Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup Chilis Inspired

Q: I'm trying to cut back on dairy. Can I make this chili's chicken enchilada soup recipe without the cream cheese?

You bet! You can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative, or even full-fat coconut milk for a similar creamy texture. Sour cream or Greek yogurt are great options too, for a tangier flavor. Just stir it in right before serving. You could also consider adding a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the blender for added creamy texture and flavor without dairy.

Chilis Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe Creamy Easy

By Priya DesaiSeptember 21, 2025

4.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Your New Favorite Soup

Fancy a bit of Tex-Mex comfort? Ever wondered if you could recreate that amazing chilis chicken enchilada soup recipe at home? Well, grab your apron, 'cause we're about to make some magic.

Honestly, I was craving that soup, but didn’t want to leave the house. So, I decided to create my own version.

Quick Overview of the Best Chicken Soup

This chicken enchilada soup isn't just any soup. It's a hug in a bowl, bursting with southwest chicken soup flavors and that creamy texture we all love.

Think chili's inspired soup recipe , but maybe even better and definitely made with love. The tex-mex soup recipe has origins in the American Southwest.

This easy chicken soup recipe takes about 50 minutes to make, prep included, and it feeds around 6-8 hungry folks.

Perfect for sharing, or not!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

This spicy chicken enchilada soup recipe is packed with protein and all sorts of good stuff. It's the ultimate comfort food, and its warmth will brighten any dull day.

Plus, this homemade chicken enchilada soup will become your family's favorite. What makes this soup extra special? The toppings! Load it up with tortilla chips, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for the full experience.

Also, did you know that chicken soup is known for its immune boosting properties? Time to warm up with a nutritious meal!.

Now, let's get started with the ingredients! Think of it as a chicken enchilada casserole soup , but in a bowl!.

I almost forgot to mention that it can be done as one pot chicken enchilada soup .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cookin'!

Alright, let's get real about what you need for this chilis chicken enchilada soup recipe . No fancy pants stuff here. Just the basics to get that creamy chicken enchilada soup goodness happenin'.

I can almost taste it already, my version of the chili's inspired soup recipe !

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Soup

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You want good quality chicken here, friends. Nobody wants rubbery chicken. Get the free range stuff if you can, tastes so much better.
Onion: 1 medium yellow onion. It should be firm and not sprouted. Nobody likes a funky onion.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is your friend! You can always add salt, but you can't take it away. Trust me, I've been there.
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) , softened. Seriously, don't forget to soften it. Makes everything smoother.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs

Forget boring. We're building layers of flavor. For that southwest chicken soup realness, you gotta nail the spice combo.

Chili Powder & Cumin: These two are like peanut butter and jelly, essential . Use 2 tbsp (30ml) chili powder and 1 tbsp (15ml) cumin.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth. Don't skip it! 1 tsp (5ml) is all you need.
Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but if you want that spicy chicken enchilada soup recipe kick, go for it! Start with 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) .
Don't have smoked paprika?: regular paprika works just fine!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is your workhorse.
Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping the veggies. You know. Safety first!
Wooden Spoon: For stirring all that goodness.
Blender: Optional if you want that creamy chicken enchilada soup texture!

That's all you need to create this homemade chicken enchilada soup . See? Easy peasy. Before you know it, you'll be making this easy chicken soup recipe every week! I really recommend this one pot chicken enchilada soup , it's that delicious.

Unleash Your Inner Tex-Mex Chef: Nailin' the Chilis Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken enchilada soup ? It's like a hug in a bowl, innit? Especially when it's blustery outside.

But paying restaurant prices? Nah, we can do better. We're diving headfirst into a Chili's inspired soup recipe that'll knock your socks off.

Think of it as a creamy hug in a bowl, but you made it yourself!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, the mise en place . It sounds fancy, but it just means gettin' everything ready. Chop your onion and bell pepper .

Mince that garlic . Measure your spices like chili powder and cumin . Have your chicken broth , beans, and tomatoes ready.

Having everything prepped makes the whole process much easier. Trust me, future you will thank you for the time saving!.

A quick safety note: Don't be a numpty. Use a sharp knife, keep your fingers out of the way, and pay attention!

From Zero to Hero: The Soup Making Symphony

Right, let's get cooking! Here's the lowdown:

Season your chicken with the listed spices.
Sear that chicken in olive oil until brown, about 3- 4 minutes per side.
Add chicken broth , simmer covered for 15- 20 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165° F ( 74° C) . This makes it nice and juicy!
Shred the chicken with two forks - satisfying, isn't it?
Sauté your onion , bell pepper , and garlic in the same pot. Yum, that aroma!
Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, spices - all the good stuff!
Simmer for 10 minutes to let those flavours get to know each other.
Stir in the shredded chicken and softened cream cheese and heat through.

Top Chef Secrets: Elevating Your Soup Game

Want to take your creamy chicken enchilada soup to the next level? Here's my two cents:

Don't skimp on the toppings! Crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese , sour cream, avocado, a little cilantro – go wild!
Avoid overcooking the chicken. No one wants tough, stringy chicken . Simmering gently is the key.

This Tex-Mex soup recipe is even better the next day! Honestly, the flavours just meld together beautifully overnight. It is very easy to make the day before if you have guests.

Think it as an easy chicken soup recipe that is also a crowd pleaser.

And there you have it! Your very own, utterly delicious version of chili's chicken enchilada soup recipe . Enjoy, mate! I really hope you enjoy making this spicy chicken enchilada soup recipe .

It is also a homemade chicken enchilada soup that feels restaurant quality!

Recipe Notes for Your Chili's Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe

Okay, so you've got your heart set on making this chilis chicken enchilada soup recipe . Awesome! Before you dive headfirst into the kitchen, let's chat about a few things.

Think of these as friendly pointers, like a little nudge from your best mate. Honestly, these tips will elevate your homemade chicken enchilada soup from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!".

Plating Like a Pro

Forget boring bowls! For presentation ideas, think layers. A swirl of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a generous handful of tortilla chips is the way to go.

For a restaurant style vibe, try a drizzle of hot sauce. This spicy chicken enchilada soup recipe deserves a little flair.

For drinks try adding a Mexican soda or even a light beer.

Stocking Your Leftovers

Listen, this chicken enchilada soup is so good, you'll want to save some. Let it cool down properly first. Then, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. Freezing this easy chicken soup recipe is also a fab idea, but be warned, the cream cheese might change the texture a bit.

Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot ( at least 165° F / 74° C ).

Remix It

Want to shake things up? No problem! For a dairy-free creamy chicken enchilada soup option, use full fat coconut milk instead of cream cheese.

Works a treat! Swap out the chicken for shredded pork or even some hearty veggies like sweet potato for a vegetarian twist.

Making this chicken enchilada casserole soup for spring? Throw in some fresh asparagus or peas!

Healthier Indulgence

Right, let’s talk about the good stuff. This Tex-Mex soup recipe is packed with protein and fiber. Each serving has around 350-450 calories, plenty of protein, and a good dose of fiber.

Black beans and corn bring the goodness! Using low-sodium broth is a smart move to keep the sodium in check.

This is southwest chicken soup that tastes naughty but is secretly quite nice.

There you have it! A chili's inspired soup recipe that’s ready to rock. Go on, get cooking. You've totally got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chili's chicken enchilada soup recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

Absolutely! For extra heat, you can add a pinch (or more!) of cayenne pepper to the soup base or include a finely chopped jalapeño when you sauté the onions and bell peppers. Alternatively, use a hotter chili powder blend.

Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away, so start small and taste as you go!

What's the best way to store leftover chili's chicken enchilada soup and how long will it last?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Like a good cuppa, the flavors actually meld and improve overnight! You can also freeze the soup for longer storage (up to 2-3 months).

Just be aware that the texture of the cream cheese might change slightly after freezing and thawing.

I'm trying to cut back on dairy. Can I make this chili's chicken enchilada soup recipe without the cream cheese?

You bet! You can substitute the cream cheese with a plant based cream cheese alternative, or even full fat coconut milk for a similar creamy texture. Sour cream or Greek yogurt are great options too, for a tangier flavor. Just stir it in right before serving.

You could also consider adding a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the blender for added creamy texture and flavor without dairy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to speed up the process of making this creamy chicken enchilada soup?

Definitely! Using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, is a fantastic shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.

This can shave off about 20-30 minutes of cook time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It's like using a ready-made pastry for a tart a little help never hurt anyone!

I don’t have all the toppings on hand. What are some must have toppings for the chili's chicken enchilada soup recipe?

No worries, mate! If you are short on topping options - tortilla chips and shredded cheese are really the cornerstones of this soup. The tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch, while the cheese melts into the soup for extra flavor and creaminess.

A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro are excellent additions if you have them, but those chips and cheese are non-negotiable in my book!

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Chili's chicken enchilada soup recipe to make it a complete meal?

This soup is pretty filling on its own, but it goes wonderfully with a few different sides! Warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping is always a winner. You could also serve a simple green salad or a vibrant Mexican coleslaw to add some freshness.

If you want to go all out, a side of Mexican rice or some black bean salsa would complete the fiesta! It's all about making it your own and having fun!