra shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness.
• Queso Fresco: Crumble queso fresco on top for a tangy flavor boost.

How to Perfect Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

To achieve the best results with your green chicken enchilada soup, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your dish to restaurant-quality perfection.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, organic chicken and high-quality green enchilada sauce for maximum flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cream cheese or reduce the broth slightly during cooking.
• Control Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, include diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa verde in your recipe.
• Slow Cook for Flavor: Allowing the soup to simmer longer allows all ingredients to meld together beautifully, enhancing the flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

Complement your delicious green chicken enchilada soup with these tasty side dishes. They will round out your meal perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty addition that balances the soup’s richness.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with lime and chili powder adds a tasty, smoky element to the meal.
4. Garden Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado provides a crisp contrast.
5. Guacamole: Smooth guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for an enjoyable appetizer before the soup.
6. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served alongside fresh salsa add a fun crunch to your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Green Chicken Enchilada Soup, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh or high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to chicken and cheese. This enhances the flavor and texture of your soup.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Many home cooks forget to season their soup adequately. Taste as you go and add salt and pepper gradually for the best flavor balance.
• Neglecting to Shred the Chicken Properly: If you’re using cooked chicken, ensure it’s shredded well. Large chunks can lead to an uneven texture in your soup.
• Not Allowing Enough Time for Cooking: Rushing the cooking process can result in undercooked chicken or flavors that haven’t melded properly. Slow cooking allows for a richer taste.
• Overloading with Cheese: While cheese is a key ingredient, adding too much can make the soup overly thick. Follow the recommended amounts for a creamy yet balanced consistency.
• Ignoring Leftovers Storage: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Always store your soup in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly after serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great in this soup and saves you time.

How do I make it spicier?

Add more green salsa or diced jalapeños to enhance the heat level according to your preference.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

You can use heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy! is perfect for meal prep due to its easy storage options.

Final Thoughts

This Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy! is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various toppings like avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips. Give it a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings!