This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a delightful fusion of creamy textures and bold Mexican flavors. The tanginess of green enchilada sauce pairs beautifully with rich melted cheeses and tender shredded chicken, creating a comforting bowl of warmth. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and hearty protein, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare with minimal effort. Top it with fresh avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips or warm cornbread for a complete, restaurant worthy meal right at home!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 recipe green enchilada sauce (or 1 can, about 10 oz)
- 24 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 4 ounces green salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place chicken in a 6 quart slow cooker. Pour green enchilada sauce and chicken broth over the top.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, half and half, and green salsa.
- Stir until the cheeses melt completely. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional salsa if desired.
Instant Pot Method:
- Add chicken and 1 cup of chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Seal and cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release. Quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Stir in the remaining broth, green enchilada sauce, and salsa.
- Once warm, add the cheeses and half and half. Stir until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Stovetop Method:
- Simmer chicken in a large stockpot with chicken broth until cooked through. Remove, shred, and return to the pot.
- Add green enchilada sauce, half and half, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and green salsa.
- Stir over medium heat until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
- Season to taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 400 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal
Introduction
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is the perfect fusion of creamy comfort food and bold Mexican flavors. Inspired by classic green enchiladas, this soup transforms the rich, zesty, and slightly spicy elements of the traditional dish into a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether prepared in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop, this dish delivers a luscious, cheesy texture combined with the tang of green salsa and enchilada sauce, making it a go to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
This soup is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs, making it a family friendly dish that appeals to different preferences. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can prepare a restaurant quality soup at home, saving both time and money while indulging in a dish that is packed with flavor.
The Inspiration Behind Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
The inspiration for this soup comes from traditional Mexican enchiladas verdes. Classic enchiladas verdes consist of tortillas filled with shredded chicken, topped with green enchilada sauce, and baked to perfection with melted cheese. This soup takes those same flavors and simplifies the process by incorporating all the elements into one pot.
Instead of wrapping chicken in tortillas, this soup infuses shredded chicken with a velvety broth made from green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, cream, and melted cheese. The result is a bowl of soup that carries the tanginess of tomatillos, the creaminess of melted cheese, and the warmth of slow cooked chicken, offering the same comforting experience as traditional enchiladas but in an easy to eat format.
What Makes This Soup So Special?
1. A Perfect Balance of Creamy and Tangy
One of the best aspects of this soup is its creamy texture combined with the tangy kick from the green enchilada sauce and salsa verde. The cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese blend together to create a smooth, luxurious consistency, while the tomatillo based green salsa brings brightness to every bite.
2. Rich in Protein and Nutrients
With tender shredded chicken as the main ingredient, this soup is a great source of lean protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The added dairy provides calcium and essential fats, while tomatillos and salsa verde contribute vitamins and antioxidants.
3. Easy, One-Pot Meal for Any Occasion
One of the highlights of this dish is its simplicity. Whether you use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, you can let the soup simmer while you go about your day. It’s a true dump-and-go recipe that requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy individuals and families.
4. Versatile and Customizable
This soup is easy to adjust based on dietary preferences. You can make it spicier, add different cheeses, swap out proteins, or even make it dairy free. The base recipe is adaptable, so you can tailor it to your liking without compromising on flavor.
Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is that you can make it your own by tweaking ingredients to match your taste preferences. Here are some great variations to try:
1. Spice Level Adjustments
- For mild heat, use a mild green enchilada sauce and reduce the salsa verde.
- For medium spice, stick to the base recipe.
- For extra heat, add diced green chiles, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
2. Protein Variations
- Swap chicken for shredded turkey if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
- Use ground turkey or beef for a different texture.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with cooked white beans or shredded jackfruit.
3. Dairy-Free Option
If you’re avoiding dairy, you can still enjoy this soup by making a few substitutions:
- Replace cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese with dairy free alternatives.
- Use coconut milk or cashew cream for the creamy element.
4. Adding More Texture and Flavor
- Toss in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for additional texture and color.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a nutritional boost.
- For an extra tangy twist, squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup before serving.
Best Toppings and Serving Suggestions
Toppings can take this soup from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some of the best additions:
Toppings:
Avocado slices – Adds creaminess and a fresh contrast to the tangy flavors.
Crispy tortilla strips – Provides a satisfying crunch.
Cilantro and green onions – Enhances freshness and aroma.
Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese – A salty, crumbly cheese that complements the soup’s creamy texture.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Balances out spice and adds richness.
Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens the dish and enhances its Mexican inspired flavors.
What to Serve with Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
- Cornbread – The slightly sweet and crumbly texture pairs well with the savory soup.
- Warm flour or corn tortillas – Great for dipping or scooping up the soup.
- Rice – A scoop of white or Mexican style rice makes the dish even heartier.
- Grilled cheese or quesadillas – A perfect complement for an ultra comforting meal.
Health Benefits of Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
This soup is not just delicious it also comes with several health benefits depending on the ingredients used:
- High in protein – Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full.
- Rich in healthy fats – Avocado, cheese, and cream provide healthy fats that support brain function.
- Packed with vitamins – Tomatillos, salsa verde, and green chiles offer vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Gluten-free and low-carb – This soup is naturally gluten free and can be made low carb by adjusting dairy content.
Conclusion:
Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort meal that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in a warm, creamy, and satisfying bowl. Whether you prepare it in a slow cooker for a hands off meal, whip it up quickly in an Instant Pot, or cook it on the stovetop, the result is a rich, flavorful, and nourishing soup that will become a staple in your household.
The best part about this soup is its versatility you can customize it to your liking by adjusting spice levels, protein choices, and toppings. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep since it stores and reheats well.
So, the next time you’re craving something cozy, give this Green Enchilada Chicken Soup a try. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly night, a gathering with friends, or even a simple weeknight dinner when you need something easy yet incredibly flavorful.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to top it with your favorite garnishes for that extra burst of flavor!