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A steaming bowl of creamy green chile chicken enchilada soup garnished with cilantro and cheese, ready to enjoy.

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup: Smoky & Creamy Comfort Food

Indulge in this rich, creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup, featuring tender chicken, a bold green chile kick, and unique smoky depth from fire-roasted poblano peppers and chipotle powder. An easy, comforting, and family-friendly recipe perfect for weeknights.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tablespoon Oil (neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado)
  • 1 small Onion (finely diced)
  • 1 Jalapeno (finely diced, seeds/membranes removed for less heat)
  • 1-2 Poblano peppers (fire-roasted, peeled, seeded, diced)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Chipotle Powder
  • 2 to 3 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 28-ounce can Green Enchilada Sauce
  • 1 7-ounce can Chopped Green Chiles
  • 1 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes, full-fat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 3 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded, or poached from scratch)
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (divided, or pepper jack)
  • ¼ cup Cilantro (chopped, plus more for garnish)
  • Fried Corn Tortilla Strips (for garnish)
  • Avocado (for garnish)
  • Cilantro (for garnish)
  • Monterey Jack Cheese (for garnish)

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Sauté the Aromatics and Build Flavor
  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chosen cooking oil.
  2. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely diced onion and jalapeño. Cook for about 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, tender, and fragrant. Do not rush this step, as thorough cooking of aromatics is key to building a flavorful base.
  3. Add your finely diced, fire-roasted poblano peppers and a pinch of ground chipotle powder. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is incredibly fragrant and the spices have bloomed.
Simmer the Liquid Base
  1. Stir in the chicken broth, green enchilada sauce, chopped green chiles, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Next, add the softened cream cheese cubes in small bits, stirring constantly, to help it melt easily and prevent any lumps. Continue to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, or until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the soup is creamy and smooth.
Add Chicken & Cheese
  1. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, along with the chopped cilantro.
  2. Let the soup cook for another 3-4 minutes, just long enough for the chicken to heat through and the cheese to melt into glorious strings. If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add a bit more chicken broth at this point.
  3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember to taste before adding salt, as the broth and enchilada sauce contribute a lot of flavor.
Prepare Your Toppings
  1. While your soup is gently simmering and finishing up, take a moment to get all your delicious toppings ready. Ensure you have perfectly crispy fried corn tortilla strips—they really elevate this soup!
Serve & Enjoy
  1. Ladle the hot, creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup into bowls.
  2. Top each serving generously with crunchy fried tortilla strips, the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a few slices of creamy avocado. Dive in and savor every spoonful!

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This soup is perfect for meal prep, tasting even better the next day. Ensure cream cheese is softened and cubed, adding gradually for a smooth texture. Adjust broth to desired consistency and season to taste at the end. Serve with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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