Easy One-Pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: A Quick 15-Minute Dinner Solution

Craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful meal that won’t keep you tied to the kitchen? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup! This recipe is a true weeknight warrior, delivering perfectly seasoned, rich, and satisfying flavors in a single pot. It’s designed for busy individuals and families who appreciate delicious food without the fuss, especially when you have a handy rotisserie chicken waiting to be transformed. Imagine a comforting bowl of soup, packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, zesty broth, all ready in just about 15 minutes. Serve it alongside a crisp salad, and you’ve got a healthy, complete dinner on the table in record time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with your loved ones.

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I absolutely adore those simple recipes that streamline dinner prep by requiring minimal (or no!) precooking of ingredients. This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup fits that bill perfectly, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of fuss-free meals. If you’re always on the hunt for more speedy meal ideas, you might also love my Mexican Spaghetti, a cheesy and comforting dish, or the ultimate Cheesy Tuna Casserole. For another flavor-packed skillet meal, my Southwestern Hamburger Skillet is a must-try. And since this recipe makes brilliant use of a store-bought rotisserie chicken, be sure to explore my other rotisserie chicken dinner ideas for even more inspiration to make weeknight cooking a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Effortless Preparation: This is a true one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
• Lightning-Fast: With a prep and cook time of just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for those evenings when time is of the essence.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: Rich, creamy, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavors, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love.
• Rotisserie Chicken Friendly: It’s the perfect recipe to transform a store-bought rotisserie chicken into something spectacular, saving you a major step.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Family Favorite: A mild yet delicious flavor profile makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a solution to the weeknight dinner dilemma. It brings warmth, flavor, and convenience together in one delightful bowl.

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Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Creating this delicious Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is incredibly straightforward, thanks to a list of readily available ingredients. Many of these are pantry staples, making this a convenient last-minute meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way these ingredients come together to form a rich and complex flavor profile with minimal effort.

• Milk: Adds to the creamy texture. Whole milk works best for richness, but 2% or even a non-dairy alternative can be used.
• Canned Corn: Provides a touch of sweetness and texture. Draining it well is key.
• Canned Black Beans: A great source of protein and fiber, adding a hearty element. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Offers a bright, acidic counterpoint to the creamy base. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes are an excellent upgrade for extra depth.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (Condensed): The secret to the soup’s velvety texture and a foundational layer of savory flavor. Opt for a gluten-free version if needed.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: This is where the signature “enchilada” flavor comes from. Choose your favorite brand for a mild or spicy kick.
• Cooked Chicken (Chopped or Shredded): The star protein! A rotisserie chicken is ideal for speed, but any leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs will work beautifully.
• Cumin: A classic Tex-Mex spice that brings warmth and earthiness.
• Garlic Salt: Provides both garlic flavor and seasoning. Adjust other salt as needed.
• Salt: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pleasant sharpness.
• Optional Garnishes: These elevate the soup from simple to spectacular! Think shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, spicy jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and of course, crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips for that essential crunch.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise quantities, but feel free to adjust seasonings and ingredients to match your personal preference!

Customize Your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: Endless Variations

This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to adapt to your personal tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it truly “your own”!

• Bean Swap: While black beans are classic, feel free to switch out the beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even cannellini beans for a different texture and flavor profile. Just remember to drain and rinse them well.
• Soup Base Alternatives: Instead of cream of mushroom soup, you could easily swap to cream of chicken soup for a more poultry-focused flavor. If you prefer a lighter broth, use chicken broth in place of some or all of the milk. For an even richer base, a combination of milk and chicken broth works wonders.
• Enchilada Sauce Exploration: Red enchilada sauce provides a traditional flavor, but for a different twist, use green enchilada sauce. This will give the soup a tangier, sometimes spicier, and brighter flavor profile. You can also mix red and green sauces for a “Christmas” style soup!
• Spice It Up (or Down!): Adjust the amount of cumin, garlic salt, and pepper to your preference. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeños (canned or fresh). If you prefer it milder, simply stick to the recipe as written.
• Veggie Boost: Increase the nutritional value and texture by adding other vegetables. Sautéed onions and bell peppers can be added at the beginning for extra flavor. Frozen mixed vegetables, diced zucchini, or even a handful of fresh spinach can be stirred in during the simmering process.

One of my absolute favorite enhancements is using fire-roasted versions of the corn and diced tomatoes. These ingredients add a smoky depth and extra layer of flavor that truly elevates the soup. You’ll typically find fire-roasted corn in the freezer aisle with other frozen vegetables, while fire-roasted diced tomatoes are usually located alongside the other canned tomato products in your pantry. They’re a simple way to add gourmet flavor without any extra effort.

Thoughtful Adaptations for Dietary Needs

This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup can be easily modified to suit various dietary requirements without compromising on taste:

Vegetarian. To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the chicken entirely. You can also substitute a can of rinsed cannellini beans (or any other beans of your preference, such as chickpeas or additional black beans) to maintain the hearty texture and protein content. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can also help fill out the meal.

Gluten-free. A common concern for many “cream of” soups is their gluten content. To ensure your enchilada soup is gluten-free, it’s crucial to either select a certified gluten-free brand of condensed cream of mushroom soup or, for the most control and freshness, prepare your own homemade gluten-free cream of chicken or mushroom soup base. While making it from scratch will add a few minutes to your cooking time, it’s a worthwhile step for those with sensitivities. This recipe for gluten-free cream of chicken soup looks like a reliable option, and you can easily swap in vegetable broth if you’re aiming for a vegetarian and gluten-free version of this delightful soup. Always double-check labels on enchilada sauce and other canned goods, as hidden gluten can sometimes be present.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

A few simple tips can make your Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup even more spectacular:

• Slow Cooker Adaptation: This soup is also wonderfully adaptable to your slow cooker! Simply place all of the ingredients (except for the garnishes, which should be added fresh at the end) into your crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined, then set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This is a fantastic option for a busy day when you want a warm meal waiting for you.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, garlic salt) as needed. Flavors can mellow during cooking, so a final adjustment can make all the difference.
• Don’t Overcook: Since most ingredients are already cooked, you’re just heating and blending flavors. Avoid boiling vigorously, which can cause the milk to curdle or the texture to break down. A gentle simmer is all you need.
• Optimal Chicken Choice: For the best texture, use tender, moist cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is perfect, but boiled or baked chicken breast or thighs shredded finely will also work beautifully.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Enchilada Soup

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is remarkably satisfying and can easily stand alone as a complete meal, thanks to its rich combination of protein, vegetables, and a creamy base. However, if you’re looking to round out your meal or add some extra freshness and crunch, here are some fantastic side dish ideas:

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich soup. The crisp, cool greens offer a refreshing contrast.
• Warm Cornbread or Biscuits: Fluffy cornbread or warm, buttery biscuits are ideal for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
• Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Creamy avocado adds a wonderful texture and healthy fats. You can serve it as slices on the side, diced into the soup, or as a scoop of fresh guacamole.
• Rice: A small side of plain white or brown rice can be served alongside or stirred into the soup for an even heartier meal.
• Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas or even mini chicken quesadillas make a fun and complementary side for dipping.
• Extra Toppings Bar: Set up a ‘topping bar’ with extra shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, diced red onion, sliced radishes, lime wedges, and different types of tortilla chips/strips. This allows everyone to customize their bowl to their liking.

No matter how you serve it, this soup is sure to be a hit!

Recipe Card

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup (15-Minute Meal)

5 from 1 vote

Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, one pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is a deliciously quick & easy dinner for a busy day. Serve with a salad and you have a healthy dinner on the table in 15 minutes.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings 5 servings

Calories 464

Ingredients

  

• 15 ounces can whole kernel corn
• 15 ounces can black beans
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1½ cups milk
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 10 ounces red enchilada sauce
• 10.75 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• tortilla chips or strips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional additional garnishes: cilantro, green onions, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream, not included in nutrition data

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Instructions

• Drain 15 ounces can whole kernel corn. Drain and rinse 15 ounces can black beans.
• Chop or shred 2 cups cooked chicken.
• Combine chicken, corn, beans, 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 10 ounces red enchilada sauce, 10.75 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1½ cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste in a large soup pot and mix well.
• Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soup reaches a simmer.
• Reduce heat to maintain a low simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Serve with tortilla chips or strips and top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Optional additional garnishes: cilantro, green onions, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream

Notes

Enchilada Soup can easily be adapted to the crockpot; just place all of the ingredients except garnishes in the crockpot instead of a soup pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Either omit the chicken or substitute a can of rinsed cannellini (or beans of your preference) for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 464 calCarbohydrates: 47 gProtein: 34 gFat: 17 gSodium: 2175 mgFiber: 10 gSugar: 13 gNet Carbohydrates: 37 g

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