SLow Cooker Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup
Enjoy a rich, creamy, and cheesy Green Chicken Enchilada Soup made with tender shredded chicken, tangy green enchilada sauce, and flavorful salsa verde. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights, this versatile soup can be prepared in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop, allowing you to adjust to any cooking style with ease.
Each spoonful of this Mexican-inspired dish brings together a savory blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a touch of spice, making it both hearty and comforting. Garnish with your favorite toppings for an extra burst of flavor, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Main Ingredients for a Perfect Green Chicken Enchilada Soup
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (2.5 lbs) – Provides tender, shredded meat that soaks up the enchilada sauce flavor.
- Green enchilada sauce (28 oz) – Adds a mildly spicy, tangy base that makes this soup rich and savory.
- Chicken broth (24 oz) – Brings a light, flavorful liquid to balance the creaminess of the soup.
- Half and half or heavy cream (1 cup) – Adds creaminess and depth, making each spoonful indulgent.
- Monterey Jack cheese (2 cups, shredded) – Melts smoothly and gives the soup a slightly sharp, creamy finish.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, cubed and softened) – Blends into the soup for a velvety texture.
- Green salsa (salsa verde, 4 oz) – Boosts the tangy flavor with a hint of spice, perfect for that signature green enchilada taste.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Simple Steps to Make Green Chicken Enchilada Soup
Slow Cooker Method
- Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, place chicken, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred it, then return to the slow cooker.
- Add Dairy: Add Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, half and half, and green salsa. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy base.
- Season and Serve: Adjust with salt, pepper, hot sauce, or more salsa. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Instant Pot Method
- Pressure Cook Chicken: Add chicken and 1 cup of broth to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick-release after 10 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Remove and shred the chicken, then set Instant Pot to sauté.
- Finish Soup: Add remaining broth, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and salsa, heating through. Stir in cheeses and remaining ingredients until melted.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Garnish as desired before serving.
Stovetop Method
- Simmer Chicken: In a large stockpot, add chicken and broth. Simmer until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
- Add Ingredients: Shred chicken, return to the pot, and add enchilada sauce, half and half, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and green salsa.
- Heat Through: Stir and continue to cook until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, and serve with toppings for a customized finish.
Tips for the Best Green Chicken Enchilada Soup
For an added burst of flavor and texture, top the soup with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Each topping can add an extra layer of richness or a refreshing bite to balance the creamy soup. To adjust the spice level, simply add more salsa verde or a few dashes of hot sauce; if you’re looking for a milder taste, reduce the salsa or add a touch more cream to mellow out the heat.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheeses blend back into a creamy texture. If you’d like to freeze the soup, avoid adding the dairy ingredients until after thawing and reheating, as this will help maintain the smooth texture when you reheat the soup.
This Green Chicken Enchilada Soup is a comforting, adaptable recipe that’s perfect for any season. Whether you make it as a weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option, each bowl is loaded with flavor and will quickly become a household favorite!
Green Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
Zutaten
- 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 recipe or 28 oz can green enchilada sauce
- 24 oz chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese cubed and softened
- 4 oz green salsa salsa verde
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anleitungen
Slow Cooker
- Combine Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add chicken, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add Dairy: Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, half and half, and green salsa. Stir until the cheeses melt.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, hot sauce, or additional salsa. Serve with toppings like avocado, cilantro, green onion, and sour cream.
Instant Pot
- Pressure Cook Chicken: Add chicken and 1 cup of broth. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes, then quick-release after 10 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred it, and set Instant Pot to Saute on medium.
- Finish Soup: Add remaining broth, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, salsa, and heat through. Stir in cheeses and remaining ingredients until melted.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper as needed, and serve with your favorite toppings.
- Stovetop
- Simmer Chicken: In a large stockpot, add chicken and broth. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and shred-ready.
- Add Ingredients: Shred chicken and return it to the pot with enchilada sauce, half and half, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and green salsa.
- Heat Through: Stir and heat until soup is warmed and cheese is melted.
- Season and Serve: Season as desired. Serve with extra green salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream on the side.
Notes
Toppings: For extra flavor, add avocado, cilantro, green onions, or sour cream as toppings.
Adjusting Spice: Increase or decrease the salsa or hot sauce to reach your preferred spice level.