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Oct 27, 2013

Chicken Enchilada Soup

This chicken enchilada soup is thick and filling, and adapts all of the flavors of chicken enchiladas into a delicious and comforting soup.

A bowl of chicken enchilada soup
While it might take a couple of hours of cooking time, this chicken enchilada soup is so easy to make, and it includes all of the ingredients you might find on an enchilada plate. This chicken enchilada soup doesn't require much attention at all, so it's perfect for a busy mom.

This chicken enchilada soup is also very economical, and makes fabulous leftovers. I actually used some of the leftovers in quesadillas!

The soup is pretty thick and hearty. The first time we made it, we topped it with some Monterey Jack and cilantro and served it with a salad and flour tortillas. The second time we made it, we topped it with some crema and cilantro. I also think it would be good with cotija cheese, some cilantro, and freshly made corn tortilla strips.

This chicken enchilada soup would also be the perfect substitute for chili if you are hosting a football watching party. It's also excellent for a potluck.

chicken enchilada soup in a white bowl

More Delicious Latino Flavored Soup Recipes:


chicken enchilada soup in a white bowl with monterey jack cheese



April, 2018: I've just updated this post with new photos and a printable recipe card. This has been one of my most consistently visited and downloaded recipes over the years, and for good reason. It's delicious! (The last photo above is from my original post)

This recipe is adapted from Sarah of Fantastical Sharing of Recipes, my assigned blog for the Secret Recipe Club. Sarah's blog is full of family friendly comfort food.  She is a busy mom and Army wife (married to her high school sweetheart) taking care of two adorable kiddos. Update: (4/2018) Sarah's husband is now in the reserves, and they have three adorable kiddos!

Yield: 4 to 6 servings as a main course

Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

ingredients:


  • 3 large chicken breast halves, bone in, skin removed
  • 5 cups chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (I used chipotle chili powder)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1/2 cup dried chopped onions 
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 pints fresh or jarred salsa (I used medium heat fresh salsa)
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained
  • 1-10 ounce can enchilada sauce

instructions:


  1. Add the chicken breasts, chicken stock, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and onion to a 6 or 8 quart Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer, and cook, partially covered, until the breasts are just cooked, about 20 to 30 minutes. 
  2. Turn the heat off, and remove the chicken to a cutting board and let cool enough to handle. 
  3. Pull the chicken from the bones, and cut the meat into bite sized pieces. Return the chicken pieces to the pot. 
  4. Add the rice, salsa, beans, and enchilada sauce, and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked. 
  5. Serve with garnishes of your choice, such as crema, cheese, cilantro, onions, and/or avocados. 

Would you like to comment?

  1. What a great one-pot meal - delicious SRC pick!

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  2. What a wonderful recipe! I love soup and this is perfect for fall. Perfect SRC choice~ Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines

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  3. I'm so glad it's soup season! I look forward to giving this one a try...sounds delicious! Great pick :)

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    1. Thanks Melissa! We ate it three nights in a row =)

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  4. looks delicious! Great pick :)

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  5. I am making something very similar to this tomorrow. This looks YUMMY!! I may have to make this version instead.

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  6. What a great and tasty looking soup!

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    1. Thanks yummychunklet. I so appreciate your comments.

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  7. I grew up eating chicken and rice, but very italian in flavor. I absolutely must make this Karen! A great pick, so full of flavor!

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    1. Thanks Paula. This dish is so super easy too.

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  8. You are right, perfect comfort food, something I've never made at home, and actually only had once at a restaurant... good to be inspired to make it one of these chilly nights ahead...

    Hope you had a great Reveal Day!

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    1. Thanks Sally. I haven't made something like this in a long time, but we've been enjoying the leftovers.

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  9. I can't get enough soup right now. this looks awesome!

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  10. I had Sarah last month and considered making this soup. It looks delicious!

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    1. Well you definitely need to give this one a try! Thanks for visiting Emily!

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  11. Oh nice, I've seen taco or tortilla soup but not enchilada!

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    1. I've never seen taco soup. Hmmm. I'll have to check this out. This one is goooood.

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  12. That looks FABULOUS!! I love these types of soup - great SRC pick!!

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    1. You need to make this. It was sooo delicious.

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  13. Yum! I love this season of soups. This one sounds really good! Great choice!

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  14. This would be a huge hit in our house!!

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  15. I love hearty soups that are a true meal in a bowl. Looks delicious!

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  16. I can see why this is so popular. It looks soooooo good! The new pictures are absolutely amazing too!

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  17. Full of delicious ingredients, and I love how easy it is!

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  18. Love the new photo. And I love the addition of rice to this soup - it makes it a bit different from my slow cooker recipe. I look forward to giving your version a try.

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  19. I'm going to be so sad when soup season is over!!! This one looks especially yummy! Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck - Colleen

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  20. I love these kind of flavors in a soup. It makes a perfect lunch for me!

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  21. This soup looks delicious and flavorful. Like it will warm you right up.

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  22. This is my kind soup, nice and chunky.

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  23. Nice rainy day in south Florida. This will be lunch!

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  24. Added a small drained can of sliced olives at the end. REALLY made it taste more like enchiladas.

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