Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

You’ll love this creamy, cheesy Green Chicken Enchilada Soup! This delicious dish combines the flavors of green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, melty cheese, and tender shredded chicken. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or cozy evenings at home. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in an Instant Pot—making it versatile for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a hearty soup ready to cook while you go about your day.
• Creamy and Cheesy Flavor: The combination of half and half and Monterey Jack cheese creates a rich texture that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer a slow cooker or Instant Pot, this recipe adapts effortlessly to your cooking style.
• Family-Friendly Dish: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting meal that’s packed with flavor.
• Leftovers for Days: This recipe makes 12 servings, perfect for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are the must-have items for preparing this Green Chicken Enchilada Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Instant Pot
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Great for hands-off cooking; simply set it and forget it while the flavors meld together perfectly.
• Instant Pot: Ideal for quick meals; pressure cooking reduces cook time significantly without sacrificing flavor.
• Large Pot: Perfect for combining ingredients on the stovetop; allows easy stirring and monitoring of your soup.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for prepping ingredients like cream cheese before adding them to the soup.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

For the Sauce

• 1 recipe green enchilada sauce (or a 28-ounce can store-bought sauce)
• 24 ounces chicken broth

For Creaminess

• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed and softened – warm in the microwave if needed)

For Flavor

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 ounces green salsa (salsa verde)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the chicken is thawed if frozen. Cube the cream cheese if necessary.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

For slow cooker:
1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, half and half, cream cheese, green salsa, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

For Instant Pot:
1. Add all ingredients into the pot following the same order as above.
2. Secure the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Until Done

For slow cooker:
1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender.

For Instant Pot:
1. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Remove chicken from the pot.
2. Shred using two forks then return shredded chicken to soup.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted through.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy! Optional toppings include additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

This creamy and cheesy green chicken enchilada soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a comforting bowl of soup or as part of a larger meal, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Sour cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness and freshness to each bite.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick, add some fresh or pickled jalapeños.

Serve with Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla strips: Crispy strips provide texture and a satisfying crunch.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and color contrast to the soup.
• Diced avocados: Creamy avocado enhances the richness of the soup.

Pair with Bread or Tortillas

• Warm flour tortillas: Perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the flavors.
• Crusty bread: A slice of crusty bread complements the richness of the soup beautifully.

How to Perfect Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

Perfecting your green chicken enchilada soup can elevate this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Bold flavor enhancement: Use high-quality green enchilada sauce for a more robust flavor profile.
• Optimal cooking time: Allow enough time for the chicken to become tender; slow cooking works wonders.
• Creamy consistency check: Stir in half-and-half at the end of cooking for that extra creamy texture.
• Cheese melting technique: Add shredded cheese gradually while stirring for even melting without clumping.

Best Side Dishes for Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

Accompanying your green chicken enchilada soup with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that pair beautifully with this comforting dish.

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a lovely contrast to the spicy flavors in the soup.
2. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the soup’s creamy texture.
3. Black Beans: Protein-packed black beans offer a hearty addition that pairs well with chicken.
4. Guacamole: This rich avocado dip enhances flavors and adds creaminess when served alongside.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer before diving into the soup.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide added nutrition and color to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Green Chicken Enchilada Soup even better!

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best texture. Other cuts may not shred well.
• Forgetting to season: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. This brings out the flavors in your soup.
• Skipping the cream cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess. Don’t skip it; instead, ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Use two forks or a hand mixer to shred the chicken thoroughly. This ensures even distribution throughout the soup.
• Cooking too long on high heat: If using a slow cooker, stick to low heat for tender chicken. High heat can dry it out.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Green Chicken Enchilada Soup – Creamy and Cheesy!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Green Chicken Enchilada Soup.

How can I make this Green Chicken Enchilada Soup spicier?

Add jalapeños or diced green chilies for an extra kick. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saver while still providing excellent flavor.

What can I substitute for half and half?

You can use whole milk or coconut milk as a lighter alternative, but keep in mind that it may alter the creaminess slightly.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute shredded chicken with beans like black beans or pinto beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is creamy, cheesy, and versatile! You can customize it with different toppings like avocado or cilantro. Give it a try; it’s perfect for any night of the week!