# Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – A Flavorful Comfort Dish for Every Season
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Rich, creamy, and bursting with bold Mexican flavors – Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is the ultimate comfort food that can transform an ordinary dinner into a Fiesta-worthy meal. This one-pot wonder brings together the earthiness of green chilies, the robust tang of green enchilada sauce, and the succulent goodness of shredded chicken. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something warm, hearty, and irresistibly delicious in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your soup rotation or crave something comforting yet easy to prepare, this Green Chicken Enchilada Soup will quickly become a family favorite. The tantalizing aroma, hint of lime, and the creamy base make every spoonful a celebration. Plus, it’s highly customizable and pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings.
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## Quick Recipe Highlights
– **Flavor Profile:** A medley of creamy, tangy, smoky, and mildly spicy elements. The green enchilada sauce brings a zesty kick, complemented by the sweetness of corn and the brightness of lime.
– **Texture:** Smooth, hearty, and slightly creamy with tender chicken, soft beans, and crunchy optional toppings like tortilla strips.
– **Aroma:** A warm blend of roasted peppers, cumin, garlic, and fresh cilantro.
– **Visual Appeal:** Vibrant green hues dotted with golden corn, white beans, and pops of garnished cilantro.
– **Skill Level Needed:** Ideal for beginners. Requires basic sautéing and simmering techniques.
– **Special Equipment:** A large soup pot or Dutch oven is all you need!
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## Recipe Overview
– **Difficulty Level:** This soup is perfect for cooks of any experience level. The ingredient preparation and cooking steps are straightforward with minimal chances of error.
– **Category:** It falls under soups, stews, and comfort meals. Great for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or a simple lunch.
– **Cuisine:** Inspired by Mexican flavors, this dish combines traditional enchilada elements in a comforting soup form.
– **Cost:** Budget-friendly, especially if using rotisserie chicken and pantry staples.
– **Season:** Perfect for soup season – fall and winter – though light enough to enjoy year-round.
– **Occasion:** Weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even game-day celebrations.
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## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
### Taste and Texture Appeal
The Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is packed with zesty and creamy notes that balance beautifully with the smoky warmth of spices like cumin and chili powder. The tender shredded chicken and hearty beans provide substance, while the optional toppings like avocado and crispy tortilla strips add layers of texture.
### Convenience and Preparation Benefits
This one-pot recipe is an absolute lifesaver on busy nights. With just 10 minutes of prep time, most of your effort involves tossing ingredients into a single pot and letting the magic happen. Fewer dishes, less stress, more flavor.
### Nutritional Advantages
Loaded with protein from chicken and white beans, this soup is a wholesome choice. Customize it further with low-fat cream or dairy-free alternatives for specific dietary needs.
### Social and Entertaining Value
Its layered flavors and vibrant presentation make it a crowd-pleaser. Set up a toppings bar to let guests personalize their bowls and turn it into a fun, interactive meal.
### Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility
Using budget-friendly ingredients like canned beans, green chilies, and pre-cooked chicken makes this dish affordable. Plus, most of the pantry staples can already be found in your kitchen!
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## The Recipe
### Green Chicken Enchilada Soup
**Serves:** 6 servings
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
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### Kitchen Equipment Needed
– Large soup pot or Dutch oven
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring spoons and cups
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### Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a great option)
– 1 (15-ounce) can green enchilada sauce
– 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies
– 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup frozen corn
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– *Optional toppings:* Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla strips
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### Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
2. Pour in chicken broth, shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, and diced green chilies. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3. Stir in white beans, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to your desired taste and let the soup simmer on low heat for 15 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Add frozen corn and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the corn is heated through and the soup thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot and garnish with your favorite toppings – shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and crisp tortilla strips for extra texture and flavor.
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### Recipe Notes
– For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or omit altogether for a lighter soup.
– Feeling extra spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeño slices for added heat.
– Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken with diced potatoes or more beans.
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## Pro Tips for Perfect Green Chicken Enchilada Soup
– Use rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience and added flavor.
– Don’t skip the lime juice! It elevates the flavors and brightens the dish.
– To achieve the creamiest base, blend a portion of the beans with a bit of chicken broth before adding it to the soup.
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Enjoy the heartwarming magic of Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – a surefire winner for any occasion! Perfectly easy, irresistibly tasty, and wonderfully customizable.
