👨‍🍳 Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe Copy

Have you ever thought about making Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup at home? This authentic enchilada soup recipe will help you do just that. It’s creamy, savory, and soothes like a warm hug. In less than an hour, you can whip up a batch. It uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Your family and friends will love it.

Key Takeaways:

• Prep and cook time combined is only 30 minutes.
• Recipe yields 6 servings with a 5-star rating from 30 votes.
• Main ingredients include 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, masa harina, and red enchilada sauce.
• Caloric content stands at 232 calories per serving, with a balanced mix of fats, carbs, and proteins.
• Storage recommendations ensure the soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Customize spiciness by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or using a spicy enchilada sauce.
• Perfectly thickened with masa harina, achieving the ideal consistency.

Introduction to Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Jump into the world of Tex-Mex flavors with the famous chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe. Loved by many, we’ll explore why this dish is a top pick for food lovers.

Brief History

This tasty soup started at Chili’s, winning over diners right away. Even as its recipe spread, it kept its rich and genuine taste. The chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe quickly won over home kitchens too for its deep flavors.

Why This Soup is Special

What makes this soup stand out is its true-to-Chili’s taste, mixed with cozy, home vibes. With more veggies and meat, this version is even heartier. It turns the original into a top-notch home dish, letting you enjoy Tex-Mex at home.

Essential Ingredients for Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup

To make an easy chicken enchilada soup recipe that tastes like Chili’s, you must have some key ingredients. Each one is important for getting that rich, warm taste everyone loves.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this. They offer lean protein. You need about 1 lb of chicken for a soup that serves eight. Cook your chicken well to add great flavor to the soup.

Masa Harina

Masa harina is a must for the soup’s perfect texture. It thickens the soup and adds a yummy, corn taste. Mix 1 cup of masa harina with 2 cups of water before you put it in the soup. This creation gets that beloved thickness you find at Chili’s.

Enchilada Sauce

The enchilada sauce is key to the soup’s amazing flavor. Use 2 (10 oz) cans of red enchilada sauce for the best taste. Frontera is a good brand because it’s full of bold, true flavors. This sauce adds the delicious, spicy notes to an easy chicken enchilada soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s make a tasty Tex-Mex chicken soup. It’s an enchilada soup that’s easy to cook and full of flavor.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, heat a pot and add olive oil. Cook the chicken until golden, around 5-7 minutes each side. When it’s done, take it out, and shred it for the soup.

Cooking the Soup

Use the same pot for the soup. Sauté garlic for a minute. Next, pour in chicken broth and masa harina mix. Stir as you bring it to a boil.

Add Velveeta and mix until melted smooth. Now, add the enchilada sauce, salt, chili powder, cumin, and chilies.

Final Touches

Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Make sure it mixes well with the soup. Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes more.

You can adjust the thickness now. Add more broth for a thinner soup or use cornstarch for a thicker one.

Great job! You’ve made a delicious enchilada soup. Enjoy this taste of Tex-Mex in a bowl.

Tex-Mex Flavors Explained

The Tex-Mex chicken soup is more than just a mix of ingredients; it’s rich in bold flavors. Each spoonful delights with a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder. These spices mix with garlic and cilantro, making each taste exciting and unique.

Masa harina gives the soup its unique taste. This corn flour thickens the soup and adds a gentle sweet, earthy taste. This ingredient makes this soup stand out from the usual.

Enchilada sauce is key to this recipe. Made of tomatoes, chili peppers, and spices, it gives the soup a deep flavor. Using a good store-bought or homemade sauce is crucial for that Tex-Mex taste.

Here’s what makes the soup’s flavor pop:

• Chicken breasts: They are the main protein but can be changed for turkey or shrimp.
• Cumin and Chili powder: These spices bring warmth and a bit of smokiness, key in Tex-Mex cooking.
• Masa harina: It thickens the soup and adds a special corn taste.
• Enchilada sauce: It brings a rich, tomato-based complexity that’s vital.
• Garlic and Cilantro: They add to the smell and give a fresh contrast to the spicy warmth.

This mix of ingredients truly captures the spirit of Tex-Mex. The unique flavors and textures make each serving a true delight.

Tips for Perfectly Thickened Soup

Getting your soup just right means knowing how to use different thickening ways. Masa harina works well, but there are alternative thickening agents that can do the job too.

Using Masa Harina

Masa harina not only makes your soup thicker but also gives it a special taste. It’s key for genuine Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup. Use a little at first, then you can add more if you need to:

• First, mix 1/4 cup of masa harina with 1/2 cup of water.
• Add this mix to your soup after it first cooks.
• Then, let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes more to mix in well. Add more if you want.

Alternative Thickening Agents

If you run out of masa harina, try these other ways to thicken your soup:

1. Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water and stir into your soup bit by bit.
2. Pureed Vegetables: Blend some of the cooked vegetables from the soup and mix back in for extra thickness.
3. Corn Tortilla Chips: Crush and add a few tortilla chips into the soup; they will thicken it as they soften.

No matter how you thicken it, right thickness in your soup will make it taste great. It really adds to the delicious experience.

Adding Heat to Your Soup

Do you love hot and spicy foods? Making your spicy chicken soup recipe hotter can turn it into a dish that’s not easily forgotten. By adding certain ingredients, you can increase the heat just how you like it. This keeps the unique flavors of the soup intact.

Using Jalapeños

Jalapeños are well-loved for the heat they bring. They come in many forms like fresh and chopped, pickled slices, or roasted. For your spicy soup, use them this way:

• Chop fresh jalapeños and add them early to make your soup spicy.
• Put in pickled jalapeños for a late kick of flavor.
• Top with roasted jalapeños for a mild and smoky heat.

Spicy Enchilada Sauce

Adding spicy enchilada sauce can also make your soup hotter. You can buy it ready-made or make your own. Here’s what to know:

1. Ready-made sauce is an easy way to make your soup spicier fast.
2. Homemade sauce helps you adjust the quality and spiciness to your taste.

You can also try adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Add a little at a time until you achieve your perfect level of heat.

Feel free to tweak your enchilada soup with a kick to match your taste. Making it the right amount of hot guarantees every bite is packed with flavor and excitement!

Homemade Enchilada Sauce vs Store Bought

Choosing between homemade and store-bought enchilada sauce is key when making chicken enchilada soup. Your pick can greatly alter the soup’s taste and feel. It’s wise to think about what you like when you make this choice.

Homemade Sauce Advantages

Creating your own enchilada sauce lets you pick all the ingredients. This means you can make it just how you like it. Most homemade sauces are tastier and more real, without any preservatives or fake stuff.

• Freshness: Because you make it with fresh stuff, homemade sauces taste stronger and fresher.
• Customization: You can change the spiciness, salt, and add cool things like roasted tomatoes to fit your taste.
• Quality and Health: By avoiding store-bought mixes, you cut out unhealthy stuff. This makes your dish better for you.

Best Store-Bought Brands

For those who like things easy, some enchilada sauce brands are great. They save you time on busy nights. Frontera, known for great taste and quality, is a top brand.

Add these easy store-bought sauces to your soup recipe for a tasty meal. Whether you choose homemade or a favorite brand, your soup will be loved by all.

Dairy Ingredients: Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese

Using dairy ingredients like cream cheese and cheddar cheese makes Chili’s creamy chicken enchilada soup better. Cream cheese makes the soup creamy when used in small amounts. Cheddar cheese gives it a rich, sharp taste.

It’s important to handle cheese the right way for great taste. Always shred cheese yourself for a better melt and flavor. To keep the soup from being grainy, soften the cream cheese by warming it with water.

If you want to change the recipe, try using Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar. Adding ½ cup of Monterey Jack makes the soup spicier. These cheeses add flavor and important nutrients to the dish.

Adding these dairy ingredients makes the creamy chicken enchilada soup taste even better. It also makes the meal more nutritious. Enjoy the soup as part of a healthy and fulfilling diet.

Vegetable Ingredients: Onions and Green Chilis

The key to a authentic enchilada soup recipe is picking the right veggies and preparing them well. This recipe needs a small onion and jalapeno, both finely diced. You start by heating oil in a pot. Then, you sauté these veggies to bring out their sweet taste and smell.

Onions are a big deal in this soup. They add a deep, rich flavor when they’re cooked just right. Cooking them until they’re clear brings a nice, mild sweet taste. It helps balance out the heat from the green chilis. You’ll use about 1 1/2 cups of diced onions to make the soup just right.

Don’t forget the 7-ounce can of chopped green chilis. They give the soup a warm, but not too spicy, flavor. You can add more or less depending on your taste. For those who like it hot, adding thin strips of serrano peppers does the trick.

Adding veggies like onions and green chilis gives the soup its real taste. It also makes the soup more healthy and interesting. You can follow the recipe exactly. Or, you can make changes for your own special touch. These veggies are a must for a delicious enchilada soup.

Spices and Seasonings

Seasoning chicken enchilada soup is all about the right Tex-Mex spices. Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika are key. Add a bit of cayenne pepper if you want some extra kick.

• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• ¾ teaspoon of salt

These spices are mixed just right to give your soup a full, rich taste. Every spice brings something special. From the deep flavors of cumin to the gentle warmth of paprika.

Below is a table showing each key spice:

The best way to use these spices is to cook them with onions and green chilis first. This makes sure the soup is filled with the great taste of enchiladas.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

Enhance your Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup with the right toppings. Pick toppings that mix texture, color, and flavor. These extras turn every bowl into a special treat. Try these ideas for serving:

Tortilla Strips

Tortilla strips offer a great crunch against the soup’s smoothness. Make them by cutting corn tortillas into strips and frying them. You can also use the ones you buy at the store.

Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro brings color and a cool taste. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top of each bowl. It not only looks good but also adds flavor.

Red Onion and Salsa

For a sharp, zesty taste, add diced red onion and salsa on top. The onion and salsa mix sharpness and spice. This mix balances the soup’s rich flavors perfectly.

Taste different toppings to see which you like best. With these tips, your Chicken Enchilada Soup will be a winner every time.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Learn the best ways to store and reheat chicken enchilada soup for the best taste. This way, you can enjoy its Tex-Mex goodness any time, even on the go. Always follow these steps to keep your soup yummy and fresh.

Refrigeration Tips

Keep your Chicken Enchilada Soup fresh by storing it in a sealed container. Put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It’s best for 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Stir it well before you warm it up, as the ingredients might have settled.

Freezing and Thawing

For a longer shelf life, you can freeze this soup. But first, cool it down and put it in a freezer-safe container, leaving room at the top. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, put the container in the fridge overnight for a safe defrost.

When warming up chicken enchilada soup, you have a few options. You can microwave it, stirring every 30 seconds. Or, heat it up gently in a pot on the stove. If it’s too thick, just add some broth to thin it out. This keeps the soup’s rich flavors and creamy feel.

Nutritional Information

Chili’s Loaded Chicken Enchilada Soup is great for those who want both good taste and nutrition. A single serving has 309 calories. It has a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats. You get 11g of total fat, which is 14% of what you need daily. This includes 4.5g of saturated fat, 22% of your daily value. There’s 24g of protein, a big 48% of the meal, perfect for your body’s needs. It’s a great source of important amino acids for muscles.

Calories and Macronutrients

This soup contains a good balance of macronutrients. It has 31g of carbs, 11% of your daily needs, with 25.1g as net carbs. There is 5.9g of fiber, helping you feel full and aiding digestion. Plus, it only has 3g of sugars. These nutrients make the soup both satisfying and healthy.

Sodium and Fat Content

Being aware of sodium and fat is key for your health. This soup has 1251mg of sodium, 54% of what you should have in a day. It also has 50mg of cholesterol, 17% of the daily value. Yet, it is rich in vitamins and minerals. It gives you lots of Vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. So, it’s still a great choice for a tasty, health-minded meal.