Spicy Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Recipe

Fiery Green Enchilada Chicken Soup Recipe: A Zesty Winter Warmer

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and quick comfort, and this spicy green enchiladas chicken soup delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken swims in a zesty green enchiladas sauce that packs serious punch.

Every spoonful brings layers of Mexican-inspired goodness to your table.

Robust spices mingle with silky broth, creating a symphony of taste that warms from within.

Fresh ingredients elevate this soup beyond ordinary meal solutions.

Creamy and rich, the soup comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen effort.

You’ll want to savor every hearty bite of this soul-satisfying recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup: Ingredient Guide

For Aromatics and Base:
  • Onion: Builds foundational flavor and adds natural sweetness to the soup's base.
  • Garlic: Provides intense aromatic depth and enhances overall savory profile.
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking surface and adds subtle fruity undertone.
For Protein and Liquid:
  • Chicken (Shredded): Tender protein that absorbs soup's rich flavors and provides hearty texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates liquid foundation with deep, concentrated poultry essence.
  • Green Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic Mexican-inspired tanginess and vibrant green color.
  • Green Chilies (Diced): Introduces mild heat and bright, fresh pepper complexity.
For Creamy and Cheese Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Transforms soup into luxurious, silky texture with rich mouthfeel.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts smoothly, adds creamy consistency and mild, buttery flavor.
For Optional Garnishes:
  • Tortilla Strips: Provides crunchy contrast and traditional Mexican soup element.
  • Sour Cream: Adds cooling, tangy counterpoint to spicy soup.
  • Avocado: Introduces creamy texture and fresh, mild flavor.
  • Cilantro: Brings bright, herbal freshness and authentic Mexican touch.
  • Lime: Delivers zesty brightness and helps balance rich soup flavors.
For Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertone characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
  • Chili Powder: Contributes subtle heat and complex pepper notes.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper

Tools to Make Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup base and simmering ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing garnishes.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and liquid measurements.
  • Ladle: Helps serve the soup evenly into bowls.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for shredding Monterey Jack cheese if not pre-shredded.

Bring Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup to Life in Your Kitchen

  • Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot and gently cook onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

  • Awaken Garlic

Add minced garlic and stir quickly, letting its intense aroma fill the kitchen and enhance the base of the soup.

  • Create Flavor Foundation

Pour green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and green chilies into the pot, stirring to blend these vibrant ingredients into a harmonious liquid.

  • Spice It Up

Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to dance and meld together, creating a complex flavor profile.

  • Introduce Chicken

Add tender shredded chicken to the bubbling mixture, letting it simmer and absorb the rich, zesty liquid for 10-15 minutes.

  • Transform to Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and gently stir in heavy cream, then gradually sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese, watching it melt into a luxurious, smooth consistency.

  • Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, fresh avocado, bright cilantro, or a zesty lime squeeze.

Pro Moves to Boost Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Flavor

  • Add a splash of tequila or mezcal for a smoky southwestern kick.
  • Blend some of the soup partially to create a chunkier, more rustic consistency that adds depth to each spoonful.
  • Replace traditional tortilla strips with crispy baked cheese crisps or roasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping that's keto-friendly.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a creamy, vegan-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies, or add a few dashes of hot sauce for those who love an extra spicy experience.

Bowl and Serve Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Just Right

  • Fiesta Bowl Experience: Create a stunning soup presentation by arranging colorful toppings in small bowls, allowing guests to customize their soup with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and diced avocado.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Serve alongside warm, buttered cornbread or crispy quesadilla wedges to transform this soup into a complete, satisfying dinner that fills hungry bellies and warms the soul.
  • Mexican-Inspired Garnish Party: Elevate the soup's flavor profile by adding zesty toppings such as pickled jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, sliced green onions, and a bright squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra tang and texture.
  • Comfort Food Sidekick: Pair the soup with a refreshing Mexican-style salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and create a well-rounded meal.

Make Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Last Longer

  • Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freeze soup portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals. Keep for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste when properly stored.
  • Warm refrigerated soup gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese separation. Add small splash of broth if thickness increases during storage. Microwave works well for quick single servings.
  • Store toppings separately to prevent soggy tortilla strips and wilted herbs. Keep cilantro, avocado, and crispy garnishes in separate containers to maintain crunch and vibrant flavors when serving leftovers.

FAQs

  • What are the main ingredients in Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup?

The main ingredients include shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, green chilies, Monterey Jack cheese, heavy cream, onion, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies and spices. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and green chilies to suit your taste preference.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While the original recipe is chicken-based, you can substitute the chicken with plant-based alternatives like shredded jackfruit, tofu, or additional vegetables to create a vegetarian version.

  • What makes this soup different from traditional chicken soup?

Unlike classic chicken soup, this version has a distinctive Mexican-inspired flavor profile with green enchilada sauce, green chilies, and Monterey Jack cheese, giving it a unique and zesty taste.

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Spicy Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Recipe

Spicy Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mexican Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup offers a hearty fusion of traditional flavors and comforting warmth. Creamy textures and zesty green chile sauce blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this authentic culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml/16 oz) cooked, shredded chicken
  • 4 cups (946 ml/32 oz) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz) shredded monterey jack cheese
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) can green enchilada sauce
  • 1 (4 oz/113 g) can diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Tortilla strips
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Heat a large pot with olive oil, sautéing onions until translucent and softened, then add minced garlic and toast briefly without burning.
  2. Build Liquid Foundation: Pour green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and diced green chilies into the pot, whisking in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
  3. Integrate Protein: Add shredded chicken to the simmering mixture, allowing it to absorb seasonings and meld with the liquid for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Enrich Texture: Reduce heat and gently incorporate heavy cream, then gradually fold in Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
  5. Serve and Embellish: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with crisp tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado chunks, fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge for a vibrant and textural finish.

Notes

  • Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic quickly over moderate heat to release flavor without scorching, which can create a bitter taste.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to ensure smooth integration and prevent clumping or separation.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust chili powder and green chilies quantity to control spiciness according to personal preference.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace tortilla strips with crispy baked cheese crisps or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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