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Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup - Cozy, Comforting, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
  • 1.5–2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, plus more for topping
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Toppings: tortilla strips or chips, avocado, sour cream, jalapeño slices, green onions

Method
 

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and jalapeño and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Toast the spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  3. Add the base: Pour in chicken broth, enchilada sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Build the body: Add black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Simmer 10–12 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add heavy cream and gently heat without boiling.
  6. Add the cheese: Stir in Monterey Jack a handful at a time until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze in lime juice and stir.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with tortilla strips, extra cheese, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños as you like.