Slow Cooker Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and creamy dish perfect for cozy dinners. Featuring tender chicken, green chiles, and a blend of spices, this soup offers a rich and mildly spicy flavor with a touch of creaminess from dairy-free cream cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing, gluten-free meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Soup:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup diced yellow onion (or ½ large onion)
1 cup diced green bell pepper (or 1 small pepper)
½ cup diced poblano pepper (or 1 small poblano)
¼ cup diced jalapeno (optional, seeded)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (4-oz) cans diced green chiles
1 (15-oz) jar green enchilada sauce (e.g., Siete Foods)
4 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 bay leaf
2 (15-oz) cans pinto or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
8 ounces dairy-free cream cheese (or regular cream cheese if preferred)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

Shredded Monterey jack cheese (omit for dairy-free)
Fresh cilantro leaves
Sliced radishes
White corn tortilla chips
Lime wedges

Directions

Slow Cooker Method:

Prepare Ingredients:
- In a slow cooker, add chicken, onion, bell pepper, poblano, jalapeno, garlic, green chiles, enchilada sauce, broth, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cilantro. Stir until combined. Add the bay leaf.
Cook the Soup:
- Cover and cook on high for 4–6 hours or on low for 8–10 hours.
Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is tender, transfer it to a cutting board, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Add Beans and Cream Cheese:
- Stir in the drained beans and cream cheese until fully incorporated. Cover and cook on low for an additional 10 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
Finish with Lime Juice:
- Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice just before serving.
Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, or radishes as desired.

Instant Pot Method:

Combine all ingredients except beans, cream cheese, and lime juice in the Instant Pot. Lock the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 20 minutes.
Quick-release the pressure, shred the chicken, and stir in the beans and cream cheese. Let it warm for 10 minutes before stirring in lime juice and serving.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 8 servings)
Calories: 306 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown:
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 830mg

This Slow Cooker Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or meal prep. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness!

Why This Soup Stands Out

This dish is much more than a typical chicken soup. It offers layers of flavor and texture that set it apart from other recipes:

Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of green chiles, poblano peppers, and green enchilada sauce creates a zesty, slightly smoky base that’s enhanced by warm spices like cumin and oregano.
Creamy and Comforting: The addition of dairy-free cream cheese (or regular cream cheese) adds a velvety smoothness, making each bite indulgent without being heavy.
Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or hands-off cooking.
Customizable: Whether you prefer extra spice, more vegetables, or unique garnishes, this soup adapts to your preferences.
Nutritious: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, as well as fiber-rich vegetables, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Key Ingredients That Bring It All Together

The magic of Slow Cooker Green Enchilada Chicken Soup lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its signature flavor:

Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, chicken breasts cook to tender perfection in the slow cooker and shred easily for a satisfying texture.
Green Chiles and Peppers: Diced green chiles, poblano peppers, and jalapeños bring a balance of heat and smokiness to the broth.
Green Enchilada Sauce: This ingredient acts as the flavor base, tying the soup together with its tangy and mildly spicy notes.
Spices and Herbs: Cumin, chili powder, oregano, and fresh cilantro provide warmth and depth, elevating the overall taste.
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the soup without overpowering the bold, zesty flavors. Regular cream cheese works just as well for non-dairy-free options.
Pinto or Cannellini Beans: These beans not only make the soup heartier but also contribute protein and fiber for a more balanced meal.
Lime Juice: A final squeeze of lime brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the rich broth.

Health Benefits of Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

While indulgent in flavor, this soup also offers a range of nutritional benefits:

High in Protein: With 27 grams of protein per serving, this soup supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full.
Rich in Fiber: The inclusion of beans and fresh vegetables provides 5 grams of fiber per serving, aiding digestion and promoting overall health.
Low in Carbohydrates: With 22 grams of carbs per serving, this soup is a great option for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without overloading on carbs.
Customizable for Dietary Needs: Naturally gluten-free, this soup can easily be made dairy-free or adjusted to fit a variety of dietary preferences.

Tips for Making the Perfect Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

To ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality green enchilada sauce make a significant difference in the flavor of the soup.
Adjust the Heat: Customize the spice level by adding more jalapeños or chili powder for extra heat, or use mild green chiles for a gentler flavor.
Shred the Chicken Easily: Use two forks or a hand mixer to quickly shred the chicken after cooking.
Let the Flavors Develop: Allow the soup to cook for the full recommended time to let the spices and ingredients meld together beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Garnishes: Toppings like tortilla chips, radishes, and cilantro not only add texture but also enhance the overall presentation and flavor.

Creative Serving Suggestions

This soup is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions or preferences:

Classic Bowl: Serve the soup as is, with a generous garnish of shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and sliced avocado.
Over Rice: Ladle the soup over a bowl of cooked rice for a more filling meal.
With Cornbread: Pair with warm cornbread for a comforting Southern-inspired dinner.
As a Dip: Reduce the broth slightly and serve the soup as a dip with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer.
In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a crusty bread loaf and use it as an edible bowl for a fun presentation.

Customizing Your Soup

The beauty of Slow Cooker Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, corn, or spinach to boost the nutritional content and add variety.
Cheese Lovers: Top with a combination of Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or queso fresco for an extra layer of creaminess.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or skip the beans for a keto-friendly version.

Why This Soup is a Family Favorite

This soup ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly meal:

Easy to Make: The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to focus on other tasks.
Customizable Toppings: Each family member can personalize their bowl with their favorite garnishes, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.
Meal Prep Friendly: The soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or preparing in advance for busy days.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the best of convenience and taste. With its rich, zesty base, tender chicken, and vibrant garnishes, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight meal or a hearty lunch, it’s a dish that brings people together with its satisfying and customizable nature. Try it today and experience the perfect balance of bold flavors and creamy textures!

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