Creamy Cheese Chicken Enchilada Soup 🥣🧀

This hearty and comforting soup is packed with flavor and cheesy goodness. Perfect for those chilly nights or any time you crave a warm bowl of deliciousness! With tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and hints of spice, this soup is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Consider serving it with crispy tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream for an added touch of creaminess. 🍲🌶️

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheesy finish

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, lime wedges

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.

🥄 Remember to keep an eye on the garlic. It can burn quickly and impart a bitter flavor to your soup!

• Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

• While the soup is simmering, slowly stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Then, add the shredded cheese, stirring until gooey and smooth.

🧀 For an extra cheesy delight, you can sprinkle some cheese on top and let it melt under a broiler for a few minutes before serving!

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of toppings.

Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick. 🌶️
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for a hearty veggie version.
• Low-carb: Substitute black beans with additional veggies like zucchini or cauliflower rice.
• Extra creamy: Incorporate a swirl of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer soup texture.

Enjoy your delightful bowls of Cheese Chicken Enchilada Soup, and let the flavors transport you straight to a cozy Mexican fiesta! 🎉🧄