Introduction
Dive into a bowl of comfort with this Chicken Enchilada Soup – a fiesta of flavors that will warm your soul! Creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make, this soup is your next go-to for cozy nights or lively gatherings. It’s the perfect balance of spice and richness that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 15 oz. canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 14.5 oz. canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 11 oz. canned Mexicorn, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
For the Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Chopped jalapenos
- Chopped cilantro
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in the flour, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir for about 1 minute to mix well.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, enchilada sauce, and shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer cozily for about 20 minutes, until all the flavors meld together. Season with salt and cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spice.
5. When ready, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapenos, and cilantro.
Enjoy this warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Enchilada Soup, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring on a chilly evening!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporate Spices
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of ground oregano. Stir the mixture for about 1 minute to combine the ingredients well.
Step 4: Whisk in Liquids
Gradually whisk in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of half-and-half, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in 15 oz. of drained and rinsed canned black beans, 14.5 oz. of canned diced tomatoes (with juices), 11 oz. of drained canned Mexicorn, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 cup of enchilada sauce, and 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes, letting the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Season the Soup
Taste the soup and season with salt and cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
Step 7: Serve the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, chopped jalapenos, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
Storage Suggestions
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit your taste. You can also add more jalapenos for extra heat.
Add-Ins and Variations
Consider adding other beans or vegetables to the soup, such as corn or bell peppers, for additional flavor and texture. You can customize the toppings based on your preferences as well.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that uses a small amount of oil to cook food quickly over medium to high heat. In this soup, you’ll sauté the onion and garlic to develop their flavors before adding other ingredients.
Thickening with Flour
Sprinkling flour into your sautéed ingredients helps to thicken the soup. By cooking it briefly with spices, you ensure the flour absorbs flavors and prevents a raw taste in the finished dish.
Simmering
Simmering is essential for melded flavors. Once you add the broth and half-and-half, allow the soup to gently simmer, which helps all the ingredients to combine and develop a richer taste.
Layering Flavors
Adding ingredients in stages allows for richer flavor development. Start with the base, then mix in beans, tomatoes, and sauces so that each component contributes to the overall flavor profile.
Garnishing
Garnishing not only adds visual appeal but also enhances taste and texture. Toppings like cheese, chips, sour cream, and jalapeños provide a satisfying crunch and zest to the creamy soup.
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply cook and shred it before adding it to the soup or add raw chicken pieces and let them cook through in the simmering soup.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with additional beans or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the toppings?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Pepper Jack for extra heat or Feta for a tangy twist.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken enchilada soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Conclusion
This Chicken Enchilada Soup is a delightful way to warm up on cozy nights or celebrate with friends. Through various cooking techniques, you can achieve a comforting dish that’s unique in flavor and satisfying in every bowl. Enjoy!
