Chicken Enchilada Soup is a traditional Mexican dish that combines the essence of enchiladas with the comforting creaminess of a hearty soup. The essential ingredients include shredded chicken, tortillas, black beans, enchilada sauce, sour cream, cheese, onions, peppers, chili powder, and cilantro. To add extra depth and texture, I’ve incorporated additional vegetables like carrots, celery, and even leeks.

What to do If You don’t have Enchilada Sauce?

As a Venezuelan, I know that enchilada sauce isn’t always easy to find in my country. Because of this, I learned to make it at home by following tips from various recipes and videos. My homemade version starts with a blend of tomatoes, dried chiles (such as guajillo or ancho), garlic, onion, and spices like cumin and oregano. The process involves boiling the tomatoes and dried chiles until tender, then blending them with the garlic, onion, and spices. Finally, I strain the mixture to achieve a smooth consistency. Naturally, I adjust the spices to suit my taste.

For a quicker alternative tailored to this soup, I used a large can of diced tomatoes as the base. To this, I added chili powder, tomato paste, cumin, and garlic, creating a flavor profile remarkably close to traditional enchilada sauce.

How to make Chicken Enchilada Soup?

To prepare this soup, I begin by sautéing the vegetables: onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and leeks. Next, I add the ingredients that replicate the enchilada sauce: canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and chili powder.

Once the vegetables and sauce base are cooked, I add chicken broth, shredded chicken, tortillas, and black beans. The tortillas soak into the soup, creating a thick, creamy base that defines its characteristic texture and flavor. For this recipe, I used leftover roasted chicken, but raw chicken breasts cooked alongside the other ingredients can deliver even better results.

The sour cream is added when serving to bring creaminess, while cheese and fresh cilantro enhance the flavors further.

Essential Elements of Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Shredded Chicken: Roasted chicken leftovers work well, but freshly cooked chicken breasts provide the best flavor.
• Tortillas: These thicken the soup and create its creamy texture.
• Kidney Beans: A hearty addition that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• Enchilada Sauce or Substitute: A key ingredient for the signature enchilada flavor.
• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and leeks provide layers of flavor and texture.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano bring authentic Mexican flavors to the dish.
• Toppings: Sour cream, cheese, and cilantro elevate the soup’s richness.