How to Make the Best Enchilada Soup in 30 Min

Did you know the average home cook spends over an hour preparing dinner? If you’re short on time but still crave a meal bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Enchilada Soup—a comforting, quick, and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. This savory soup brings together the richness of enchilada flavors with the simplicity of a one-pot meal. So, let’s explore how you can make this soul-warming dish in under 30 minutes, leaving you with time to unwind, all while impressing your loved ones.

1. Why Enchilada Soup is Perfect for You :

🟩 Versatile and flavorful – Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner at home or as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, Enchilada Soup hits all the right notes.
🟩 Quick and easy – With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you’ll have this dish simmering and ready to serve in no time.
🟩 Packed with flavor – Each spoonful brings rich, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that make this dish truly stand out.
🟩 Customizable – You can add or omit ingredients based on your personal preferences or dietary needs, making it a perfect option for anyone in your family or group of friends.
🟩 Great for meal prep – Enchilada Soup stores wonderfully in the fridge, making it a great choice for preparing meals ahead of time for busy days.
🟩 Healthy comfort food – Packed with nutritious ingredients like beans, chicken, and veggies, you’ll get a comforting dish without sacrificing your health goals.

2. Ingredients List

For this Enchilada Soup, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that come together to create a meal that’s both flavorful and filling. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish:

1 lb chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn kernels, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can enchilada sauce (red or green, based on preference)
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips

3. Timing :

When it comes to quick, flavorful meals, this Enchilada Soup delivers in record time. Here’s the breakdown:

Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 20 minutes

This is 20% faster than many traditional soup recipes, without sacrificing any of the bold flavors that make Enchilada Soup such a comforting dish.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions and Directions:

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Enchilada Soup. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these directions are easy to follow:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken if you’re using raw breasts. Heat a pan over medium heat, add a little oil, and season your chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for about 7-8 minutes per side until fully cooked. If you’re short on time, use a rotisserie chicken and shred it for a quicker option.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions, which enhances the flavor of the soup.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Simmer

Next, pour in the chicken broth, enchilada sauce, and diced tomatoes (with juice) into the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing all the flavors to meld together for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Corn

Add the black beans and corn to the pot. Stir well, then let the soup continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. This is the time when the flavors really develop.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

While the soup simmers, shred your cooked chicken using two forks. Add it to the soup and stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preferences. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to come together perfectly.

5. Nutritional Information :

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving, assuming you make about 6 servings:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	2g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	7g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	600mg

Enchilada Soup offers a nutritious balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal.

6. Calories per Serving :

Here’s the calorie breakdown for Enchilada Soup:

Serving Size	Calories
1 cup of soup	350 calories

This makes Enchilada Soup a hearty, satisfying meal without going overboard on calories.

8. Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe :

Looking for healthier swaps to make this Enchilada Soup fit your dietary needs? Here are a few options:

Dairy-free: Replace sour cream with avocado slices or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Low-carb: Skip the beans and serve the soup over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Vegan: Use vegetable broth, swap chicken for roasted veggies or tofu, and skip the cheese and sour cream.

9. Serving Suggestions :

Pair this rich, hearty Enchilada Soup with a few sides to elevate your meal:

Serve with a fresh side salad to balance the richness of the soup.
Pair with cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.
Top with crunchy tortilla chips or crispy strips for added texture.

10. Storage and Leftovers :

Storing leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your Enchilada Soup fresh:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Freeze the soup for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container for a future meal.

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid :

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Enchilada Soup:

Overcooking the chicken – Make sure the chicken breasts are cooked just through, so they stay juicy and tender.
Not seasoning enough – Enchilada soup needs a bit of spice and seasoning to bring out the flavor. Taste and adjust along the way.
Not using enough liquid – Ensure there’s enough broth or water to make the soup hearty, not dry.

12. FAQs :

Here are some common questions we’ve received about Enchilada Soup:

Can I make Enchilada Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat and enjoy.

Can I make Enchilada Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Is this soup spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. You can add more chili powder or even a fresh jalapeño if you want to kick up the heat.

Can I freeze Enchilada Soup?

Yes, Enchilada Soup freezes very well. Let it cool before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

16. Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making Enchilada Soup as much as we do! It’s the perfect combination of quick, easy, and flavor-packed. Try it out tonight, and don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below. If you loved this recipe, we’ve got plenty more meal ideas to explore!

17. Related Recipes You Might Like

Mexican Tortilla Soup – A flavorful, broth-based soup with all your favorite Mexican flavors. Learn more
Chicken Pozole – A hearty and flavorful soup made with hominy and tender chicken. Try now