Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

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Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup

Introduction

Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of ease, comfort, and bold flavor. With tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy green enchilada broth, this dish brings the comforting essence of Mexican cuisine into your home kitchen. It’s a hearty, soul-warming soup that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or cozy weekends.

Origin and Cultural Significance

This recipe takes its inspiration from traditional Mexican enchiladas verdes, a beloved dish featuring chicken and green enchilada sauce made from tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro. Translating those classic flavors into a creamy soup form shows the creative blending of Mexican tradition and modern convenience cooking—especially through the use of the slow cooker (Crock Pot). This method allows the dish to develop depth and richness without requiring constant attention, reflecting how cultural flavors adapt beautifully to today’s fast-paced lifestyles.

Ingredients Quantity

  • 1 ½ lbs (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups (480 ml) green enchilada sauce
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions

  • Corn kernels or black beans – for extra texture and flavor
  • Cream cheese (4 oz / 113 g) – for a richer, creamier base
  • Avocado slices – for a smooth and fresh topping
  • Tortilla strips or crushed chips – for crunch
  • Jalapeños – for heat lovers

Tips for Success

  1. Use quality green enchilada sauce – it’s the heart of the dish. Homemade or premium store-bought brands work best.
  2. Cook low and slow – 6 to 8 hours on LOW ensures tender, flavorful chicken.
  3. Shred chicken while warm – it’s easier and helps it soak up the soup flavors.
  4. Add dairy last – stir in cream and cheese after slow cooking to prevent curdling.
  5. Balance acidity – a touch of lime at the end brightens the creamy richness.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In the Crock Pot, combine green enchilada sauce, chicken broth, diced green chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  2. Add the chicken: Place chicken breasts into the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
  5. Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Finish with lime juice: Add lime juice and stir. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, avocado, or tortilla strips.

Description

This soup is luxuriously creamy with a mild spice and vibrant green hue. Each spoonful bursts with tender chicken, tangy tomatillo flavor, and rich cheese undertones. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, filling, and deeply satisfying.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1½ cups)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugars: 3 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup perfectly blends authentic Mexican flavors with the simplicity of slow cooking. It’s creamy yet light, comforting yet refreshing—ideal for any season. The hands-free preparation makes it an excellent choice for families, busy professionals, or anyone craving something wholesome and flavorful.

Recommendation

Pair this soup with warm cornbread, Spanish rice, or a simple green salad. For extra indulgence, top it with shredded cheese and tortilla strips for crunch. It’s also perfect for meal prep—simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers for later enjoyment.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

This soup exemplifies how indulgence and health can coexist. With lean chicken, nutrient-packed green chilies, and a balance of creaminess and spice, it nourishes both body and soul. Each spoonful invites you to slow down, savor, and appreciate the comfort that wholesome ingredients can bring.

Warm, vibrant, and deeply satisfying—this Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup is more than a meal; it’s a moment of mindful indulgence.

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