This indulgent and hearty slow cooker chicken enchilada soup is perfect for those cozy nights. The blend of spices and creamy consistency makes it an irresistible option for dinner. The ease of preparation in the slow cooker makes it a practical choice for busy weekdays or a comforting weekend meal. With each spoonful, you'll get a taste of the traditional Mexican flavors that are the charm of enchiladas.
You may not find ingredients like masa harina and chunky salsa in your pantry regularly. Masa harina is a type of flour used in Mexican cooking for making tortillas, tamales, and other dishes. It is made from dried corn kernels that are soaked in a solution of lime water and then ground into flour. You can find it in the international food aisle of most supermarkets. The chunky salsa gives the soup a spicy kick and adds depth to the flavors. It is available in various spice levels ranging from mild to hot.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Chicken breast halves: The main protein source in the soup, cooked until it's tender and easily shreds.
Chicken broth: Provides the liquid base of the soup.
Tomato sauce: Adds acidity and depth to the flavor profile of the soup.
Chunky salsa: Gives the soup its spiciness and Mexican flavor.
Zesty Italian dressing: Imparts a tangy and zesty flavor to the soup.
Chili powder: Adds heat to the soup.
Cumin: Gives an earthy and warm flavor to the soup.
Onion powder: Provides a mild and sweet onion flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory, garlicky note to the soup.
Olive oil: Used for making the roux which thickens the soup.
Masa harina: Corn flour used in making the roux, adds a slight corn flavor to the soup.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the soup.
Frozen corn: Adds sweetness and crunch to the soup.
Black beans: Adds a hearty and earthy element.
Pinto beans: Gives a creamy texture to the soup.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy and sharp cheesy flavor.
Shredded monterrey jack cheese: Adds a mild and slightly sweet cheesy flavor.
Salt and pepper: Seasons the soup to bring out all the flavors.
Diced avocados, sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, and tortilla chips: Serves as toppings that add different textures and fresh flavors to the soup.
One reader, Corty Crum says:
This slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the ease of using a slow cooker makes it a go-to for busy days. The combination of spices and creamy texture is simply irresistible. It's a must-try for any soup lover!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
How to prepare the roux: Heat olive oil over medium heat, then stir in masa harina until the mixture thickens. Slowly pour in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is very thick and reaches a gentle boil. It should have a porridge-like consistency.
How to shred chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or your preferred method.
How to garnish with tortilla chips or strips: Simply sprinkle the soup with tortilla chips or strips just before serving for a crunchy texture and added flavor.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Enjoy a hearty meal on a busy weekend with this chicken enchilada soup. Loaded with beans, veggies, and topped fixings deliciously cooked in a slow cooker.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3largechicken breast halves
- 2canschicken broth
- 2canstomato sauce
- ⅔cupchunky salsa
- ½cupZesty Italian Dressing
- 2Tbsp.chili powder
- 1tsp.cumin
- 2tsp.onion powder
- 2tsp.garlic powder
- ¼cupextra virgin olive oil
- ½cupMasa Harina
- 2cupsmilk
- 2cupscornfrozen
- 1canblack beansdrained and rinsed
- 1canpinto beansdrained and rinsed
- ⅔cupCheddar Cheeseshredded
- ⅔cupMonterrey Jack Cheeseshredded
- salt and pepperto taste
Additional
- Cheddar Cheeseshredded
- Monterrey Jack Cheeseshredded
- avocadosdiced
- sour cream
- cilantrochopped
- green onionschopped
- Tortilla Chipsor strips
Instructions
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Place chicken in a slow cooker. Pour chicken broth, tomato sauce, salsa, and Zesty Italian Dressing over chicken.
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Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours.
-
Once cooked, remove chicken from slow cooker and set aside.
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Prepare a roux in a saucepan by heating olive oil over medium heat then stirring in Masa Harina, slowly pour in the milk.
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Cook, stirring constantly until mixture is very thick and it reaches a gentle boil. Pour mixture into a slow cooker and whisk until smooth.
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Add in corn, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, Cheddar Cheese, and Monterrey Jack Cheese. Shred chicken and stir into soup.
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Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow cooking for about 10 minutes until all ingredients are heated through.
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Serve warm garnished with additional shredded cheese, diced avocados, sour cream, cilantro, green onions, and tortilla chips.
Nutrition
- Calories: 499.51kcal
- Fat: 26.01g
- Saturated Fat: 8.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.30g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.61g
- Carbohydrates: 44.46g
- Fiber: 10.43g
- Sugar: 12.68g
- Protein: 26.59g
- Cholesterol: 65.39mg
- Sodium: 1549.35mg
- Calcium: 332.35mg
- Potassium: 1107.35mg
- Iron: 4.96mg
- Vitamin A: 171.66µg
- Vitamin C: 14.06mg
Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
When preparing the roux for this slow cooker chicken enchilada soup, it's crucial to stir constantly to prevent the mixture from burning. A burnt roux can give your soup a bitter taste. Also, when adding the milk, pour it in slowly while continuing to stir to ensure a smooth and lump-free consistency. This will result in a creamy and rich base for your soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
Slow cooker convenience: Utilize a slow cooker to let the flavors meld together while you attend to other tasks.
Double batch: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra portions for future quick and easy meals.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup by cooking everything in one pot or slow cooker.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe. It has a similar texture and can be easily shredded after cooking.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth, adding a rich and savory flavor to the soup.
Tomato sauce - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a chunky alternative to tomato sauce, adding texture and freshness to the soup.
Chunky salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes and jalapeños: Diced tomatoes and jalapeños can be used to replicate the chunky texture and spicy kick of salsa in the soup.
Zesty Italian dressing - Substitute with homemade Italian dressing: A homemade Italian dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs can be used to control the flavor and reduce the added preservatives.
Chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper: A combination of paprika and cayenne pepper can be used to replicate the smoky and spicy flavor of chili powder.
Cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a milder alternative to cumin, adding a warm and citrusy flavor to the soup.
Onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped fresh onions: Finely chopped fresh onions can be used to replace onion powder, adding a more pronounced onion flavor to the soup.
Garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used as a fresh alternative to garlic powder, providing a stronger and more aromatic garlic flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a heart-healthy alternative to extra virgin olive oil, providing a mild and buttery flavor to the soup.
Masa harina - Substitute with cornmeal: Cornmeal can be used as a substitute for masa harina, adding a similar corn flavor and thickening the soup.
Milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk, adding a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
Frozen corn - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn can be used as a convenient alternative to frozen corn, providing a similar sweet and crunchy texture to the soup.
Black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans can be used as a substitute for black beans, adding a creamy texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
Pinto beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans can be used as a substitute for pinto beans, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor to the soup.
Shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese can be used as a milder alternative to cheddar cheese, adding a creamy and melty texture to the soup.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese - Substitute with shredded pepper jack cheese: Shredded pepper jack cheese can be used as a spicier alternative to Monterey Jack cheese, adding a kick of heat to the soup.
Tortilla chips or strips - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas can be cut into strips and baked to create homemade tortilla chips, adding a crunchy and authentic element to the soup.
Best Way to Present This Slow Cooker Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker chicken enchilada soup, focus on creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the soup.
Garnish with precision: Carefully place the diced avocados and a dollop of sour cream on top of the soup. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and green onions with a delicate hand to add a pop of color and freshness.
Artful arrangement of tortilla chips: Instead of simply placing the tortilla chips or strips on the side, consider leaning a few chips against the side of the bowl for an elegant touch. This adds height and texture to the presentation.
Balance of cheese: Sprinkle a precise amount of shredded cheddar and monterrey jack cheese on top of the soup, ensuring an even distribution for a harmonious balance of flavors.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the bowl to remove any drips or spills, ensuring a clean and polished presentation that reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
Use of negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the soup and garnishes to stand out, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Consider adding a few edible flowers, such as cilantro flowers or nasturtiums, to the presentation for an unexpected and sophisticated touch that showcases creativity and culinary artistry.
Essential Tools for Making Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which allows for the preparation of flavorful and tender dishes.
- Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and flipping ingredients.
- Ladle: A ladle is a long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
How To Store and Freeze Chicken Enchilada Soup
Allow the chicken enchilada soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to a watery texture when reheated.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the soup sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Divide the cooled soup into smaller, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need for future meals.
- Leave some headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing and efficient storage.
- Chicken enchilada soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat the frozen soup, you have two options:
- Refrigerator method: Transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop method: Place the frozen soup directly into a saucepan and heat over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. As the soup thaws and heats up, you can increase the heat to medium for a quicker reheat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.
If the reheated soup appears too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little chicken broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed, as flavors may become muted after freezing and reheating.
Garnish the reheated soup with fresh toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocados, sour cream, cilantro, and green onions for a burst of flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Enchilada Soup
Reheat the chicken enchilada soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup is evenly warmed throughout.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the cheese to separate or the chicken to become rubbery.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your slow cooker. Transfer the leftover enchilada soup back into the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cover and let it warm for about 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is perfect if you're planning to serve the soup later in the day.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover soup, consider serving it over a bed of rice or quinoa. Reheat the soup using one of the above methods, then ladle it over the prepared grain for a satisfying and filling meal.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the chicken enchilada soup, avoid reheating it multiple times. Portion out the desired amount of soup for reheating and store the rest in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Random Fact About Chicken Enchilada Soup
The slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that can be easily customized to suit individual tastes. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of enchiladas in a comforting and easy-to-make soup. Plus, it's a perfect dish for gatherings or potlucks, as it can be kept warm in the slow cooker for serving.
Is Making Enchilada Soup at Home Economical?
The slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken, beans, and spices makes it budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it an economical choice. The versatility of the dish and the ability to use leftover ingredients also adds to its cost-effectiveness. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Enchilada Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich beans, and nutritious vegetables like corn and avocado. The use of spices like chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder adds flavor without relying heavily on salt.
However, there are some areas of concern:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of cheese, which can be high in saturated fat and calories.
- Using pre-made salsa and Italian dressing may introduce added sugars, sodium, and preservatives.
- The inclusion of masa harina and milk creates a thick, creamy base that, while delicious, can increase the overall calorie and carbohydrate content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for low-fat varieties.
- Choose a low-sodium chicken broth and tomato sauce to control salt intake.
- Make your own salsa using fresh ingredients to avoid added sugars and preservatives.
- Replace the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, lime juice, and herbs.
- Swap out half of the masa harina for whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
- Use low-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the soup.
- Serve with a side salad to boost the overall nutrient density of the meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Slow Cooker Soup
The slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, savory spices, and creamy cheeses creates a rich and satisfying soup. The addition of chunky salsa and zesty Italian dressing adds a punch of flavor, while the masa harina roux provides a velvety consistency. The garnishes of avocado, sour cream, and cilantro add a refreshing contrast, making each spoonful a delightful experience. This recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and excitement, and it's sure to become a favorite in any household.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe:
This slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe offers a tantalizing blend of Mexican flavors and hearty ingredients. With a rich base of chicken broth and tomato sauce, complemented by the zesty kick of salsa and Italian dressing, this recipe promises a burst of authentic Southwestern taste. The use of chili powder, cumin, and other aromatic spices ensures a depth of flavor that will captivate the taste buds. The addition of corn, black beans, and pinto beans brings a satisfying texture, while the incorporation of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy, indulgent finish. This recipe is a testament to the chef's expertise and passion for creating a truly remarkable soup.
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