Description
A deliciously creamy and zesty soup packed with tender chicken, spicy green chiles, and cheesy goodness, reminiscent of classic chicken enchiladas.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 oz (about 1 can) diced mild green chiles, undrained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
6 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 oz) can red or green enchilada sauce (or homemade equivalent)
3 cups cooked shredded chicken (from about 1 large rotisserie chicken)
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips, extra sour cream, lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add minced garlic, diced green chiles, ground cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and enchilada sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. To prevent curdling, temper the mixture by adding a ladleful of hot soup to it, whisking until combined, then slowly stir this tempered mixture back into the pot of soup.
Step 6: Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Add the shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and forms a smooth, cheesy consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla strips.
Notes
For best results, use a good quality chicken broth and don't skimp on the fresh garnishes. The soup thickens as it cools; if reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg