Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

Name: Green Chicken Enchilada Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 large onion); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 oz. hatch green chiles; 30 oz. great northern beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans); 15 oz. green enchilada sauce; 32 oz. chicken broth (4 cups); 2 oz. cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes; 1 lb. chicken breast, cooked and shredded; Tortilla strips for topping; Avocado slices for garnish; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime juice for drizzling; Greek yogurt for serving

By:

Alejandro

Published:

February 21, 2026

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Creating a delightful Green Chicken Enchilada Soup doesn’t need to be complicated. This recipe balances creamy and hearty textures with seasoning that elevates the dish. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that showcases the flavors of the Southwest, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With tender chicken, zesty green chiles, and hearty beans, each bowl promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Plus, the ease of preparation makes this soup a regular go-to in your cooking repertoire! Let’s get ready to make some magic in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is a fantastic comfort food. The creamy tenderness combined with the right spices really brings out the best flavors. When you take a few minutes to prepare this soup, the result is a savory bowl that feels like a warm hug. As you simmer the ingredients together, those aromas fill your kitchen, creating a warm atmosphere. With just the right balance of creamy and hearty, this soup is sure to impress.

Moreover, making this dish doesn’t overwhelm you with complicated steps. It’s straightforward and takes about 20 minutes, which is perfect when you’re short on time. The charm of this recipe is in its simplicity. You’ll end up with a nutritious, flavorful meal that embodies the spirit of the Southwest.

Why You’ll Love This Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

This Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is not only a comfort food favorite, but it’s also packed with nutrition and flavor. You’ll find tender chicken, hearty white beans, and a zesty kick from green chiles. Every spoonful promises a warm, satisfying experience, ready to chase away any chill in the air or weekday blues.

The ease of preparation makes this soup a regular go-to in your cooking repertoire! You’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again. As a bonus, it’s great for sharing with family or friends. So gather around the table, because hearty meals like this are meant to be enjoyed together!

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 large onion)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 oz. hatch green chiles
30 oz. great northern beans, drained and rinsed (2 cans)
15 oz. green enchilada sauce
32 oz. chicken broth (4 cups)
2 oz. cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
1 lb. chicken breast, cooked and shredded
Tortilla strips for topping
Avocado slices for garnish
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime juice for drizzling
Greek yogurt for serving

Flavorful Cooking Steps

Heat the Base

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add in 1 cup of diced yellow onion. Sauté that for about 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Onions are a fantastic base for flavor, and this step gets everything started nicely.

Add Aromatics and Spices

Next, stir in those three minced garlic cloves, along with 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté this mixture for an additional minute. You’ll love how the spices release their aroma and create a warm, inviting scent in your kitchen.

Combine Ingredients

Time to bring everything together! Pour in 4 ounces of hatch green chiles, 30 ounces of drained and rinsed great northern beans, 15 ounces of green enchilada sauce, and 32 ounces of chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors. As it heats, let it come to a gentle boil.

Simmer for Flavor

Now, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can take a moment to appreciate the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Add Cream and Chicken

Now it’s time for some creaminess! Incorporate 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, whisking until it mostly melts into the soup. Then, fold in that pound of cooked, shredded chicken. Stir well to combine. At this point, you’re close to enjoying a bowl of deliciousness!

Taste and Serve

Before serving, season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Then, ladle the Green Chicken Enchilada Soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, slices of avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Each addition enhances not just the flavor but the presentation too!

Serving Suggestions

While this Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is delightful on its own, it shines even brighter when paired with cornbread, a fresh side salad, or cheesy quesadillas. Each complement enhances the cozy meal, making it perfect for a gathering or a special night in.

Tips for Success

Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature for it to blend smoothly into the soup.
If you like a kick, consider adding more spices, such as diced jalapeños.
Want a vegetarian twist? Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add extra beans.

Variations

Experiment with flavors by swapping great northern beans for black beans or pinto beans.
Fresh vegetables like corn or bell peppers can enhance both the texture and nutrition of the soup.
Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Use that to save time on busy days.

Storage Tips

After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftover Green Chicken Enchilada Soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, use low heat on the stove or your microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.

Pairing Ideas

For a complete meal, serve your Green Chicken Enchilada Soup alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a side of homemade guacamole with tortilla chips. The combination makes for a satisfying experience and balances the warm, flavorful profile of the soup beautifully.

FAQs

1. How can I make this soup spicier?
You can easily spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or increasing the chili powder to your taste.

2. Can I freeze Green Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well; just cool it down completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.

3. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Cooked and shredded chicken breast works well, but feel free to use any cooked chicken you have on hand, including dark meat.

4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with additional beans or vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Can I use fresh ingredients instead of canned?
Certainly! Using fresh beans and green chiles can elevate the flavor significantly.

Indulge in this comforting Green Chicken Enchilada Soup to nourish your soul and warm your heart. Each bowl offers a taste of comfort food bliss that’s perfect for every occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this dish, and let the flavors create lasting memories at your table!