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Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creamy, cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup with tender shredded chicken, black beans, and sweet corn in a bold Tex-Mex broth. Ready in 25 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp masa harina corn flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth divided, plus more as needed
  • 4 oz diced green chiles 1 can
  • 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes 1 can
  • 15 oz black beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup sweet corn canned or frozen
  • 1 cup red enchilada sauce mild or medium
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs or 2-3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese softened and cubed
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 4-quart)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Two forks for shredding
  • Ladle
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven (at least 4-quart capacity) over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. They should become slightly see-through and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle the masa harina evenly over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast slightly. Pour in about ½ cup of the chicken broth slowly while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  3. Stir in the diced green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, enchilada sauce, and the remaining chicken broth. Mix well to combine.
  4. If using raw chicken, add the chicken breasts or thighs, black beans, and sweet corn. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. If using rotisserie chicken, add beans and corn, bring to simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes to heat through.
  5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir continuously until fully melted and incorporated into the broth, about 2 to 3 minutes. If you see lumps, keep stirring until they dissolve.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is smooth and creamy. Adding cheese off heat prevents graininess.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Enchilada sauce brands vary in saltiness, so always taste first. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Masa harina is essential for authentic Tex-Mex flavor and cannot be substituted with regular flour. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 45 minutes before adding to prevent lumps. Always grate cheese from a block for smooth melting - pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Use mild or medium enchilada sauce for best balance. Rotisserie chicken cuts prep time and requires only 5-7 minutes simmer time versus 15 minutes for raw chicken.