A creamy and hearty chicken soup with the bold flavors of green enchilada sauce, cheese, and salsa verde, all made effortlessly in a crock pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for busy days—just set it and forget it.
- Packed with comforting and zesty flavors.
- Creamy and cheesy with just the right amount of spice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Green enchilada sauce
- Chicken broth
- Half and half or heavy cream
- Monterey jack cheese
- Cream cheese
- Green salsa (salsa verde)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Place chicken, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth in the crock pot. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in Monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, and half and half. Mix until cheeses are melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish with Salsa Verde: Add green salsa to taste and stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6–8 hours
Variations
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Storage/Reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last hour of cooking.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. Can I use red enchilada sauce?
Yes, but the flavor will differ slightly.
5. How can I make this spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the soup.
6. What toppings work best?
Try sliced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips.
7. Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with beans or tofu and use vegetable broth.
8. How can I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the chicken or add a cornstarch slurry (mix of cornstarch and water).
9. Can I use fresh tomatillos instead of salsa verde?
Yes, blend roasted tomatillos with garlic and spices for a homemade salsa verde.
10. What cheese works best?
Monterey jack melts beautifully, but cheddar or pepper jack are great options too.
Conclusion
Crock pot green enchilada chicken soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please. Perfect for busy days or when you need a comforting meal, this soup will quickly become a favorite.
PrintCrock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: 6–8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
Warm up with this creamy Crock Pot Green Enchilada Chicken Soup! Tender chicken, tangy green enchilada sauce, and a cheesy finish make this a family favorite. #enchiladasoup #crockpotrecipes #comfortfood
Ingredients
-
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (28 oz) can green enchilada sauce
- 24 oz chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 4 oz green salsa (salsa verde)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs into your Crock Pot. Pour the green enchilada sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Slow Cook the Chicken:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken:
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the Creamy Elements:
- Stir in the half-and-half, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and green salsa. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Notes
-
- Adjust Spiciness: For a spicier soup, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For milder soup, use mild green enchilada sauce and reduce the green salsa.
- Cheese Options: Swap Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack for an extra kick or Cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Make It Heartier: Stir in cooked rice, black beans, or corn kernels during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and omit the cheese for a lighter, dairy-free version.
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