If, like me, you’re tired of eating the same old food and want to try something new that’s easy to make at home without much hassle, then Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is a great option for you. The name of this soup might sound a bit exotic, but the recipe is incredibly simple and easy, and it doesn’t require many spices.
This soup is especially perfect for people who don’t have much time and prefer flavorful food without a lot of effort. In this article, we’ll show you how to make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup. So let’s get started!
What is Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup?
Slow cooker chicken enchilada soup is a thick and flavorful soup made with chicken, vegetables, beans, and tomatoes. It has just the right amount of spices, making it delicious without being overly spicy or heavy. Because it’s cooked slowly, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy. Don’t mistake this for a thin, watery soup; it’s thick enough to be eaten with a spoon, and many people consider it a complete meal on its own. It’s especially popular during cold or rainy weather because it’s comforting and warming.
If you like, you can also try these recipes along with Chicken Enchilada Soup: Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Ballotine, and Chicken Hakka Noodles.
Why is this soup so popular?
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is incredibly popular because it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s made with ingredients that are easy on the stomach, neither too heavy nor too light. The flavor is so delicious that even those trying it for the first time will love it. And best of all, anyone can make it; the recipe is incredibly easy. These are just some of the reasons why this soup is so well-loved.
Ingredients needed for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
We have listed below the ingredients needed to make this soup, and all the necessary ingredients are usually readily available in our kitchens.
For chicken
- Boneless chicken – approximately 500 grams
- Salt – to taste
Other ingredients for the soup
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Tomatoes – 2, chopped
- Tomato puree – 1 cup
- Boiled kidney beans – 1 cup
- Sweet corn – 1 cup
- Bell pepper – 1, chopped
- Black pepper powder – ½ teaspoon
- Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder – ½ teaspoon
- Garlic – 5-6 cloves, finely chopped
- Chicken stock or plain water – 4 cups
Step-by-step instructions
This soup is very easy to make. We will show you how to make it step by step below.
Preparation before cooking the chicken
Before making the chicken enchilada soup, wash the chicken thoroughly, and if the chicken pieces are too large, cut them into smaller pieces. Chop the onion, tomatoes, and bell peppers into small pieces. If you have already boiled the kidney beans, rinse them with water. Having all the ingredients prepared in advance will prevent any stress or difficulties while cooking.
Put the chicken in the slow cooker
Place the chicken in a slow cooker. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot instead. There’s no need to pre-fry or sear the chicken beforehand, which makes this recipe easy to prepare. Remember to sprinkle a little salt over the chicken after placing it in the pot; this will give the chicken a subtle flavor as it cooks.
Add the vegetables one by one
Now it’s time to add the vegetables. Add all the chopped vegetables to the chicken one by one. First, add the onions and tomatoes, then the bell peppers, sweet corn, and kidney beans. Finally, add the finely chopped garlic. Remember, just add everything on top; there’s no need to stir it too much.
Add the spices and mix gently.
Now it’s time to add the spices. The spices you’ll need are cumin powder, red chili powder, and black pepper. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t add too many spices, as this soup is meant to be light and tastes best that way. After adding the spices, gently stir everything with a spoon so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout.
Add water or chicken stock
Now add chicken stock or plain water. When adding the water, make sure there is enough to completely submerge all the vegetables and chicken, as this water will turn into the soup as it cooks. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the soup too thin, so add only as much as needed.
Close the lid and let it cook
Now close the lid of the slow cooker and let it cook thoroughly. If your slow cooker is on the Low setting, it will take four to five hours, and if it’s on the High setting, it will take two to three hours. If you are cooking it on your stovetop, keep the heat very low and make sure to keep the lid closed. You don’t need to open the lid repeatedly to check on it while it’s cooking.
Check the taste
When you think the soup is ready, taste a small amount before serving to check the seasoning. If it needs more salt, you can add a little more. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a little more black pepper. This way, the soup will turn out exactly how you like it.
Serve hot
Once your soup is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and pour it into a bowl. Top with crispy toasted tortilla strips; this will make the soup even more delicious. Add some grated cheese and fresh cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice, as this enhances the flavor of the soup.
Some special tips and points
I have given you some important information about this soup; it’s crucial for you to know this if you are making this soup.
- Spice level : If you prefer spicy food, you can use hot enchilada sauce or add some chopped green chilies.
- Leftover soup : You can store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you want to eat it, heat it up, adding a little water while warming it.
- Vegetarian option : If you don’t like chicken, you can substitute it with more black beans and corn, or add cubes of paneer (add these during the last hour of cooking).
- If you don’t have much time : If you don’t have 5 to 6 hours, cook the soup in a slow cooker on high setting. This process will take about 3 hours to prepare your soup.
Conclusion
I hope you have fully understood the process described above, and that you are now thinking of making this quick and easy slow cooker chicken enchilada soup at home. This soup is delicious and filling, so go ahead and make it soon, and be sure to let us know in the comments section how you liked it!
