There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy Green Enchilada Chicken Soup to warm you up on a cool day. This slow-cooked masterpiece brings together the bold flavors of green enchilada sauce, creamy cheese, and tender shredded chicken to create a cozy, satisfying dish. It’s a perfect blend of Mexican-inspired comfort food that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
What makes this soup even better is how versatile it is! Serve it with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch, fresh avocado for a creamy bite, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this hearty, flavorful soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 28 oz can of green enchilada sauce
- 24 oz chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed at room temperature
- 4 oz green salsa (salsa verde)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, crispy tortilla strips
Directions:
- In a Crock Pot, add the chicken breasts or thighs, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot.
- Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, half-and-half, and green salsa. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips for added texture. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup – A Comforting and Flavorful Delight
When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that require minimal effort, slow cooker soups are an unbeatable choice. One such standout is Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup, a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine. This soup combines the bold taste of green enchilada sauce with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a touch of spice, creating an irresistible balance of flavors.
With a rich, velvety texture and a hint of heat, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food with a Mexican twist. The best part? It’s made in a Crock Pot (slow cooker), meaning you can set it and forget it while it slowly develops into a bowl of creamy goodness. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this soup will not disappoint.
Why This Soup is So Special
What makes Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup stand out from other soups? It’s all about the flavors, the texture, and the ease of preparation. Here are a few reasons why this soup deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The base of this soup consists of green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and green salsa. These ingredients work together to create a tangy, slightly spicy, and deeply flavorful broth. Unlike traditional chicken soups that rely on herbs and vegetables for flavor, this recipe packs a punch with Mexican-inspired ingredients that bring a vibrant and zesty twist to every spoonful.
The addition of Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and half-and-half gives the soup an indulgently creamy texture, which balances out the spiciness of the enchilada sauce and green salsa. This fusion of spice, tanginess, and creamy richness makes the dish incredibly satisfying.
2. Easy, Hands-Off Cooking
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. Because it’s made in a slow cooker, there’s no need to stand over the stove stirring and watching. Simply add the main ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic, and come back later to add the final touches.
For those with busy schedules, this soup is a lifesaver. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just a long to-do list, the Crock Pot does all the work for you, leaving you with a warm, flavorful meal ready when you are.
3. A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for All Occasions
This soup is an excellent choice for:
- Family dinners – It’s kid-friendly and packed with protein, making it a wholesome meal.
- Potlucks and gatherings – Easy to transport and serve straight from the slow cooker.
- Meal prepping – It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Cold-weather comfort food – Nothing beats a hot bowl of creamy, cheesy soup on a chilly evening.
4. Customizable to Your Taste
Another fantastic feature of this soup is how easily it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
- Make it spicier: If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños, extra salsa verde, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Lower the carbs: Skip the tortilla strips and serve it with extra avocado and cheese instead.
- Add extra veggies: Stir in spinach, corn, or black beans for more texture and nutrition.
- Use different cheeses: If Monterey Jack isn’t your favorite, try cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a new twist.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap out the dairy ingredients for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative while still maintaining the creamy texture.
Tips for the Best Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
To ensure your Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness – While chicken breasts work fine, thighs add more moisture and flavor, making the soup even more delicious.
- Shred the chicken properly – After slow cooking, the chicken will be incredibly tender. Use two forks to shred it into small, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Let the cheese melt completely – For a smooth, velvety soup, stir well after adding the cheeses, making sure they are fully melted and blended into the broth.
- Season to taste – While the enchilada sauce and salsa provide plenty of flavor, don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
- Don’t rush the slow cooking process – Cooking on low for 6-8 hours allows the flavors to fully develop, resulting in the richest, most flavorful soup.
What to Serve with Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking for side dishes to complement it, consider these options:
- Warm flour or corn tortillas – Perfect for dipping or wrapping around some shredded chicken.
- Mexican-style rice – Adds extra texture and makes the meal even more filling.
- A fresh side salad – A light, crisp salad with avocado, tomatoes, and lime dressing balances out the richness of the soup.
- Crispy tortilla chips – A crunchy topping that adds a delicious contrast to the creamy texture.
- Grilled corn on the cob – A smoky, slightly sweet side that pairs beautifully with the flavors in the soup.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores. If you have leftovers, follow these simple steps to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier the next day!
- Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: Warm up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and convenience. It takes all the delicious elements of green enchiladas tender chicken, zesty sauce, gooey cheese and transforms them into a creamy, satisfying soup that warms the soul.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable and great for meal prepping. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy at home, this soup is a guaranteed winner.
Try this recipe for your next family dinner, potluck, or lazy weekend meal, and get ready to fall in love with every spoonful! Let us know in the comments how you customized your soup or what toppings you love to add!