Green Enchilada Chicken Soup: A Cozy Mexican-Inspired Bowl

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and slightly spicy soup, green enchilada chicken soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. This soup takes inspiration from classic green enchiladas, translating those bold flavors into a rich, hearty bowl of soup. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you need a boost of cozy Mexican-inspired comfort.

With tender chicken, vibrant green enchilada sauce, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, this soup is not only delicious but also easy to make. In just under an hour, you can have a bowl full of warmth and flavor that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 can (10 oz) green enchilada sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional for topping)
• 1 avocado, diced (optional for garnish)
• Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for garnish
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add chiles and spices: Stir in diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Combine liquids and chicken: Add the shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir until well combined.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Finish with fresh ingredients: Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, tortilla strips, and extra cilantro. Enjoy hot!

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

A flavorful, hearty Mexican-inspired soup with shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, and spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 280

Ingredients

  

Soup

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can diced green chiles 4 oz
• 1 can green enchilada sauce 10 oz
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro plus extra for garnish
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese optional
• 1 avocado diced, optional
• tortilla strips for garnish
• 1 lime juice juice of 1 lime

Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes.
4. Add shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, diced avocado, tortilla strips, and extra cilantro.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream before serving.

Tips for the Best Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize spice level: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder if you like it spicier.
• Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy version.
• Meal prep friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian version – Replace chicken with cooked beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
2. Creamy green enchilada soup – Add coconut milk or heavy cream for a richer texture.
3. Low-carb option – Serve without tortilla strips and reduce cheese for a keto-friendly version.
4. Extra veggies – Add corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or crema for a restaurant-style presentation.

Fun Facts About Green Enchiladas

• Green enchiladas, or “enchiladas verdes,” are traditionally made with tomatillos, giving them a tangy and slightly tart flavor.
• This soup captures the essence of enchiladas in liquid form, perfect for those who love the flavor but want a quicker, spoonable version.
• Adding fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end enhances the bright, fresh flavors typical of Mexican cuisine.

Why This Soup Works

The combination of shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, spices, and fresh lime juice creates a balanced flavor profile that is savory, slightly tangy, and comforting. Unlike overly creamy soups, this recipe is fresh and vibrant but still hearty enough to serve as a main dish.

Storage and Freezing

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Reheating tip: Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

This soup is high in protein, moderately low in carbs, and bursting with flavor, making it a healthy yet satisfying meal.

This Green Enchilada Chicken Soup recipe is easy, versatile, and perfect for anyone craving Mexican-inspired comfort food. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, it’s sure to become a favorite.