Creamy Chicken Enchilada Corn Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips

Step-by-Step

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for another 3 minutes, until slightly tender.

4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

5. Pour in the chicken broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Bring to a simmer.

6. Add the shredded cooked chicken and stir to combine.

7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

8. Remove from heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

9. Stir in the chopped cilantro.

10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips.

12. Serve hot and enjoy!

Understanding the Layers of Flavor

H3: The Foundation: Aromatics and Spices

The initial step of sautéing onion, garlic, and bell pepper builds a flavorful base for the soup. Don’t rush this process; allow the vegetables to soften and release their natural sweetness. This creates a deeper, richer flavor profile in the final dish.

Spices are crucial in recreating that signature enchilada taste. The blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) provide warmth, depth, and a hint of smokiness. Make sure they are fresh for maximum potency.

H3: The Heart: Broth and Key Ingredients

Chicken broth serves as the liquid foundation, so use a high-quality broth for the best results. A homemade broth will elevate the soup further, but a good store-bought option works well too.

Black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies are the key ingredients that bring texture and characteristic flavors to the soup. They offer a combination of earthy, sweet, and tangy notes. Rotel adds a gentle heat that complements the other spices.

H3: The Soul: Chicken and Creaminess

Shredded cooked chicken adds protein and heartiness to the soup. Leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken work well. Make sure to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment.

Cream cheese and heavy cream provide the luxurious creaminess that defines this soup. Using softened cream cheese ensures it incorporates smoothly without leaving any lumps. Don’t substitute with low-fat versions, as they won’t melt as well and could affect the texture.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Soup

H3: Achieving the Perfect Consistency

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids, and only fill the blender jar about halfway. Return the blended portion to the pot and stir to combine.

Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the simmering soup to thicken it. Stir well to prevent lumps.

H3: Customizing the Heat Level

Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño for a milder flavor. You can also omit the cayenne pepper altogether if you’re sensitive to spice.

For those who like it extra spicy, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Taste and adjust as needed.

H3: The Importance of Quality Toppings

Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! They add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the soup. Sour cream, shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend), diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips are all excellent choices.

Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous touch. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the flavors and add a zesty kick.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

H3: Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Corn Soup is a satisfying meal on its own. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or warm tortillas for dipping. It also pairs well with a simple green salad.

Consider serving it in individual bowls or mugs for a cozy presentation. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings.

H3: Storage Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

The soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

H3: Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the soup base (without the cream cheese and heavy cream) a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add the cream cheese and heavy cream just before serving.

You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and shred it, saving you time on the day you plan to make the soup.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

H3: Nutritional Highlights

This soup is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Chicken provides lean protein, while black beans and corn are rich in fiber and essential nutrients.

The vegetables in the soup offer vitamins and antioxidants. However, be mindful of the sodium content, especially if using store-bought chicken broth.

H3: Health Considerations

For a healthier version, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of cream cheese and heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables to increase the nutrient content.

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, ensure that your chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies are gluten-free.

H3: Modifying for Dietary Needs

For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Be aware that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the soup.

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more black beans or corn. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or squash.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Corn Soup Variations

H3: Southwestern Twist

Add a can of green chilies for an extra layer of flavor and heat. Top with crumbled cotija cheese and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a Southwestern-inspired twist.

H3: Smoky Chipotle Version

Include a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped, for a smoky and spicy flavor. Consider using smoked paprika in place of regular paprika.

H3: Cheesy Goodness

Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. This will create an even cheesier and more decadent soup.

FAQ

Does this soup freeze well?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper as directed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, except for the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cilantro. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cilantro just before serving.

Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Use the same amount as the canned corn (about 15 ounces). Thaw the corn slightly before adding it to the soup.

How do I make this soup spicier?

Increase the amount of jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Taste and adjust as needed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option. Remove the skin and shred the chicken before adding it to the soup.